[M] A Harvest of Love {Mikhul & badwolfgirl}

[Notty]

[Rated M for crude language, possible sexual situations and other adult themes.]


Name: Jeremy Burnside

Appearance: http://cos.h-cdn.co/cm/14/28/480x360...-large-new.jpg

Biography/Personality: Jeremy is a spoiled rich kid. His father is the owner of Burnside Development, a company that builds malls all over the country. He has told Jeremy that he will either work in the company and learn the business or his trust fund will be frozen. Reluctantly, Jeremy went to work for his father. He is an arrogant man and thinks the world owes him everything.


Adelaide Penthrane

Appearance: http://role-player.net/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=6007&d=1419881646

Biography: Headstrong and tough on the exterior, Adelaide has had to work hard and run the family farm since the death of her father and brothers. She keeps to herself for the most part, having to devote all of her time to keeping the land going. Adelaide is kind and forgiving, but fears that she will be tied to the land forever.

[Mihkul]

The radio in the rental car was playing some old country song. Jeremy tried to find another station but gospel and country was all he could find. Fuck it, he thought, and turned the radio off. It was a four hour drive from the Denver airport and nothing but cornfields. He hated flying commercial and if his father hadn't been so stubborn he could have flown into some municipal airport that was much closer.

So here he was, Jeremy Burnside, son of one of the richest land developers in America and driving four hours in a Toyota Camry from Denver to some little rinkydink town in Nebraska. He had a business degree from Yale University....his father thought Harvard was too expensive, the cheap bastard. Jeremy had planned on taking a couple years off and tour Europe with his college buddies but father dearest had other plans. Either he worked or he would be cut off.

And now he was on his way to close a land deal in some little hole called McCook. The plan was to buy enough land to build a megamall that would make the Mall of America look like a Wal-Mart Supercenter. The real estate people had taken care of most of it but there was one holdout, a parcel that was right in the middle of the plan. Some farmer named Penthrane refused to sell and Jeremy was supposed to make him an offer he couldn't refuse. Should be easy enough. After all, he was a Burnside and he always got what he wanted.

[Notty]

Adelaide sighed and sat back on her haunches, wiping the back of her hand over her forehead, smearing dirt across her face. Even though her skin was tanned, her cheeks were rosy from the heat of exertion, and some chesnut brown hair fallen from her braid, curling around her face.

It wasn't much, about 50 acres of land, but it was all she had. Her father had died several years ago, after a battle with cancer. Her oldest brother had gone into the military and was killed in action, and her younger brother couldn't handle the stress of all that had happened, and shot himself. So it was just Adelaide. She smiled slightly despite herself and looked out over the land. It was flat, green, and all hers.

A small cottage lay at the front of the property with a barn behind it. She had a couple cows and chickens, but on the rest she grew corn, save a small patch that she had her own small garden in. It wasn't much to speak of, and honestly, at times she barely scraped by. Had it not been for what her father had left her, she probably would have been turned out by now.

Pushing herself up from the ground, Adelaide headed back towards the house, her dog, Harrison, perking up and starting back with her, running ahead and barking happily. "I know, I know, let's head in and have some lunch, eh boy?"

[Mihkul]

It was eight o'clock at night when he finally arrived in town. It seemed like the cliche held true for this town, he thought. They had rolled up the Main Street early. He found the lone hotel in town and beside it was a local eatery, far from the five-star establishments he normally frequented. Jeremy parked the car on the street in front of the hotel and retrieved his bags from the trunk. No valet parking here, he muttered. He opened the front door and was greeted by an elderly woman.

"Welcome to McCook, sweetie. How can I help you?" The woman smiled at him.

"First off, I'm not your sweetie. And secondly, I've got a reservation....Burnside. Jeremy Burnside.

"Oh yes, of course, Mr. Burnside. Here is your key...first floor and down the hall to your right. It's one of our best, with a 25" color TV and internet connection. The cafe next door serves some amazing steaks and if you need anything else just let me know."

Jeremy ignored her as he took his room key and pulled his luggage down the hall. Country bumpkins, he thought. He opened the door and was disgusted. Queen size bed that was covered with a quilt that looked like a blue-light K-Mart special. The room was boring and uninviting to his taste. He sat on the bed, hoping that his meeting tomorrow would go fast and he wouldn't have to spend another night in this dump.

[Notty]

Dinner was all but cleared and put away when Adelaide sank down in the chair in the small living room, her eyes closing. It had been a long day, and she had worked harder than she usually did. Her hand went to the braid on her shoulder, and she let it out, her long hair wavy from having showered quickly and then rebraided it quickly before dinner.

"Harrison?" she murmured, the dog lifting its head and padding over to her, nudging her free hand with his nose. She couldn't help but smile, patting his head lovingly before pushing herself up and out of the chair. "Shall we go to bed? I know it's still early, but I am exhausted." Slowly she moved to the kitchen, flipping off the lights and checking that the doors were locked. Once in her room, Adelaide stripped down to her panties and pulled on a long tshirt that belonged to her father and climbed into bed, Harrison laying down beside the bed with a sigh.

Though exhausted, sleep didn't come easy. It never really seemed to. Especially on days like today. Adelaide sighed, feeling her eyes well with tears and she rolled over onto her side. In the kitchen, on the table, sat a small birthday cake, with the words "Happy Birthday Samuel" drawn in green icing on top. It would have been her younger brother's 22nd birthday today. It sat, untouched, as the birthday cakes always had. Somehow, Adelaide hoped that by the cake being there, her brother, or her father would appear, and things would be as they always had been.

Letting out a soft sob, Adelaide allowed the tears to fall, and she cried until sleep overtook her.

[Mihkul]

Jeremy rolled over and looked at the clock on the nightstand beside the bed. Nine O'Clock. He hadn't slept well on the uncomfortable bed, coupled with the heartburn he had from eating at the steak house next door. So boring, he thought. A big steak with salad and a baked potato. No sauces or seasoning that he liked. Just a plain steak and baked potato. When he asked for a balsamic vinagrette dressing they looked at him like he was from another planet.

He got up and showered and shaved, then figured he would check in with his father. He unplugged his cell phone from the charger and looked...no signal. He had been around the world and this was the first time he couldn't get service for his phone. Frustrated, he slipped on his jacket and grabbed his briefcase. The heavy set old woman was still at the desk. She probably slept there, he thought. "Good morning, Mr. Burnside," she said in a cheery voice. Jeremy wasn't in the mood for cheery.

"Isn't there any cell phone service in this hick town?" he growled.

"I'm sorry," she apologized, "the only service we have is down the street at the corner, by the stop light. You have to turn a certain way to get it to work." We don't have too many people that use cell phones here. Most of us rely on the good old phones with cords." She smiled and touched the land line phone on the counter.

Jeremy muttered under his breath. "How do I get to the Penthrane farm from here." He knew it would be somewhere in the middle of nowhere and just wanted to get it over with.

"Oh, it's only about ten miles from here. Follow the Main Street out of town until you see the mailbox, then turn down the dirt road and you'll come right into the front yard.

He turned away to the door without any acknowledgement. "Have a nice day, Mr. Burnside," the woman said. He muttered under his breath and walked over to the rental car. He knew better than to ask where the nearest Starbucks was. One the megamall was finished there would be one. All he had to do was get these papers signed.

[Notty]

Adelaide had gotten up later than usual that morning, and was still laying in bed when Harrison came and nudged her arm, forcing a smile from her face. "All right, all right, give me a minute," she chuckled, climbing out of bed, the tshirt hitting her mid-thigh as she padded on the cool wood floor to the back door, letting Harrison out.

She watched for a moment as he trotted around, sniffling the ground and then taking off after a squirrel. Shaking her head, she moved to the coffee maker, starting a pot and leaning against the counter. Mentally, she made a list of what needed to be done today. Cows milked, chickens fed, eggs gathered, check up on the garden- tomatoes should be ready if the squirrels didn't get to them last night.... Her eyes darted to the clock, it was well after nine, and she let out a soft groan. She hated getting started late, that meant it'd be a long day.

[Mihkul]

He saw the mailbox at the end of the dirt road with the name PENTHRANE on the side in black, stick-on letters. He turned down the drive, kicking up a cloud of dust behind him. The road was rough and bumpy and it jarred hm out of his seat. Surrounded by corn stalks it was as if he was driving through a tunnel and all he could see was the dirt path ahead of him. Finally he pulled into a clearing.

A simple cottage stood on the land. Jeremy thought of it more as a shack. Beside it was a barn, it's wooden slats aged from the weather yet still seemed sturdy. It's metal roof covered with a fine patina of rust. He quickly assessed the value of the two structures and decided they weren't worth more than twenty thousand together. His company would level both of these to make room for the megamall.

He opened the car door and started to get out when a dog ran toward him, barking and growling. He jumped back into the driver's seat and slammed the door shut behind him. The last thing he wanted was to be tore apart by some mangy mutt. "Calm down, Cujo," he said under his breath and he blew the horn, hoping someone would call the beast off of him.

[Notty]

Adelaide heard the car rumble up the driveway, and then Harrison begin to bark and growl. It wasn't like him to growl, so Adelaide stepped out of the front door onto the porch, just in time to see a shiny new rental car with a young man inside, laying on the horn.

She frowned a bit, standing half in the house, half on the porch. "Harrison, come on baby," she called out, and the dog started up the steps of the porch, standing beside her. Adelaide folded over and then tied around her waist the floral robe she had shrugged on over her tshirt and stepped further out onto the porch.

"What can I help you with?" she called to the stranger, not willing to move off the porch.

[Mihkul]

He felt relieved when the woman called the dog off and waited until she had secured him behind the closed door.She was a pretty girl, Jeremy noted, in a simple country way. He opened his car door. Time to turn on the Burnside charm, he thought to himself. He had learned early that the key to successful negotiation was to use his good looks to his advantage.

"Hello, there. This is a beautiful place you have here. And such a cute dog, too. Is your father around? I'd like to speak with him." Jeremy flashed a fake smile to the young woman. He had to admit that she was attractive, but why settle for choice when you can have prime. He glanced around him. Besides the house and barn there was a small vegetable garden growing. Other than that he saw nothing but corn stalks. The paperwork had said fifty acres and the land was flat for as far as he could see. It would be simple enough to level this down and he envisioned the mall. He would suggest to name it Burnside Meadows. He turned his attention back to the girl wrapped in the floral robe.

[Notty]

Adelaide shifted a bit, her arms crossing over her chest as the man looked around the farm and then back to her. He's obviously not from around here, everyone here know's my Daddy is gone. Deciding to see what he was about, Adelaide moved a little closer, smiling a bit. "Whatcha need him for?" she asked, her eyes moving over the young man.

She had to admit, he was handsome. But his clothes looked too stuffy, and he almost looked at the farm like he had a sour taste in his mouth. "I can answer for him," she said again, the morning breeze blowing the ends of the robe, teasing her thighs and causing her hair to blow about her shoulders.

[Mihkul]

Jeremy smiled as the breeze blew her robe open slightly. Nice legs, too, he thought. He eyed her curiously. "I seriously doubt you'd be able to answer this for him. It's a business matter. Now, can I please speak to him?" He didn't feel it necessary to have to repeat himself. If she wanted to hear what he had to say she could listen as he talked to the man, but he knew the final decision was what he said. He needed the owner's signature.

He tried to keep smiling but his patience was wearing thin with the girl. "Look, just let me speak with the owner and I promise I will be out of your pretty hair before you know it and you can go back to sleep, or fix your nails, or whatever you young girls like doing."

[Notty]

Adelaide felt her cheeks heat as he spoke to her, and her lips pursed into a thin line for a moment. "Then continue speaking, by all means," she murmured, stepping down the stairs of the porch, not about 15 feet from the man.

Her green-brown eyes studied him carefully, and she shifted where she stood. I don't like the way he's talking to me. Like I'm a child. Like I'm ignorant. If there was one thing Adelaide hated, it was to be patronized.

"I don't believe I caught your name," she said with a forced smile, tucking some hair behind her ear as she watched the young man before her. He couldn't be much older than she, but he held himself with an air that made her insides turn. Entitlement. Adelaide hated that. If anyone should be entitled to something, it should be her. Her family is all gone- by no fault of her own, and she has had to get by on what she could, and figure out the rest on her own.

[Mihkul]

"Not that it matters to you, but the name is Jeremy Burnside of Burnside Development. I don't think you understood me but I need to speak to the owner of this place. I don't want to confuse you with all the business talk. So, if you would, tell him I would like to speak to him." His tone had an agitated edge to it.

She was probably the same age as he was, yet so unrefined. Maybe this pureness is what added to his attraction to her, but he quickly dismissed it. He was here to close this deal no matter what it took and wasting time with this girl was not making things any easier."Look, just get the owner for me and I'll be out of your pretty hair in no time."

[Notty]

"And, like I said..." Adelaide spoke again, enjoying herself at frustrating him, "continue speaking." Her eyes studied his, wondering how long it would take for him to realize that she was the owner of this property. Perhaps it was all the stuffy-city living had clogged his ears. That's okay, she had time, she didn't mind waiting for the fog to clear.

A pretty smile spread across her face as she watched him, unyielding in her stance or her stare. "Talk business all you want, I'll do my best to keep up with you."

What on earth did he want? And why did his name sound so familiar. Adelaide inwardly cursed herself for not keeping up with the news more, but she hated it. All that seemed to be on lately was death and destruction- and well, she had plenty of that in her own life, she didn't need it coming through her television as well.

[Mihkul]

Jeremy watched as she came closer to him, wondering if she might get violent and punch him. Why was she so stubborn, he thought? His face flushed with anger. "Look, lady, I don't have time for games. Obviously you must not understand English." He reached into his pocket and handed her his business card. "Just give this to the owner. Tell him that I came by to make an offer on his farm. He can call me at the hotel downtown."

He quickly got into his car. She just stood there smiling. He hated being made a fool and this girl had done just that. He turned the ignition and rolled down the window. "Just make sure he calls me right away so I can get out of here."

[Notty]

Tell him. Make sure he knows. Was this man such a pig that he thought she couldn't be the owner? Adelaide felt her cheeks flush even deeper, but she took the card, watching as he got into his shiny rental in a fluster. She couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment.

She watched silently as he climbed into his car and then rolled down the window. Adelaide moved over to the window of his car and leaned down, her face now just a few feet from his. "You got a pen?" she asked with a sweet smile, and when he gave it to her, she turned over his business card. Balancing it on her thigh, she scribbled something on the back, then handed the pen and the business card back to him.

Adelaide Penthrane, 574-253-2657. "There you are, you need to talk to the owner of this property, you just give her a call on that number."

[Mihkul]

He took the card from her and read it. Suddenly his jaw dropped and he felt the flush of embarrasment cover his face. "I-I-is this you?" he stuttered. He just realized it was not her that made a fool out of him, he did it to himself. He turned off the ignition switch and opened the car door.

"I am so sorry," he apologized. Surely he had blown this deal and now would face the embarrassment of having to break the news to his father. "I've just never met a woman farmer before...of course, I haven't met too many farmers before either. "Can we start over?" He extended his hand with a nervous smile. "My name is Jeremy Burnside."

[Notty]

Adelaide couldn't help but smile more, chuckling inwardly at his embarrassment. She stepped back slightly, allowing him to climb out and stand. She took his hand and shook it, nodding with a smile. "Adelaide Penthrane," she murmured, her eyes scanning his face. Once again, she had to admit, he was handsome, well dressed, for a city guy.

"Depends on where we are starting," Adelaide murmured, her hand still in his. "Now I have to ask, why are you so bent on talking to the owner, and what makes you think that a woman can't be a farmer? Think I'm too busy painting my nails and fixing my hair?" She smiled a bit to herself, enjoying teasing him with his own words.

[Mihkul]

Jeremy swallowed hard, realizing how cruel his words had sounded. "I guess I just always pictured a farmer as someone that's all sunburned and dirty. Definitely not as pretty as you." He had to throw that in there in hopes of buttering her up just a little.

"Well, you probably know that Burnside Development has bought up all the land around you. Our plan is to build a huge mall, the biggest in the world. Imagine how your town will grow. With the tax dollars we will generate you'll be able to build new schools and even a hospital. We estimate that it would create nearly one thousand new jobs." He looked at her and noticed he had caught her interest.

"The only piece to the puzzle that is missing is your property right here. We're willing to make a very generous offer for this and I can have the funds transferred to your account today." He scribbled a number on a piece of paper and showed it to her. "And I'm sorry, I don't believe I caught your name."

[Notty]

Adelaide furrowed her brow as he spoke, her eyes following his. It would be good for their town, and she knew more than one family that jobs would help. But...this was her home. Where she had lived all her life. She turned slightly, looking back over the land, the house, the barn.

Turning her attention back to the paper, she held it in both hands, looking over the number again and again, knowing that it was more than she would make in several years. It was tempting...it was really tempting. But she couldn't give it up so easily, not so quickly. She needed a day or two to think about it.

"Adelaide," she murmured, her eyes flitting up through her long lashes. "Adelaide Penthrane," she said with a small smile, her eyes moving from his face back to the number on the paper. "Mind if I think this over for a couple days?" she asked, one hand moving to fumble with the end of the tie on her robe. "Its just...its a big decision. Its only me, not like I'd have much to move, but this has been my home. I hate the idea of a Macy's sitting where I lived..." She laughed softly and tossed her head, "not sure why I'm telling you all this. I just need time, Mr. Burnside."

[Mihkul]

Jeremy looked at the ground. Another night in this town, sleeping on a lumpy bed with no cell phone service. But at least she hadn't said no. "Of course, Miss Penthrane. Take your time." He didn't want to scare her off by sounding too eager.

He walked to his car slowly.He would call his father from that corner by the stoplight and tell him where they stood. He would just have to wait it out, maybe use that Burnside charm. He turned to her. "Adelaide, would you like to join me for dinner tonight. The steakhouse has a killer ribeye."
He laughed to himself. Yeah, you'll die from the heartburn.

[Notty]

Adelaide nodded, wrapping her arms around herself as she watched him walk back to his car. Her eyes moved over his figure as he walked, smiling slightly to herself as she enjoyed watching him. Her brow furrowed slightly as he looked back at her and spoke.

"Dinner?" she murmured, furrowing her brow more. Why does he want to take me for dinner? Does he think he'll butter me up and make me take the offer? She shifted a little, rubbing her side through the thin fabric of her robe. "Yeah...yeah I guess I can do that." she finally responded, not really sure why she was agreeing to it. But, it was a dinner she wouldn't have to cook, and honestly, it'd be nice to get off the farm and talk to someone different for a chance. "I can meet you there around 6:00," she added, her eyes following his, curious as to his intentions.

[Mihkul]

Jeremy was confused with himself. Part of him wanted this to be a strictly business dinner where he would use his finesse to convince her to sign the papers. Yet the other part of him wanted to get to know her better. She was definitely attractive and the more he talked with her the more he saw a deep intelligence. Maybe she wasn't the most business-savvy woman he knew but she wasn't like so many of the bimbo social climbers he knew.

"Six sounds perfect. I'll see you then." He smiled at her. He couldn't explain it but the bitterness he had always felt seemed to be gone, at least for now. He remembered he would have to call his father. That would surely bring that bitterness back.

[Notty]

Adelaide nodded with a small smile, "I'll see you then," she murmured, then slowly turned and headed up the steps of the porch and into the house. She stood there in the doorway, Harrison at her side, as she watched Jeremy pull out of the drive and head down to the road, kicking up dirt as he drove away.

"What am I thinking?" she murmured, setting the paper down on the kitchen table before pouring herself a cup of coffee. "This....this is my home..." she mused to herself, looking around the house, her eyes falling on the cake that still sat on the table. "Though, it would be nice for a fresh start. And that number could afford a fresh start..."

Adelaide finished her coffee and then dressed, getting started on the day. It seemed to fly by, and before she knew it, it was nearly 5:00. She headed inside and showered, then put some mousse in her hair, letting it dry naturally wavy. She fussed over what to wear, not wanting to be too fancy, lest someone should question her intentions. Finally settling on a pale blue sun dress with a floral pattern, Adelaide slipped on a pair of sandals and glanced in the mirror. She was surprised at the girl that looked back at her. She looked almost hopeful, almost happy. Shaking her head, she headed down and to the car, driving the short distance to the restaurant.

[Mihkul]

"Father, she just wanted some time to think about it......no, she didn't say either way.....look, I can't make her sign the damned thing....you're breaking up...hello...hello." Jeremy looked at the phone, then crammed it into his pocket. The old man just had a way of getting under his skin. He walked back to the hotel, hoping to catch a little nap before dinner.

He walked in the door and the old woman was still at the counter. "Well, hey there, Mr. Burnside. You're back early."

He smiled at her, "Yes, I thought I'd catch a nap before dinner." It was only one o'clock and one hour's sleep would be perfect. He went to his room and stretched out on the bed, thinking. What would be the big deal if she didn't sign the papers? They could always build parking decks instead of some enormous parking lot. But that's not what daddy dearest wanted. He slept.

The phone in his room woke him. He looked at the clock. Five O'clock. he grabbed the phone. "Hello."

"Mr. Burnside? This is Bernice at the front desk. I just wanted to make sure you didn't sleep too long and miss your dinner."

"Uh...thank you, I guess," he said, then hung up the phone. He showered and shaved, then dressed in a casual pullover and a pair of cargo pants. He felt good, even after talking with his father. He walked past the desk. "Thank you for waking me up Bernice," he said with a smile. She smiled back as he walked next door to the steakhouse. Finding a seat in the corner he sat and waited for Adelaide. He was early as always, but he felt an excitement he hadn't felt in a long time.

[Notty]

Adelaide glanced at herself in the rearview mirror of her car before climbing out. She straightened her dress and walked into the diner, glancing around the small restaurant until her eyes fell on Jeremy. Her cheeks warmed when she saw him, and as she began to cross the room towards him, the older woman there called out to her.

"Well Miss Adelaide, what are you doing here? We never see you around here anymore!" Adelaide stopped and looked at the woman, "great to see you too, Mary." she smiled, and the woman looked at Adelaide, and then at the young man that was watching her. "Oohh..." She smiled knowingly, giving Adelaide a wink. Adelaide laughed and shook her head, then moved towards the table where Jeremy sat.

"Hello again," she murmured warmly, sitting down in the chair across from him. She could feel her cheeks warm as his eyes moved over her, and she was glad when Mary came over to give her a glass of water and the menus.

[Mihkul]

"Wow. You look a lot different than when I saw you this morning," Jeremy smiled as she sat down across from him. "Look, I promise, no business talk tonight. I just want to enjoy your company at dinner. Most of the time I eat alone or with room service at some hotel. And usually all the talk is about business. So, forgive me if I don't know what to talk about."

He studied the menu. Not too much difference in anything except the size of the steak. But, they did serve wine. "Would you like a glass of wine before we order?" he asked Adelaide. Her eyes looked green in the dim lighting and they twinkled as she moved her head. He was glad he didn't over-dress and he actually blended in with the locals.

[Notty]

Adelaide smiled and shook her head, "no, I'm okay, but thank you," she said as she glanced over at him, her eyes studying his face. "I'm not a big drinker," she smiled, taking a sip of her water. Mary returned and took their orders, Adelaide ordering a small steak, side salad and steamed vegetables.

"So, no business..." she mused after taking a drink, smiling. "Though I am intrigued by the line of work that you do, that you can throw around those kind of numbers." Her eyes moved over his face, then back down at her fingers. "Where are you from? I'm assuming not from around here," she chuckled.

[Mihkul]

Jeremy ordered water and the same as what Adelaide ordered.He laughed with her. "No, I'm from back east. Philadelphia, exactly. My father started the business as a contracter and it just kept growing into a huge development company. I was told either I work for them or I was on my own and when I got out of college without a job I guess I took the easy way out. It's really pretty boring stuff, but what you do is amazing. I don't know a thing about farming but you seem to manage it so well."

He sipped his water. It was true. He had never known anyone to operate a business on their own and not fail. Yet, she seemed to be doing alright by herself. "Tell me about your family, Adelaide."

[Notty]

Your family. Adelaide hated that phrase. She didn't have a family. Her eyes immediately dropped to her drink, and her fingers trailed up and down the sides, collecting some condensation on them before she glanced back up at him. "Well, there really isn't much to know," she shrugged, swallowing hard. "My Mom died when I was real young, then my brother Jacob joined the Army, and was killed a couple years ago in action." Her eyes met his for a moment, studying his look, trying to decide how he was feeling. "My dad had cancer and died last year, and my younger brother Samuel...." she shrugged again, tucking some hair behind her ear, "he couldn't handle it all, he took his life not long after my Dad passed."

She let silence hang in the air, not really sure what to say, or if she should say anything else. She could feel her eyes brim with tears, and she glanced up at him, her chin trembling slightly. Adelaide forced a smile, "sorry for bringing everything down...I haven't had the greatest life."

[Mihkul]

Jeremy was silent for a moment. "I'm so sorry, Adelaide," he said quietly. He was sincere when he said this. He had never had to experience any kind of loss; he had everything he ever wanted. To lose a whole family like that must have been devastating. He tried quickly to change the subject.

"It looks to me like corn is the biggest crop in these parts. How do you manage to compete with all the corporate farmers today. I mean, they have all the money they need to buy the most modern equipment." He thought for a moment about himself. He was no different than these corporations. His family business was driven by greed. It was always just one more dollar and stomp on those that got in your way. He was beginning to question his own personal values.Who were the enemies-the rich or the poor?

[Notty]

Adelaide shrugged a bit, looking up at him. She was thankful that he changed the subject, Adelaide smiled a little, then took another drink of water. "Honestly, I don't make very much, a lot of what I harvest I sell here in town. I've got a little money that was my Dad's, and some from my brothers...." Her eyes moved to Jeremy, noting his clothes and remembering the car he was driving.

She suddenly felt incredibly self-conscious, certain that he was looking down on her and judging her. "I have a garden and that's where I get most of my vegetables- I can and store them for the winter. I have my cows butchered for meat, and the chickens provide eggs..." she shrugged a bit, "I don't spend much on food, I get by with what I have," she smiled weakly. "I've never really known any different."

[Mihkul]

Jeremy sensed she was uneasy. He thought some more. "Adelaide, I envy you. Really. Your life is so much simpler than mine. You don't have to attend board meetings or worry about quotas or who you're going to step on today." He cut himself off. That's exactly what his father wanted him to do. Step all over her, run her into the ground by taking away everything that was dear to her..all for a few measly dollars.

The food came and he tried to change the subject again to something lighter. He told her stories of his travels around the world and the sights he had seen, of the people he had met. None of this was done in boasting and she listened intently, laughing at his tales. He was so glad the mood had changed and with her every giggle he felt a stronger attraction to her. When they had finished he asked "How about dessert! The perfect ending to a perfect evening."

[Notty]

Adelaide's eyes lit up when he talked about his travels- that having been something that she always wanted to do. She laughed and drank in every story that he told, craving, desiring and wanting to hear more.

Her hands moved to her stomach and she shook her head, smiling. "I think if I ate any more right now, I'd burst," she smiled, "though, we could always walk a little, and then you might be able to talk me into some ice cream." She grinned and tucked some more hair behind her ear.

Adelaide's eyes focused on his, and she felt her cheeks warm. "Thank you, Jeremy, for tonight. It...its been wonderful, really."

[Mihkul]

"Now that's an offer I can't refuse," Jeremy beamed. He felt a warmth spread through his body when he saw the sincerity in her eyes as she thanked him. "And Adelaide, it has been my pleasure. Beats room service any day. So, lead the way. This is your town."

He left the money on the table for dinner and held out is hand for her as they walked out the door. The night air was cool and refreshing as they walked down the main street of town. "Such a quite and restful town. I hated it when I first got here but it kind of grows on you after a while." He didn't know if there ever was a time he just walked with a girl, holding hands and just talking. He looked at her and smiled. He liked it.

[Notty]

Adelaide felt her cheeks flush even deeper when he took her hand, and for a moment, her hand was stiff, almost awkward in his hand, then it softened, and she enjoyed the feeling of his hand against hers. Glancing around, Adelaide turned left, heading down the main street of town.

"It isn't much, but it's all I've known," she smiled, glancing at Jeremy. The street had a picturesque feel, and it made Adelaide smiled. It seemed like they had stepped back in time a bit, and she loved it. "It's restful, quiet. Honestly, sometimes too quiet." she laughed, looking over at Jeremy. "Though, I wouldn't know what to do with myself in a big town like Philadelphia, I'd stick out like a sore thumb."

[Mihkul]

"You'd be surprised how much you would blend into the crowds there. People don't look at each other, let alone speak. There are so many shops and stores in the city, along with doctors, lawyers, and Indian Chiefs," he joked, remembering the children's poem that the girls jumped rope to when his mother would take him to the park. Before they became wealthy, when his life seemed so much simpler.

"Philadelphia is a lot better than New York City. I'm afraid to even walk the streets in New York. So much violence there. I'd be curious as to what the last police call was for here in McCook. Life just seems so much calmer here." He squeezed her hand and looked at her smiling. "Almost makes me not want to leave."

[Notty]

Adelaide smiled as he squeezed her hand, then she furrowed her brow, and without a second thought, pulled her hand from his. "I won't be buttered up," she growled, feeling her cheeks heat in anger, as she assumed that this is what he was doing.

"If you think that you can have my land by taking me out to eat, and holding my hand and paying me compliments, it won't work." With that, she turned on her heel and began back towards the diner, feeling her cheeks burn with anger, and her eyes prick with tears.

How could she have been so blind? Was she really so starved for attention that she was going to let this city-slicker just ease his way into her heart, and then sign away her home to him?

[Mihkul]

Jeremy's heart dropped. Her words stung his ears. "Adelaide, wait!" he shouted behind her as she headed toward the diner. He followed behind her and caught up with her just outside the door. "Adelaide, please listen to me. I wasn't trying to persuade you one way or the other. I reall had a good time tonight." He thought for a second. "I don't want you to sell your land. A development like that would ruin this town's demeanor. It would grow into some kind of ugly monster with all the greed of big city life.It would ruin it's character."

He lowered his head. "I'm going to tell my father you refuse any offer he makes, with your permission, of course. He's probably going to fire me, that's the kind of man he is. But I would rather be jobless than to be a part of ruining your life." He looked at her and saw the anger in her tear-filled eyes. "Just let me know what I should tell him, please." He turned from her and walked slowly toward the hotel next door.

[Notty]

Adelaide heard him jog up behind her, but she didn't turn around until he told her not to sell. In all honesty, the words surprised her. She turned towards him, a few tears having spilled down her cheeks. "You...you don't want me to sell?" she murmured, confused by his actions and his words.

Her eyes followed him as he turned and started back towards the hotel, and she hesitated for a moment. "Jeremy.." she called out, watching him. She hesitated, looking at him, feeling her eyes brim with tears. Why was she getting so worked up? Why was she letting him get to her? Adelaide had always been able to take care of herself and not let people get under her skin.

"Why? Why would you tell him that?" she asked curiously. He seemed to enjoy his rich lifestyle, what made him decide that she shouldn't sell, when he was so adamant about it not 12 hours ago?

[Mihkul]

Jeremy turned, with tears in his own eyes. "I-I-I don't know why? This town, the land, the people...it's what I have always dreamed of since I was a child. I had everything yet I didn't have anything. People couldn't take the time to smile, all too wrapped up in ways to make money. Something has changed me. Adelaide, you have changed me. I have never met anyone like you. I don't want to change this town. I don't want to change you."

It was the first time he had let his heart speak instead of his head. All the feelings, all the emotions seemed to build up, then explode right here in this little slice of small town America. He looked at her, his eyes pleading for forgiveness. His intentions had been to steal her land from her one way or another. Yet she had changed them. She had changed him. He was more confused now than he had ever been. After being so used to controlling everything, now he had lost control of himself.

[Notty]

Adelaide felt her cheeks heat as she noticed the tears in his own eyes, and she almost felt ashamed for the way that she had rebuked him. She shifted a bit awkwardly, her eyes dropping to the dirt road beneath her feet. Nodding slowly, Adelaide felt hot tears roll down her cheeks.

She moved a little closer to him, her eyes still low, not wanting him to see her cry. "Then..then, I won't sell."

[Mihkul]

By instinct, Jeremy held Adelaide in his arms. His body was filled with emotion and he couldn't control it. This frightened him as he was always in control of everything. He released her, being somewhat embarrassed. "I'm sorry, Adelaide. I couldn't help myself. You've made a good decision. I'll call my father tomorrow and tell him there is no deal."

He knew that part wasn't going to be easy. His father would be furious. Jeremy had been his last resort. But, he would deal with his father. There was no way that he could allow this town to be destroyed and he could never destroy this woman's life. He turned to Adelaide. "I'd better be going now. Thank you for a wonderful evening." He held her hand, allowing it to slip from his as he turned back to the hotel.

[Notty]

Adelaide immediately pulled her arms around Jeremy as he held her, and she held on as long as he did. She stepped back slightly when he let go of her, her eyes scanning his face. Her brow furrowed slightly, and she swallowed hard. "Jeremy?" She called after him, watching him turn away.

"Is..." She struggled with her words, unsure of what to say, or even how to say it. "Jeremy, I...you don't have to apologize," she said, pushing the tears that had fallen away from her cheeks. "I'm...I hope things go well with your father." Adelaide wasn't sure what to think or say. Certainly his father would just accept it, right? It was her land, and her decision. Though certainly it wouldn't be easy, especially if everyone else around her had already accepted.

"Do you want some coffee?"

[Mihkul]

Jeremy slowly turned back to Adelaide. "I'd love some coffee," he said smiling. He did not want this night to end. He couldn't explain the connection he felt with her yet he didn't doubt it in the least. He walked back to her and took her hand in his as they walked back to the cafe. He looked at her, "and I think a piece of pie would be perfect with that, maybe with some of that ice cream we had talked about, too." He slipped his hand around her waist as they turned to go inside.

He didn't want to talk business. He wanted to make this a special time. "I wish I could talk my father into letting me relocate my office here. I think I could spend the rest of my life in this town. After all, they have the best pie I've ever had." He laughed as he held the spoon out for Adelaide to eat. It was much more than the pie. He didn't want to leave her to go back to the city.

[Notty]

Adelaide smiled and laughed as they entered the diner, curious gazes coming from the others inside. She sat and quickly lost herself in conversation with Jeremy, her eyes trained on him, her cheeks warm.

"You'd really relocate here?" She asked, taking the bite from him and smiling. "You'd relocate here just for pie?" She teased, scooping up some and taking a bite. Her eyes scanned his face, curious. "I..you think you'd be happy here?" She asked, curious. "It just seems like such a difference than what you're used to. I don't know how your father would like that..." Adelaide smiled sadly, "atleast you have a family, you should be glad for them."

She shifted a bit and looked at him, her eyes scanning his again. Why was she so intrigued and drawn to this man? She barely knew him. And now, the thought of him...well it warmed her inside, and made her smile like a fool. Never before had she been so drawn to someone, and she didn't know whether to embrace it, or be terrified.

[Mihkul]

"My mother died when I was young and I don't have any brothers or sisters. I've never been close to my father. After my mom died he sent me away to boarding school, and then summer camps. I never spent much time with him until I went to work for him. That only made me realize I never want to be like him." Jeremy sipped his coffee and looked deep into Adelaide's eyes. "And I hope I don't offend you when I say this but I could be happy anywhere in the world as long as you were there."

His face blushed as he said these words, worrying he would be rejected. With others he never worried. They wanted to be with him for his money and position. But she was so different, like a precious gift that money and power could never buy. His mind was swirling in some endless whirlwind when he was with her. He knew it was getting late yet he didn't want the night to end.

[Notty]

Adelaide felt her cheeks flush even deeper as he mentioned that he could be happy anywhere with her. Her eyes scanned his face for a moment and she smiled over her cup of coffee. "I've never really been anywhere, and...and you hardly know me..." She murmured softly, her thumb brushing the handle of the mug.

Slowly she stretched a bit, glancing at the clock at the diner. "I guess maybe we should say goodnight?" She asked, glancing to Jeremy. Honestly, she didn't want the night to end, but she also knew that she was letting her heart and emotions get away from her. She needed to go home and rein herself in. "It's been lovely," she murmured, standing and grabbing her purse. Adelaide hated this part- she never knew quite what to do. So instead she smiled warmly, self consciously tucking some hair behind her ear.

[Mihkul]

Jeremy stood as she gathered her things. He wanted just to kiss her but she had already mentioned that they hardly knew each other. He took her hand. "Adelaide, that's all the more reason for me to stay here. I want us to get to know each other. You're right. It's late and we both have a day ahead of us tomorrow." He squeezed her hand."Good night, Adelaide."

He tossed and turned through the night. So many things running through his mind. His job, his father, this town...and mostly this sweet young woman he had known for only a day. She had impacted his life in a way he had not known could ever happen. Maybe it was destiny that had brought him here. Maybe, in this big cosmic universe, this was meant to be. When he finally slept it was a deep peaceful sleep, and he slept with a smile.

[Notty]

Adelaide smiled and watched as he walked away, her eyes trained on him. Slowly she made her way back to her car and drove home, her mind stuck on Jeremy.

She undressed and pulled on a tshirt, climbing into bed. After glancing at the clock, 12:00. 1:00. 2:00. she grumbled and sat up, pushing her fingers through her hair. Why was this stranger-someone who had snubbed and insulted her at their first meeting, now getting under her skin? Maybe it was the way that he had held her, or how he looked at her like she was the most beautiful woman on earth.

Sighing, she pushed herself up and made a pot of coffee. She went and sat on the porch, the moon bright and low in the sky. "Jeremy..." She murmured to herself, and let the hours slip away.

[Mihkul]

The alarm on his cell phone woke him. Jeremy looked at the clock....8 AM. He felt like he'd just gone to sleep. He climbed out of bed and showered. He couldn't forget the call to his father but figured he would at least get some breakfast before he did anything. He went next door to the cafe and ordered bacon and eggs with homefries and toast, along with a cup of coffee.

He hadn't realized he had sat in the same seat that he and Adelaide had sat only about nine hours before. It was as if he felt her presence with him. He had planned on driving out to her farm after he talked to his father. His breakfast came and he ate every bit of it as if it was his last meal. He paid his bill and walked to the corner. It was time for the call he dreaded to make.


Jeremy found the dirt drive easily this time and slowly drove to avoid missing the bumps. The corn stalks lined the pathway and then he saw the farmhouse in the distance. He thought about many things on the short drive here. He had decisions to make, some of which had already been decided. He wanted to see Adelaide again, to tell her what was happening. He wanted to tell her how he felt about her, but he knew that would have to wait...wait until she was ready to hear it. He pulled into the yard and shut off the car, almost expecting her to be there to greet him. He waited to hear the dog's bark, then slowly walked to her door and knocked.

[Notty]

Adelaide had drifted to sleep around 4 and woken up when Harrison's nose nudged her around 6:00 am. She carries herself back inside and laid down on the couch, falling back to sleep.

A soft groan escaped her lips when she heard Harrison's familiar bark, then footsteps on the porch. Sitting herself up, she pushed a hair through her sleepy curls and stood. Shuffling to the door, she blushed and smiled sleepily when she saw Jeremy. "Hey," she yawned after opening the door. "Come on in..." She said, already starting back towards the kitchen, and a new pot of coffee. "Sorry, I just woke up. Couldn't sleep, then fell asleep on the porch, then on the couch..." She chuckled to herself and glanced back at him. He was dressed well, and looked handsome. And she...well she was in a wrinkly nightshirt and her hair was a mess. "Coffee?"

[Mihkul]

The door opened and Adelaide stood before him, having just woken up. He night shirt clung to her soft curves and even with her tousled hair, Jeremy thought she was beautiful. "Coffee sounds good, " he smiled and walked into her house. It was the first time he had been inside. It was simple, yet comfortable. The bright colors around the room made it a cheery place.

"I called my father this morning. Of course, he wasn't very happy but I can promise he will not be bothering you any more about all this." He sipped his coffee slowly. It was his third cup and he wasn't sure if it was the caffiene or the morning's incident that had his hands shaking. "You wouldn't be needing a farmhand around here, would you?" He looked at Adelaide, his eyes searching her reaction. "After talking with him he fired me so looks like I'm going to need a job." He had never done any type of manual labor in his life but he was willing to try anything if it meant staying in this town and being close to her.

[Notty]

Adelaide had pushed herself up onto the counter and sat near the coffee pot with her feet swinging slightly as she listened to Jeremy speak. Her brow furrowed slightly as he mentioned that he had been fired, and she frowned. "Oh, Jeremy..." She murmured, feeling guilty that because of her, he had lost his job.

But what he asked next, floored her. "A..a farm hand?" She asked, her eyes scanning his. "I..well I don't know. I guess j could always use the help..." She murmured. "Honestly though, I don't make much, a lot of times it's all I can do to break even, or make a little profit..." A frown appeared on her face. "I can't offer you much, if anything..."

[Mihkul]

Jeremy looked at her. "Adelaide, I'm not asking for any pay. I got a pretty hefty severance package to go along with my trust fund and if I play it smart it will carry me for a very long time. But I can't just sit around and do nothing." He reached for her hand and held it. "I don't want to leave this town....and I don't want to leave you. I want to get to know you and I want you to get to know the real me. I'm not the rich spoiled kid that you met yesterday...not really."

He squeezed her hand as he looked into her eyes, hoping she would accept his offer. It was still for selfish reasons. He wanted to be with her; to help her any way he could. He wanted her to feel the same toward him as he already did to her."I don't know a thing about farming but I can learn, with your help. And I need to find a more permanent place to live. The hotel is nice but it's not what I want to call home.Please, Adelaide, give me a chance. I promise I won't disappoint you."

[Notty]

Adelaide hesitated as he took her hand, and for s moment she didn't look at him. "Jeremy," she began, taking in a deep breath. "I don't know..." She glanced up at him, her eyes scanning his face. "You really want to stay?"

It didn't seem true to her. How could a make like Jeremy be interested in her? She was nothing. She had nothing. "Jeremy, I... I don't understand why you want to be here. Or be with me. I'm nothing, I have nothing." She swallowed hard, not understanding. "I really can't offer you much..."

[Mihkul]

He took both of her hands and looked into her eyes. "Adelaide, you have more than you could possibly dream of. And you are everything to me. You're so honest and so full of life. I have never known anyone like you. Yes, I really want to stay....if you will have me." He stood up. "All I ask of you is to give me the chance to prove to you that I am worth having. You would be the only one to do that because right now I have no one. But I don't want anyone...except for you."

He reached his arms around her and held her, then kissed her softly on the lips. Realizing what he had done, he quickly released her. "I'm so sorry, Adelaide," he said with his head down. He knew he had just crossed the imaginary line without an invitation.

[Notty]

Adelaide looked up at him, her cheeks heated deeply as he took both of her hands. She hesitated, not saying anything, then nodded. "Okay, I'm willing to give it a chance," she said, smiling a bit. It was worth a try. Jeremy was nice, and she'd finally have someone in her life that cared about her, after being alone for so long.

Could he really mean that? That I mean everything to him? I barely know him...it wouldn't hurt though, right? To give him a chance? I haven't let someone in, in...in well ages. It always hurt too much to let people in, because they always leave- one way or another...

Before she could react, Jeremy pressed his lips against hers, and she found herself kissing back slightly before he abruptly pulled back. Her cheeks heated again, and she pulled a hand from his, tilting his head up. "No, don't apologize," she whispered, smiling a little. She had hoped that he would kiss her since last night, and she looked at him again, her eyes scanning his, hoping that once more he might kiss her, not wanting to seem forward herself. "It was nice."

[Mihkul]

Jeremy felt his whole body tingle at the soft touch of her lips against his. He kissed her again, a soft lingering kiss while he held her in his arms. The soft warmth of her body filled him with feelings he had never experienced before. He Looked deeply into her eyes and said, "Thank you, Adelaide. I won't ever disappoint you, I promise." He let her go and took her hands in his. "You don't know of any place that has a room for rent, do you. Once I find one I can get some of my things sent here. All I have is the clothes on my back and my suit that is back at the hotel."

He stepped back, thinking. "Do you want to go shopping with me? I don't even own any work clothes and I don't think farmwork would require a $600.00 suit. I know you have plenty to do here but we can get all that caught up tomorrow, if that's okay with you." Jeremy knew he had no sense of shopping. All he had was bought by his ex-assistant, and he had no idea what work clothes even looked like. He needed Adelaide in so many ways if he were to survive a more simple life.

[Notty]

A soft gasp escaped Adelaide's lips as Jeremy kissed her again, and she pulled her arms around him, holding close. She smiled, blushing deeply as she stroked his jaw slightly, her eyes scanning his face.

"Uhm, I'm not really sure of somewhere for you to live..." Her eyes moved over his face, taking in a deep breath. Does she dare offer him to stay there? There was a small like apartment in the attic of the barn- it hadn't been used in a few years. Animals weren't kept in the barn, just equipment, so the smell wasn't a problem

"Well, I guess yeah, I can help you go find some clothes," she smiled, looking at him, deciding that she would wait to tell him about the apartment. "When were you planning on going back to the city?" She asked, her eyes scanning his face. She was scared, to be honest, to let someone in.

[Mihkul]

"I'm not planning on going back. I'm having my things shipped here. My lawyer is handling all the arrangements and he will manage my funds. I'll get a check every month but I doubt I'll need much." He brushed her hair from her face, rubbing the back of his hand across her face. She felt so soft, so smooth. "I'll just have to look around. I'm sure I can find something. Until then I can just stay at the hotel. I'll have to turn in my rental car but I think I'm going to buy a pick up truck. You know, like the old saying, when in Rome do like the Romans."

"Why don't you go get ready...not that you don't look fabulous but you might not want to go to town like that," he snickered. "If you don't mind, I'd like to check out your farm." He squeezed her hands then let them go. He felt like he was floating on the clouds and he didn't even want to come down from the high.

[Notty]

Adelaide nodded, her cheeks flushing even deeper as his hand stroked her cheek, and she smiled against it. "Oh, alright," she said with a smile, a little surprised at how quickly things were moving. She pushed herself off the counter and smiled, "give me about 10 minutes and I'll be ready," she smiled, then headed up the stairs.

True to her word, Adelaide came down the stairs, wearing khaki shorts, a button up blue and white shirt, sandals, and her hair in a braid. She glanced around and found Jeremy outside near the cows. She smiled to herself as she approached him, thinking about how out of place he looked. "I don't have much land," she called out, moving to his side. "See that tree line? That's the end of my property. Garden over there." Her hand moved as she talked. "These cows will be butchered this fall, give us plenty of meat for the winter and spring." She smiled and looked at him. "You ready?"

[Mihkul]

Jeremy heard footsteps behind him and turning, he saw Adelaide. He was amazed how quickly she had gotten ready. "You really have a nice place here. I can't wait to get started. Fifty acres is a lot of land to me. Back in the city you don't even have enough to park your car." He took her by the hand and they walked to the car. "We can take the rental. I may as well get my money's worth." He opened the door for her, then rounded the car and took the driver's seat.

He enjoyed the ride to town. They talked of the farm and of the people in town. It seemed that Ms. Bess was the owner/operator of the hotel he stayed in, a widow and one of the natives of the town. He parked in front of the clothing store and they went inside. The smell of fresh fabric and leather filled the air. He looked at Adelaide. "Okay, make me look like a farm hand."

[Notty]

Adelaide laughed softly as they stepped inside, and she glanced him over. "Okay..." Then grabbed his hand and headed towards the clothing. Soon, she had his arms piled high with jeans, button up shirts and even a pair of boots. "Alright you, start trying them on, I'll look for a coat for you..."

She couldn't help but glance back at him as she walked away, smiling widely as he walked to the dressing room. She returned with a few coats and a couple jackets, tossing them over the top of the dressing room door. "Try these on too," she laughed, then her laugh quieted.

"Adelaide," a quiet, dark voice called. Adelaide could feel her cheeks drain of color and she shifted hesitantly. "Mark," she responded. The large man smiled, obviously looking her over. "You look good, I've missed you," his hands went to her hips and he pulled her close. "Leave me alone," she growled, trying to pull away from him, but his grip was strong. "I'm not done with you yet," he chuckled.

Mark was Adelaide's high school sweetheart, and after spending two years with him, she discovered that he was a manipulative, controlling womanizer. She had broken it off over 2 years ago, but he wasn't accepting her rejection.

[Mihkul]

Jeremy slipped into the jeans and the plaid cotton shirt, then put the boots on his feet. He swung open the door. "Well, how do I ....." He stopped short when he saw the man with his hands around Adelaide's waist. His face turned red, flushed with anger and hurt. He had thought, amybe assumed, that she had feelings for him. And now this? He noticed she was struggling to push him away and he slowly walked toward them.

"Hey mister, I think she said for you to leave her alone. Maybe I might not be from around here, but where I come from No still means NO." He placed his hand on the man's shoulder. He turned and caught Jeremy with a fist to the jaw. Jeremy staggered back a little then regained his senses and charged the man, knocking him and a rack of clothing to the floor. Jeremy was soon on top of him, punching him in the face and rolling on the floor with him. He felt a hand grab his shoulder and pull him off. It was the local police chief. "OK, boys. Playtime is over. You're both coming with me to cool off." He felt the handcuffs clamp over his wrists as he looked at Adelaide in shock.

[Notty]

Adelaide's cheeks heated as Jeremy moved forward, and then before she knew it, Jeremy and Mark were being taken back by the local sheriff. She frowned and followed, feeling guilty. "Please sir, let me explain..."

Adelaide followed them to the police department and made a statement, explaining what had happened. The sheriff knew about how Mark and Adelaide had been a thing, and how he had harassed her ever since they broke up. She had even gone as far as having to file a few complaints against him.

After nearly an hour, she was walking out of the police station with Jeremy, her hand in his. "I'm sorry about that, Mark..he..has a hard time with the word no..." Her cheeks flushed in shame. "I'm sorry he hurt you..." She reached up and stroked his cheek, then smiled and pressed s quick kiss to his lips. "Did you want to go back to the store or go home?"

[Mihkul]

Jeremy winced as he kissed his swollen lip. "I'm okay. I've got hit a lot harder. I'm sorry he did that to you, Adelaide." He squeezed her hand. I think we'd better go back so I can at least apologize and pay for any damages. I'm still wearing the clothes I tried on." he moved away and spun around. "How do I look? Don't pay any attention to the cuts and bruises."

They walked back into the store and after apologizing he paid for the new clothes and even bought Adelaide a new cowboy hat. He offered to pay for any damages but the store owner laughed, telling them that it was the best entertainment he'd had in years. Outside the store, Jeremy turned to her. "You look might fine in that new hat, ma'am. Now, let's go get some lunch."

[Notty]

Adelaide laughed and smiled, following after him, watching as he gathered up his clothes and paid for them. She protested when he bought her a hat, but secretly she felt incredibly flattered. No one had shown her much kindness, as she kept to herself for the most part.

"Well if you want, we can head home and I'll make some lunch, then I can show you around some more." She smiled as she took his hand, her thumb brushing over the top of his hand.

They climbed into his rental and rode back to her house. Harrison ran up and happily barked, wagging his tail and greeting them. She headed inside and looked back at Jeremy, smiling. It felt strangely familiar to have ihim in the house, and honestly, she liked it. "What sounds good?"

[Mihkul]

"Well, ma'am, whatever you can rustle up in that ole chuck wagon of yours," Jeremy teased as he said it in his best cowboy drawl. Harrison ran up to him and Jeremy reached down and pet his head, then followed Adelaide into the house. He felt so at home here and felt as though he had known her forever. It was a wonderful and warm feeling.

He sat down in the chair, watching her move about the kitchen. She moved so gracefully yet methodically. He could just sit and watch her for hours, he thought. His mind reflected on the events at the store. "Does this Mark guy bother you a lot, Adelaide?" He regretted losing his temper but his only intentions were to keep her from harm.

[Notty]

Adelaide smiled and turned to him, glancing as she tossed some cucumbers and tomatoes in a dressing. "No, not usually. Honestly, that's why I don't go into town, I try to avoid him as much as possible." She smiled weakly, her eyes scanning his for a moment. "It's...we...we are long gone and over. That was a few years ago..."

Putting some grilled chicken, the vegetables and some fruit on the table, she smiled. "I hope you're hungry, I'm starving. And all of this came from this garden and the chickens," she smiled, starting to eat. "So tell me about yourself."

[Mihkul]

"Well, not much to tell that you don't know already. Mom died when I was young so Father did his best to raise me...or get me out of his hair. Most of my life was spent in boarding schools and summer camps, holidays usually with the hired help. I graduated with an MBA from Yale, then went to work in father's business. And now, here I am, working for you in McCook, Nebraska. Isn't life good?" He said it sarcastically but he was really glad things turned out as they did. When his father told him he was fired it was as if someone had lifted an elephant from his chest. He liked it here...and he liked Adelaide. And he was feeling that there may be a lot more to it than just a like.

"You know, this salad is delicious. And I'm not just saying that but I think the fresh food thing makes a big difference." An idea crossed his mind but he filed it for later. He wanted to enjoy every second he had with Adelaide. He was beginning to slip and he knew it would soon be a fall.

[Notty]

Adelaide nodded as he spoke, her eyes scanning his face. I may have lost everyone that I love, but I suppose that's better than being ignored by them. That must hurt even more deeply... she thought to herself as he told her of his past.

Chuckling a little to herself, Adelaide nodded, "mmhmm, hard to go back to the grocery store food, hmmm?" She smiled, taking a fresh blackberry and popping it in her mouth. "All summer and most of the fall I have fresh fruit and vegetables. The spring and winter is mostly canned or frozen. I've got a big freezer that I keep frozen vegetables, fruit and meat in. I do okay," her eyes scanned his face.

"Well then, let me clean up after lunch and I'll show you around, hmm?" she said, starting to clear the table once they were finished. She quickly rinsed the dishes and put them in the dishwasher, then wiped her hands on her hips. "Let me put on some different shoes, sandals aren't the best for walking around out there..."

An hour later, Adelaide had showed him the chicken coops and where to gather eggs, the few cows- 2 that she kept on and milked, and the other 3 that she would have butchered in a few months. From there they walked back to the garden and she showed him the different food growing there. Finally she walked the length of the field with him, showing him about how big her land was. She smiled, panting slightly as she looked over at him. From here, the house was just a small speck. "Well, that's about it," she said, "now all we have to do is walk back," Adelaide added with a laugh.

[Mihkul]

Jeremy looked at her and smiled. "You need a horse to get around all this land. But for now, I guess I will have to do. Hop on." He bent over for Ade;aide to climb onto his back, then slowly walked backed to the house. She was not heavy but halfway back he felt his legs begin to buckle. "Well, I guess this horse just ain't what he used to be." She climbed off his back and he sat in the grass on the edge of the cornfield.

"You've got a lot of teaching to do, Adelaide. I don't know a thing about farming. But you have such a beautiful place here and maybe with a little bit of tweaking here and there you can make a little bit of money. I don't know farming but I do know business. You could even set up a little farm stand near the road and sell some of your produce." He looked at her. "I'm not trying to tell you what to do, Adelaide. I just want you to be happy."

[Notty]

Adelaide laughed and blushed deeply as Jeremy took her on his back, and she held gently around his neck? Smiling as he carried her. She couldn't help but laugh again as he put her down and they sat in the gras. She looked over at him and smiled, her eyes scanning his face. "No, I know, I've just never been good at business. I'm sure you, no, I know you know better than I. We may make a great team yet," she smiled.

Standing up slowly, she dusted herself off and then reached down, helping Jeremy up. "Well I've got some things I've got to get done. You can stay and help if you want, or you can head back and get everything else in order. "Thoigh for a truck, you'll probably have to drive to te next town, this one doesn't really have a car lot." She smiled, her eyes scanning his as they walked. "I can go with you if you want..."

[Mihkul]

"That sounds like an adventure for this afternoon." Jeremy held her hand as they walked back to the house. "I know we would be a great team, Adelaide," he said softly as he looked at her again. "I really need to go back into town and see if I can find a place to live. Once that's done I can call my lawyer and have my things shipped here. I'm afraid that little hotel room isn't big enough for my things. Not that I have that much, but the closet in that room can only hold about four things at a time."

He walked her up the steps to the door and kissed her again. "I'll be back later this afternoon, Adelaide. I don't like saying Good-bye so let's just leave it at Until later." He looked deeply into her eyes and squeezed her hands. He felt it deep in his heart yet he couldn't say it, not now anyway.

[Notty]

Adelaide smiled and nodded, kissing him back gently. She blushed, watching as he left. Once he was gone, she headed outside and gathered the eggs, feeding the animals and finishing up a few chores. "I don't know harrison, do I tell him about the apartment here?" She murmured, glancing down at the English shepard. He wagged his tail and barked happily.

Thinking she was crazy, Adelaide headed up the back steps to the small apartment over the barn. She opened the door and stepped in. It was dusty, and would need a good sweeping and washing up, but that wouldn't be too difficult. Setting her mind to it, Adelaide gathered up a broom and some cleaning supplies and soon lost herself in cleaning the small apartment, hoping that it would soon be filled.

[Mihkul]

Jeremy thought about Adelaide all the way into town. Her sweet innocence had captured his heart and it changed him completely. He was able to see the world through his own eyes rather than his father's. He walked to the corner by the stoplight and called his lawyer. His trust fund was worth 25 million dollars, plus the 5 million severance he received. It was much more than he needed. His lawyer had agreed to deposit $20,000 per month in his account. That would cover his expenses plus anything else he wanted.

He took the bags of new clothes to his hotel room and set them on the bed. He would need them to start work tomorrow. He sat on his bed, deep in thought. She had brought up the possibility of being a team. That made him feel warm all over. There were endless possibilities for the farm without making life too complicated. She would never have to worry about anything. Jeremy wanted to help her in any way he could. He wanted her to accept him. He wanted her to feel the same toward him as he did to her. He wanted her love.

[Notty]

Adelaide frowned, wishing she had gotten Jeremy's number at the hotel. She sighed and glanced around the apartment, her eyes scanning the fairly bare and now clean room. Pursing her lips, she made up her mind and grabbed up the cleaning supplies and headed downstairs and to the house.

"Hey, yeah? Mary, it's me. Yeah, can you patche through to Jeremy's room?" Adelaide leaned against the counter in the kitchen and twirled the cord around her fingers. She took in a deep breath and closed her eyes, trying to gather her thoughts. Just do it. Just tell him.

"Jeremy? It's Adelaide. I haven't been completely honest with you..." She began, then explained how she had an apartment above the barn. "Wo-would you be interested?"

[Mihkul]

He jumped when the phone in his room rang and when he heard Adelaide's voice on the other end he was filled with joy. "Are you sure, Adelaide? That would be so wonderful. I don't want to be an inconvenience and I'll pay you room and board." This would be perfect for him and he could be close to her all the time. "I'll set up shipping my things to your house then......I'll be there to pick you up in about an hour."

He paused for a moment. "Thank you, Adelaide." He hung up the phone and was so excited he nearly dropped it on the floor. He would carry out the few things he had with him and pay his bill on his way out. He laughed to himself. He was so used to bringing his work home with him and now he would be bringing his home to his work. He jumped into the rental car and began the drive to the farm. He truly felt like he was finally going home.

[Notty]

Adelaide sighed softly as she hung up the phone and smiled a bit to herself. "I hope I'm making the right choice..." she murmured to herself as she glanced around the kitchen. It would be a big change. No one had been there since her older brother before he went off into the Army.

Not wanting to think about the past, Adelaide busied herself with cleaning the kitchen, wishing the minutes to pass faster before Jeremy got there. The phone rang, and Adelaide crossed the room to pick it up, thinking that it might be Jeremy with another question.

"I heard you've got yourself a little boyfriend," the voice growled from the other side and Adelaide felt her stomach drop out. "You aren't supposed to call me, leave me alone." Adelaide snapped back, but the voice just laughed. "Oh Adelaide, you think I'm giving you up that easily? Just cause some city-slicker pushed me around in the store? Oh, no, sweetheart, you're all mine..." and with that, the phone clicked off.

Adelaide hung up the phone with a shaky hand and then pushed her fingers through her hair, taking in a deep breath. She thought she had been rid of Mark, she thought things were finally over. It seemed like Jeremy had just been enough to rouse up the anger in him again. She remained leaning against the kitchen counter, feeling sick to her stomach.

[Mihkul]

Jeremy pulled into the yard and nearly ran up the steps. He knocked on the door and walked in, finding Adelaide leaning against the kitchen counter. "I've brought my things from the hotel....are you okay, Adelaide? You look like you've seen a ghost." He walked over to her and took her hands. "Please tell me what's wrong. If you're having second thoughts about me moving into your barn then I can always find something else."

He stepped back aqnd looked at her. He could sense an uncertainty in her voice when they had talked on the phone earlier but she had still sounded cheery. But now she had a frightened look in her eye. Something had happened and he hoped it wasn't something too serious.

[Notty]

Adelaide glanced up when Jeremy entered, and she tried her best to force a smile, but he saw through it. She shook her head and smiled a little more, gently squeezing his hands as he held hers. "Its nothing, just getting caught up in the past," she lied, smiling a little more before dropping her eyes, hoping he wouldn't press the matter. She didn't want him getting hurt again because of her. She could handle it.

"Do you want to see the apartment? It isn't much..." she said softly, glancing back up at him. Without an answer, she gently pulled him out the back door and headed towards the barn, and then around to the back. "This would be how you get there..." she murmured, starting up a flight of stairs and then opening the door at the top. Stepping inside, Jeremy would see an open space with a large bed, a couch. In one corner was a bathroom, and another corner was a fairly large closet. She glanced at him as he looked around. "It isn't really anything fancy...it was my brothers..." Her eyes followed him as he moved. "No kitchen or anything because he always ate with us, but you've got your own bathroom through that door, and those over there lead to a closet. I don't know what all you need. If you don't want the bed and couch we can get rid of them..." Adelaide shifted, uncertain and feeling a bit self-conscious.

[Mihkul]

"I'll take it. I'll pay you $500.00 a month, unless that's not enough." Jeremy liked the apartment. It was a perfect size for him. He sat on the bed. "This is a lot better than the hotel bed. I like it just the way it is." He walked over to the window that faced the house. She would be right across the yard. "Does that mean I can share meals with you, too?"

He wanted to be with her as often as he could and eating together brought a special intimacy. He turned and looked at her, "Adelaide, this is perfect. Thank you." He held her hands in his again. She still looked shaken but a faint smile came across her face. She was perfect in his eyes.

[Notty]

Adelaide's eyes widened at his offer and she let out a soft gasp of surprise. "$500?! Are you crazy? Jeremy...that's way too much..." she murmured, shaking her head a little as he took her hands. She smiled and squeezed gently. "Honestly, really...I feel like even $200 is too much..." her eyes scanned his face, and she hesitated. "You tell me what you think is fair..."

She could feel her cheeks heat as he looked at her, and she felt something stir inside her. It was something that she had pushed away for a long time. It was what she had thought she felt with Mark, but then he turned on her... She nodded slightly, "yes, of course we can. I don't expect you to try and cook out here." Adelaide had to admit it, she still felt pretty shaken, and she wanted nothing more than to have Jeremy take her in his arms like he had before, but she didn't want to worry him. "Do you need me to help you carry anything?"

[Mihkul]

"I think I can handle it. It's only my luggage from the hotel. But when my other things get here I'll need all the help I can get.$500.00 is more than fair. It would cost me double that for a room like this in the city." He looked at her. She looked so beautiful and innocent in the sunlight that came through the window. He was overcome with emotions he didn't know he had. His life would be starting fresh and new and this wonderful woman had played an important part in this.

He took Adelaide in his arms and kissed her softly and passionately, his hands caressing her back. He felt no guilt or shame this time; he was only overwhelmed by the emotions he felt. "Addy," he whispered in her ear, "I promise I will take care of you and I will not disappoint you."

[Notty]

Adelaide smiled as he gently pulled his arms around her, and she returned the embrace, kissing back tenderly. She hugged tighter to him as he spoke, and felt herself choke up when he called her Addy. No one had called her that since her father and brothers had died. She held tight as a few tears slipped down her cheeks, not wanting him to notice or be concerned. "I know you will," she whispered.

After a few moments she pulled back and smiled, rubbing his arm. "Do you want me to show you around the house? You've seen the kitchen and the living room, but I'll show you the laundry and closets and such, in case you need anything..."

Slowly she led him down the stairs and back to her house, Harrison trotting along beside them and entering the house. "Kitchen and living room you've seen..." she murmured, and started down a hall. "Laundry is on the end and there's a half bathroom down here..." Turning and starting up a small staircase, she stopped at the top. One door hung open, revealing Adelaide's room. It was simply decorated in blues, greens and florals. "There's my room and across the hall the bathroom...."

[Mihkul]

The rest of her house looked much like the rest, so tidy and bright. The colors and prints of her bedroom brought a sense of comfort to him. "I love it. So, what you say? Want to go truck shopping? I mean, if I'm going to be a farmhand I have to drive a pick up truck, right?" He was teasing her as he said this and the more he was around her the more comfortable he felt.

"You can be my navigator," he said as the car wheeled out of the driveway. As they turned on the road he looked at her and smiled without speaking. Surely it was fate that brought him here to this town. It might have been the only thing he had to thank his father for. It was from the very moment he saw her he had realized that cosmic attraction to her, something he could never explain.

[Notty]

Adelaide glanced over at him as he drove and smiled, giving directions every now and then, but remaining mostly quiet for the whole drive there. She didn't get out of town much, and so she had grabbed her purse, hoping to stop by a couple stores and look around while they were there.

"Did you have something in mind as to what you'd like?" she asked as they pulled into the dealership. "Honestly, you wouldn't need something ridiculously huge, but it would be helpful to have a bigger truck, could use it to haul hay, I've got a trailer that we could use to haul the cattle and such..." her eyes moved around the dealership and she took his hand as they began to wander around.

A salesman came up to them and smiled, "Hello there, Mr and Mrs..?" Adelaide's cheeks heated and she shook her head, smiling awkwardly. "No, no...we...we aren't married." The man chuckled, "oh, forgive me..well what can I help you in finding today?"

[Mihkul]

"Hmmm," Jeremy looked at Adelaide. "How about an F350 with a crew cab and dual rear wheels, four wheel drive. Has to have air conditioning and a good stereo...and make sure I have a good trailer hitch." She looked at him,surprised. "Hey, I might be a city boy but I still know my trucks," he laughed. The salesman brought him over to several choices in colors. He smiled at her and said, "OK, this is where your expertise comes in. What color should I get?"

He looked at the $40 thousand sticker price. It was much less than the last car he had bought, the red Mercedes covertible, but he figured he had better warn his lawyer that the check would be coming through. He hoped she didn't think he was just flaunting his money, but this truck would be perfect for what they needed.

[Notty]

Adelaide smiled and looked over the trucks, then pointed to a gray one. "What about that one?" she asked, and smiled when he agreed. Her eyes widened slightly at the price tag, and she couldn't believe that he didn't even bat an eye when he wrote the check. She shook her head and smiled, taking his hand. "Should we drop off your rental? I can drive that if you want to drive your new truck," she teased, nudging his hip.

A few minutes later and they had turned in the rental and Adelaide was climbing into the truck. "Do you mind if we just go to a few stores? I don't come into town very often, and I'd like to look around a little..." she felt her cheeks flush in embarrassment, suddenly feeling like a simpleton, and very, very poor.

[Mihkul]

"That sounds like a great idea. I hope you don't think I'm just a spoiled little rich kid with money to burn, but this truck is really what we needed and it's much cheaper to pay cash than to pay all that interest back." Jeremy was able to knock $5000 off the sticker price by paying cash and he was happy he still had those negotiating skills.

"I want to buy you something special today...something you really want. I want to do it because I..." He held back the words, so afraid she would reject him. "Because I want to thank you for everything." He replaced his original thoughts with these words. "You're the navigator so you'd better start navigating because i don't have a clue where we're going," he laughed.

[Notty]

Adelaide felt her heart tighten as his words cut off, fearful of what he may say. She barely knew him, how could he be feeling what she thought he was? She shook away the thoughts and smiled a little, then navigated him to a strip of shops. There were several clothing places, a small whole foods type store, a linens store, and a jewelers.

Climbing out of the truck, Adelaide walked around and waited for Jeremy. "I didn't know if you'd want or need to get new sheets and curtains and rugs and such, but this place has some nice ones..." she murmured as they headed into the linen store. She glanced around, her free hand letting her fingers drag over the different fabrics of everything. Every now and then she would pick something up and look at it, then put it down, following Jeremy again.

[Mihkul]

"Like I said, I'll pay for it but you'll have to pick it out. I'm not much of a decorator." He wasn't much of a shopper, either, but Jeremy enjoyed shopping with Adelaide. He squeezed her hand as he pretended to be interested in the various sheets and pillowcases. There was a blanket hanging on the wall that caught his eye, a picture of a wolf standing on the frozen ground in the forest. The intircate artwork that was woven into the tapestry was amazing. "Wow, this is really nice, Adelaide. Do you like it?" He ran his fingers across the woven microfiber. It felt so plush.

He looked at her and saw a smile on her face, like a child in a candy store. He was glad she was enjoying herself and he thought she liked the blanket. Seeing her happy made him feel happy.

[Notty]

Adelaide smiled and nodded, "yeah, if you like it," she said. Slowly she let go of his hand and started picking up some sheets- cotton for spring and summer and flannel for winter. "What's your favorite color?" she asked, smiling. She began picking out some curtains, and a couple rugs for the floors. "If you want, you could grab some pillows. You'd be better at picking them out than me." she smiled.

She carried everything and grabbed a cart, piling it inside. She headed over and picked out some towels and washcloths for him, and a plain showercurtain. When he returned with the pillows, she smiled sheepishly, blushing. "Is this too much? Do you like it? If you don't you can put it back..." she murmured, feeling a little awkward and hoping that he didn't think she was trying to take advantage of him.

[Mihkul]

"No that's great...and I'm going to get that wolf blanket, too. Anything you need in here?" He pushwed the cart to the cashier and she rung everything up and put it in bags. They stepped out of the shop and walked down the sidewalk to the jewelry store. "Let's go in here, just to look around." He took her hand and led her through the door where they were greeted by a clerk. "How can I help you? We've got a great deal on engagement rings." Jeremy blushed and looked at Adelaide. They both laughed.

"No, we're just looking around," Jeremy replied. He saw a necklace in the showcase. It was very simple and plain, but a beautiful gold with the letters "FRIENDS" embossed in a circular medallion. It was not expensive but it was elegant. "Can I see this," Jeremy asked the clerk. He handed it to him and he noticed the $30 dollar price tag. "Hold still, Adelaide," he said as he placed it around her neck. "Do you like it?"

[Notty]

Adelaide looked at Jeremy, a little nervous when he mentioned wanting to enter the jeweler, but she followed him in anyways. She smiled a little and blushed, then laughed with Jeremy. Her eyes scanned the counter and then she leaned up, looking to Jeremy and what he held. She turned slightly and lifted her hair, feeling the necklace with one hand. One he had clasped it, she turned and looked at him, her eyes searching his. "What do you think?" she asked, her brow furrowed a little.

She wasn't sure that she was ready for jewelry from him, but she didn't want to offend his generosity. She had Jeremy take it off and she took his hands in hers, whispering quietly. "I don't need anything Jeremy, really..." she murmured, keeping her eyes low, not wanting to meet his or see the sales attendant. "I...." she began, swallowing hard. "Why don't we wait?" she asked, finally daring to glance up at him. "You've already done enough..."

[Mihkul]

Jeremy felt a twinge of hurt when she said that, but he did understand. Things were moving so fast and he didn't want to push her away. "OK, Addy. I just wanted to show you how much I appreciate all you've done, but you are right....we'll have plenty of time for that." He removed the necklace and turned her around to face him, looking into her eyes. "I plan on being around for a very long time. I'm sorry for trying to hurry things."

He handed the necklace back to the clerk and thanked him. "Okay, then," he turned back to Adelaide, "the least I can do is buy your dinner. Let's finish up the shopping and go somewhere fantastic. You have to choose because all I know is the diner back in town." He took her by the hand and they walked out of the jewelry store. He hoped and prayed he hadn't crossed that imaginary line with her by making her feel uncomfortable.

[Notty]

Adelaide smiled and shook her head, hugging him gently as he turned her around. "No, I'm sorry if I disappointed you, I just...I don't want us to rush things." She smiled and pressed a quick kiss to his cheek before taking his hand and walking out of the jewelry store with him. She felt relief that he hadn't made her take the necklace and she smiled to herself, glad that he was willing to slow down. She had high hopes for her future with Jeremy.

"Uhm, how about italian? There's an Italian place just a couple blocks over that's really nice. Or chinese..." She smiled and squeezed his hand. "Not a whole lot of options, cause even for a town, this one is probably pretty small compared to what you are used to." She stopped near the truck and looked at Jeremy, smiling. "Thank you Jeremy, you're amazing, and I really appreciate you," Adelaide murmured, hen pushed up and kissed him gently.

[Mihkul]

Jeremy felt his face flush as her soft lips touched his. He was so relieved that he hadn't offended her. "Italian sounds great. You know, we may have a lot more choice in the city but that doesn't make the food any better...hey, how would you like to drive this beast? After allm, you know better than I do as to where we're going."

He opened the door and slid out of the seat, then helped her climb in and went to the passenger seat. He looked at Adelaide and smiled. "I appreciate you too, Addy." He could settle for those words for now but he knew he felt so much more than appreciation. Patience, he told himself. Their relationship was young yet it was blossoming. He was thankful for that.

[Notty]

Adelaide smiled and scooted over into the drivers seat. She pulled out and headed over to the italian restaurant. Finding a parking spot, she climbed out and waited for Jeremy, taking his hand as they walked in. "Table for two," she smiled to the hostess and they were seated quickly.

She looked over the menu and made small talk with Jeremy as they waited for the waiter to come take their orders. "Everything is really good here, I've never had anything I didn't like." She smiled. Taking in a deep breath, Adelaide looked at Jeremy. "Have you ever been with anyone?"

[Mihkul]

Jeremy ordered the baked lasagna and looked back at Adelaide. "I used to date some when I was in college but never had anything serious. After I graduated I went straight to work and the job demands were so great I never had time for dating." He seemed to gaze sadly into a distant past that was so far away. "How about you? Was the thing between you and Mark something serious?"

She had seemed uneasy after the altercation in the clothing store and he had avoided the subject until now. But he was curious how she had ever got mixed up with a jerk like him.

[Notty]

Adelaide smiled weakly and shrugged. "We were high school sweethearts, things were good until we graduated and he suddenly became really controlling and angry." She shifted and tucked her hair behind her ear, glancing at him. "It ended, well I ended it almost 2 years ago, but he hasn't wanted it to end. I've had to call the police several times, and he will stay away, but then after a while he always comes back..."

A crack of thunder made her jump, and Adelaide glanced outside and saw the rain start to start, pouring down hard, and then it started raining harder. She shivered a little, her eyes moving to Jeremy and she smiled. "Didn't know it was supposed to rain, that storm rolled in quick..."

[Mihkul]

Jeremy looked out the window and saw the sudden downpour. The lightning lit the night sky, followed by a loud rumble of thunder. The lights blinked. "This looks like a big one. Is this typical for this time of year." It came suddenly and the rains quickly covered the street outside. "Looks like there might be some flooding, too."

He looked at Adelaide's eyes and saw the excitement mixed with fear, like someone watching a horror movie. He took her hand in his and held it. "Addy, it will be okay. I promise." He spoke softly, in a soothing voice. He was sure the people living here saw things like this many times. "We'll be just fine."

[Notty]

Adelaide smiled a little as he took her hand and she squeezed his hand back, "I know, just surprised me..." She murmured, brushing her fingers over his hand. "Should we try and head back before it gets any worse?" Just as she asked, the waiter came up and shook his head. "Yall ain't gonna be able to get out of town. Downpour like this will flood the creek. You'll have to stay down at the hotel. Happens a lot, and we've lost a couple people trying to get outta here. The creek gets mighty powerful and will wash your car away before you know what hit ya."

Adelaide looked at Jeremy and then the waiter, "oh, yeah, I guess we can just go to the hotel if that would be better..." They paid and stood, then quickly ducked outside and into the car. The hotel was just a few minutes down the road, and they pulled in and parked. Both running inside , the attendant smiled at them. "One room?" Adelaide looked at Jeremy, then smiled, "two, please." She said. The woman smiled a little and shook her head. "All I've got is one. Unfortunately we are doing some construction, and there's a wedding this weekend so the rooms are all full. It's a king size, and a couch..but the one room is all I got."

[Mihkul]

Jeremy looked at Adelaide. "Guess we don't have much choice," and turning to the attendant he said "We''l take it." He gave the woman his credit card and driver's license, then took the room key and turned to Adelaide again. "Don't worry. You can have the bed and I'll sleep on the couch." He took her hand and they walked down the hallway to their room. He slid the card into the slot and opened the door.

It was much more room than the little hotel in McCook. He dropped onto the couch but had to bend his legs up to fit in between the arms. "It's a little cramped but I will be okay." He sat back up. "Looks like our afternoon adventure turned out to be an all-nighter." He laughed.

[Notty]

Adelaide walked to the room with Jeremy and smiled , laughing a bit as he curled up into the couch. "No, Jeremy, it's okay, I'll take the couch, I'm smaller than you..." She said, "and I won't take no for an answer." She laughed a little and glanced around. "I'm going to brush my teeth and when I come back out, you better be in that bed. Don't you argue with me," she teased.

Heading into the bathroom, Adelaide brushed her teeth and washed her face. Letting down her rain-damp hair, she ran her fingers through it and looked herself over in the mirror. She felt silly saying it, but she was frightened of storms, but she didn't want Jeremy to worry. She tugged off her shorts, her button down shirt brushing the tops of her thighs. Poking her head out, she glanced around for Jeremy, before stepping out, heading for the couch.

[Mihkul]

Jeremy stood up and saluted Adelaide, "Yes, ma'am." He laughed as she disappeared into the bathroom. He took a towel and dried himself off. He took the extra blanket from the foot of the bed and set it on the couch, along with two pillows from the bed. His clothes had gotten soaked in just that short time so he took them off and hung them neatly on the back of the chair, then quickly got under the bedcovers. He left the light on the nightstand on so she could see the couch.

He watched her move across the floor, her shirt clinging to her form and revealing her thigh as she stepped. He caught himself staring at her, so beautiful and graceful, then he looked away in hopes she hadn't seen him. He felt his body warm and his face flush. "Good night, Addy," he said as she climbed under the covers of the couch. He turned off the light and laid there in the darkness as the storm continued outside.

[Notty]

Adelaide smiled and laid down on the couch, pulling the blankets up over herself. "Goodnight, Jeremy.." she murmured, shifting to try and get comfortable. She frowned as the storm continued, jumping every now and then as thunder crashed. She sighed, staring up at the ceiling, unable to sleep. Finally she leaned up a little bit, glancing over through the darkness, to the bed.

"Jeremy?" she called out, her voice small and shaking slightly. "Can...can I get in bed, too?" she asked, sitting up and then standing, walking to the edge of the bed. She stood, waiting for his response, hoping that he wouldn't think she was foolish. Another crack of thunder split the silence before Jeremy could answer, and Adelaide jumped into the bed, quickly pulling the blankets over herself and scooting near his body. "Sorry..." she mumbled awkwardly, "haven't really liked storms all that much..."

"Miss Adelaide?" a voice called through the screen door, thunder rumbling behind. Adelaide stood from the kitchen table and moved towards the front door, where the Sheriff stood, hat in his hands. "What can I do for you, Sheriff?" Adelaide asked with a smile. The man's face was gray and hesitant. "I..I'm afraid I've got some bad news..." With that, Adelaide felt her heart drop. It had been less than a year since her father passed, and just over a year since her older brother.

"....I'm...I'm mighty sorry Adelaide," he stammered, swallowing hard. "If there's anything I can do for you, please let me know." Adelaide nodded hollowly, then closed the door behind the Sheriff. Now she had no family. Her other brother had been found dead, an apparent suicide. She sunk down against the door, staring blankly ahead, the thunder rumbling closer, crashing all around her.

[Mihkul]

He woke as he heard her voice, as if it were coming from a dream. Then he felt her climb into bed and slide over against his back. This has to be some kind of wonderful dream, Jeremy thought in a half-awake state. He felt her whole body trembling and he rolled over on his back and placed her head on his chest, wrapping his arm over her shoulder. "It's okay, Addy," he whispered softly in her ear. "You're okay now...just rest."

He gently rocked her in his arm as she seemed to stop trembling. Her breathing slowed, as did her heart, and she seemed to fall asleep. He felt a wave of love overwhelm him and a tear trickled down his cheek. He kissed her hair softly and began to drift off into a dreamworld where love and happiness prevailed.

[Notty]

Adelaide curled up against him, and was glad that he took her into her arms. She snuggled closer, laying her head on his chest. His lips against her head made her relax, and before long, she felt herself slipping into sleep, relaxed and safe in his arms.

The sun dawned bright the next morning and peeked in through the gaps in the curtains. Adelaide shifted a bit, slowly blinking her eyes open. For a moment, she wasn't quite sure where she was. Then she felt Jeremy's arms around her, and found that she was still laying with her head against his chest, tucked up close and safe beside him. She couldn't help but smile, looking up at him as he still slept. She shifted a little, rubbing his side gently, not wanting to wake him.

[Mihkul]

...the sunshine laid across the meadow. She was in his arms and he was kissing her passionately. He wanted to tell her how much he loved her yet when he opened his mouth the words could not come out.. Jeremy opened his eyes. It was all a dream, he thought, yet such an erotic dream that he felt warm all over. He looked and saw Adelaide looking back at him. He was startled at first then the previous night came back to his awakening memory. "Good morning," he smiled back to her. It had not been a total dream, he thought as he rubbed her shoulder.

The sun had returned and the storm had passed through but he felt so comfortable laying in the bed with her beside him. I think I could get used to this he thought, but felt it better to keep it to himself. "You had me worried for a bit," he told her. "Did you finally get some sleep?"

[Notty]

Adelaide smiled and she pulled a little closer to him, closing her eyes. "Yeah, I finally did," she whisperer, rubbing his side. "I just don't really like storms..." She murmured, shifting closer, enjoying his warmth.

"This is nice..." She murmured, her eyes still closed. She didn't want to get up. She didn't want to move from this place, for fear that this was all a dream and it would disappear when she opened them. "Jeremy..." She whispered, pulling the blankets up around them a little closer. "Can we stay here forever?..."

[Mihkul]

His body felt like currents of electricity flowed through it as she touched him. His heart beat like a drum inside his chest as he felt her soft form against him. "Addy, we can stay here just like this for as long as you want," he said in a breathless whisper. He kissed her forehead and ran his hand down her side, tracing her curve to her hip.

He felt the heat creeping through his body as his heartbeat quickened. He had not remembered feel so alive, so aroused, in all his life. He kissed her forehead again, almost begging her to turn her face so their lips could touch.

[Notty]

Adelaide smiled, shivering a little as he ran his hands over her body, and she snuggles closer. "Jeremy..." She murmured, taking in a deep breath. Slowly she turned her face towards his and smiled as she opened her eyes. "You're amazing..." She whispered, then leaned forward and kissed him gently.

She wanted him, to be honest. She barely knew him, but she felt so drawn, so connected to him. "Jeremy..." She murmured against his lips, kissing him agai.

[Mihkul]

His whole body filled with tension as he returned her kisses. Their tongues brushed together and he tasted her sweetness on his lips. "Oh Addy," he whispered softly as his hand slipped to her back, gently pressing her spine with his fingertips then resting on her bottom. He cupped it, pushing her closer to him and kissing her deeply. His lips moved to her chin, then softly to her neck.

He felt the heat fill his loins, fueled by the fires of his desire. He wanted her desperately.

[Notty]

Adelaide let out a soft moan, her fingers pushing through his hair, moaning again. "Jeremy..." She mumbled, kissing along down his neck to his chest. "Jeremy..." She panted slightly, pulling herself closer to him. How was it that she barely knew this man, yet she needed him so badly? She shifted again, pulling closer, needing him.

She shifted and smiled, her chest rising and falling as she looked over at Jeremy. The blankets were tossed about, and a slight sheen of sweat covered their bodies. She couldn't help the smile that grew on her lips, and she kissed Jeremy's lips again. "Jeremy..." She whispered against his lips, her cheeks still hot from their love making. "You're amazing..." She murmured, shifting closer, her legs tangling with his as they lay there in bed. "Now I really don't want to leave..." She was incredibly content and happy, feeling something stir inside her that she hadn't in a long time.

[Mihkul]

His heartbeat slowed to a normal pace as Jeremy regained his breath. he kissed her softly on the forehead as his hand gently caressed her smooth skin. "No Addy, you are the amazing one. I don't ever want to leave this room...this bed....as long as you're here with me." He gently squeezed her naked body against his.

He had never felt this way toward anyone before. He was not a virgin for sure but he had never truly made love before. The other times were purely sex, with no emotions involved. Yet this was lovemaking, when two people become as one. The joy that filled him at this moment brought a tear to his eye...one of true happiness. And he wanted to spend an eternity with this woman.

[Notty]

Adelaide smiled and nudged his nose with her own, her cheeks warm and flushed. She snuggled close, pulling the blankets over them. Her eyes closed as she laid her head on his chest, taking in a deep breath. She was incredibly, and indescribably happy. Slowly her fingers moved over his side and up his chest, feeling his skin. He was perfect, he felt perfect, and she fit perfectly against him as they laid there together.

After several minutes, she opened her eyes and looked up at him, a smile on her lips. "What happens now?" she smiled, stroking his jaw. "We uh...we weren't really anything, and now...well...I'd say we were something.." Adelaide added with a small laugh before kissing his jaw again.

Could I really love him? I' barely know him, and yet I feel so connected, so drawn to him. I could...I could stay like this forever. I would love to wake up beside him everyday... Adelaide's mind was running rampant with thoughts, but she bit her lip slightly, holding back the words that she wanted to say.

[Mihkul]

Jeremy kissed her forehead and stroked her hair. "We just take it one day at a time, Addy." he looked down into her eyes. "I know that I love you and I also know that it sounds crazy. We've known each other for only two days, yet I feel like I have known you all my life. We have so much in common yet we are so different. But our differences complement each other so it's like we're a whole person when we're together."

He kissed her lips softly. "I know that your feelings are a little confused right now and I can accept that. But if you follow your heart you can never go wrong. We can only take one day at a time. Just understand how I feel towards you and know that I will never hurt you."

[Notty]

Adelaide felt her cheeks heat as Jeremy said those words. She felt it too, but she was also very confused and unsure. Smiling, she rubbed her hand against his side, kissing back lovingly. She slowly leaned up, keeping the blanket up around her with her hand pressed to her chest.

"Maybe we should get up and head back..." She said with a smile, pushing her fingers through her hair before looking over at Jeremy. Slowly she stood, blushing as she was naked before Jeremy again. She grabbed her clothes and started getting dressed, not saying anything to Jeremy, her mind swimming.

Have i made a mistake? I hardly know this man. I've never thought myself to be easy...but how easily I found myself wanting him. He's incredible, and he makes me feel something I haven't felt in a long time...

[Mihkul]

"yeah, we had better get back. We've got a busy day ahead. My first day on the job and I sure don't want to be late." He swung his legs from under the covers and slipped his boxers on, then stood up and got dressed. He had told her how he felt and was thankful she had not pushed him away. He would take things slowly without pressuring her.

They checked out at the front desk and walked out to the truck. He opened Adelaide's door and helped her climb in then he got into the driver's seat. They rode in silence but it was not a tense silence. His thoughts were on her..on them. She made him feel complete, something he had never known. He seemed to be always searching for happiness and now he had found it. He only hoped she felt the same.

"Well, here we are," he said as they pulled into the yard. "I'm going to run up to my room and change while you get ready." He took her hand and leaned over to kiss her. "I love you, Addy."

[Notty]

Adelaide smiled and kissed back, gently stroking Jeremy's cheek before climbing out. She watched as he headed to his apartment, then she turned and headed into the house. A smile on her face that just kept growing as she climbed the stairs, fell when she stepped into her room.

It was obvious that someone had been there, as her bed was unmade, and her dresser drawers were open. She frowned, swallowing hard as she glanced around. Nothing had been taken, but she had an eerie feeling she was being watched. Maybe I just forgot yesterday...it's possible...

But when she stepped into the bathroom to brush her teeth, she cried out softly. On the mirror was written, "you're still mine."

[Mihkul]

Jeremy slipped on a gray t-shirt and slid into his new jeans. He hated the stiffness of the material and wished now that he had washed them first. His boots fit perfectly. He looked in the mirror and smiled. He didn't look like the spoiled rich kid that came to town a couple days ago. He ran down the steps and went out of the barn, hoping Adelaide would be there. he waited for a few minutes, then went to the door and knocked.

Adelaide came to the door, her face was ashen and white like it was yesterday. "Addy, what's wrong?" He knew something had happened between the time they had got there until now. The redness of her cheeks was now gone and she looked frightened. "I can't help you if you don't tell me."

[Notty]

Adelaide shook her head and smiled weakly, she didn't want Jeremy to worry about her. She didn't want him to get hurt. But then he pulled her into his arms, and she felt her shoulders begin to shake as she cried.

"He was here," she sobbed softly, "Mark was here...he left a note on the bathroom mirror..." She hiccuped slightly as she cried, her face buried against his shoulder. "I don't want you to get hurt...it's not a big deal, please don't be worried." Adelaide looked up at Jeremy, her eyes red from crying. "It's okay, I'm okay..." She murmured, almost wishing she hadn't said anything, not wanting Jeremy to get hurt. "Please...it's fine..."

[Mihkul]

Jeremy felt her body convulse as she sobbed in his arms.. His face was flushed with anger. Mark had invaded her privacy in the comfort of her own home. It was not only unacceptable, it was criminal.. "That bastard," he muttered under his breath. "Baby, don't worry aboutme. I can handle scum like him. And it is a big deal. This asshole has crossed the line!" He was nearly shouting as his anger rose. Realizing it, he looked at Adelaide. "I'm sorry, Addy. I'm just thankful you weren't here when he was. I promise I will keep you safe, even if I have to sleep on your front porch."

He held her chin in his hand."Addy, I've been witing for someone like you to be in my life for so long and I won't let anything happen to change that. Maybe we should call the police. He needs to go away for a very long time."

[Notty]

Adelaide looked at Jeremy as he held her chin, tears running down her cheeks. She shook her head a little, taking in a shaky breath. "It's okay Jeremy, please." Her eyes scanned his and she drew in another long breath. "Can...can you stay with me?" She asked, looking at him. "I mean, you can stay here, in my room. I really don't want to be alone..."

She was terrified, truly. She could handle Mark roughing her up and being crude, but to know that he came into her house while she was gone- that was terrifying. She smiled weakly, swallowing hard. "You don't have to...I'm sorry to drag you into this mess..."

[Mihkul]

Jeremy held her close. "Baby, you know I will stay with you. I will do anything you ask. As a matter of fact, I will feel more at ease if I stayed in your room, too." He was still angry but it seemed to be lessened as he held her. She needed him and it made him feel good. No one had ever needed him before.

"Addy, nobody is going to hurt you any more. I will see that they don't. Let's go call the police. I know you've done that before but we just can't let him get away with this." He had read the stories of abuse and stalking and remembered studying it in his college Psych classes. It always starts out very simple, maybe as verbal abuse or standing back and watching from a distance. Left unchecked it escalates into something far more dark and can lead to physical harm and even death. He put his arm around her and walked her into the house. Such a change, he thought. One minute they were basking in each others' love and now it had turned to sheer horror and fear.

[Notty]

Adelaide nodded slightly, her eyes scanning his as he spoke. She couldn't help her chin trembling as she spoke, "I'm sorry Jeremy...I'm sorry I made this mess after how amazing this morning was..."

She headed inside with him, still feeling extremely shaken up and vulnerable. She hated that Mark has been here. It was her house. Her space. Her things. And now she felt like they were someone else's. Like she had been invaded. Swallowing hard, she turned in Jeremy's arms and highfqed him tightly. "Please Jeremy, I don't want you to stay out there. I want you in here. With me."

[Mihkul]

"Baby, you didn't do it. Please don't blame yourself." Jeremy held her tightly. Self blame was another sign of serious abuse and Jeremy felt sorry for Adelaide. There was no telling what Mark had put her through. He shuddered. "Of course, Addy, I'd be happy to stay with you for as long as you want me to."

In his heart, he hoped that would be forever. As each moment passed his love for her grew stronger. He needed her as much as she needed him. He wrapped his arms around her waist. "Let's go take care of the animals together, Addy. The rest can wait until tomorrow. Hopefully the police will be here soon."

[Notty]

Adelaide smiled weakly and nodded, looking up at Jeremy as his hands went around her waist. She felt safe with him. Perhaps the reason she was so scared was because she felt so safe with him. Mark had never made her feel safe. She was always somewhat scared of him, and even now, her fear of him was growing.

She headed outside with Jeremy and showed him where to find the feed for the animals, how to gather eggs, and feed the chickens. Then she went and fed the cows, showing him to fill their water and how she talked with them. "Okay...here's the fun part.." She chuckled, then sat down on a stool and showed him how to milk the cows, laughing as he struggled, but soon the buckets were full, and she had all but forgotten Mark.

[Mihkul]

Jeremy enjoyed the chores. At first he had some trouble with milking the cows but soon his fingers moved like a pro. They laughed and joked and all seemed good, but he knew that underlying fear was still there. He wiped his hands on his jeans and grabbed the buckets of milk buckets. "Now what are we supposed to do with it, pour it into bottles." He looked at Adelaide and laughed. he wasn't a farmer yet.

"Well, ma'am...you shore did work up my appetite," he said in his best drawl. He saw the twinkle come back to her eyes and the color return to her dimpled cheeks. He would protect her with his life. The bastard would pay for the grief he had already caused. The police cruiser pulled into the yard. He saw her look change again and he wrapped his arm around her waist. "Don't worry, Addy. I'm right here beside you."

[Notty]

Adelaide's face paled and she took Jeremy's hand, squeezing it tightly as they slowly walked over to the car. The sheriff got out and smiled. "Hey Miss Adelaide, how are you today?" He asked, then looked to Jeremy. "And who is this handsome young man?" Adelaide smiled weakly and looked to Jeremy. "This is Jeremy, he just moved to town sort of.."

The sheriff nodded and smiled. "So tell me about what's been going on.." Adelaide nodded and shook her head, then slowly began talking. She explained everything, telling about how things were moved and the words on the mirror. The sheriff frowned and nodded. "Well, I'm sorry Miss Adelaide, I'll do my best to keep an eye on Mark. He just can't seem to get over you or let you go. Let me know if he gives you any more trouble."

[Mihkul]

Jeremy looked at the sheriff. "That's it? That's all you can do is keep an eye on him? The bastard broke into her house. Isn't that against the law?" He was angry that there was nothing going to be done. "Well, you can tell this Mark character that if I catch him back up here I'll beat the hell out of him and then hang him in the cornfield." The sheriff just shook his head and got back into the car.

"I'm sorry, Addy, but I expected him to do something. I mean, he threatened you, for crying out loud." She tried to calm him down but he was still angry. He would call his own lawyer, he thought. maybe he could pull some strings. But until then he would keep her safe. He looked at her and felt a calm overwhelm him. "It's will be fine, Addy. I'm going to be with you always."

[Notty]

Adelaide blushed deeply as Jeremy got angry, just standing beside him, gently holding his hand. She waited until the sheriff pulled away and then turned to Jeremy, gently pressing several kisses to his lips, then pulled herself close to him. "Jeremy, please...just...let it go..." She murmured against his chest.

There had been a reason she never pursued anything with the police. A reason she never spoke up or said anything. Slowly Adelaide leaned up and looked at Jeremy, her eyes scanning his. I should tell him. I should be honest with him about what is going on... Taking a deep breath, Adelaide began to speak.

"Mark is the sheriff's son..."

[Mihkul]

Jeremy's jaw dropped slightly as his anger rose again, then he shook his head in disbelief. "Then it makes so much sense now. This bastard has a get out of jail free card." He wrapped his arm around Adelaide's shoulder. "Let's go inside. I need to sit down for a minute." His mind was filled with thoughts. He needed to call his lawyer but didn't want all the way to town to get a signal on his cell phone. And he'd rather that she didn't hear all that he had to say...not yet, anyway.

He sat on the couch and motioned for Adelaide to sit beside of him. "Addy, I need to know everything you know about Mark. I want to help you but there can't be any secrets. I need to know all the ugly details. Did he ever hit you?" The thought of this made Jeremy's anger rekindle. He had always despised a man hitting a woman. He had seen his father slap his mother before when he was helpless to do anything. He wasn't helpless any more and no one would hit Adeleaide...ever!

[Notty]

Adelaide looked at Jeremy and then slowly came and sat down beside him, her eyes meeting his. She didn't want to tell him everything. She didn't want him to know what she had put up with. She shifted a bit and smiled weakly, holding back tears. "Really...it's nothing..."

But soon her voice broke and she started crying. She told him how things had started off well for them, but then after high school he got controlling. He hadedt bruises where he gripped her arm, had forced himself on her several times, and had broke into her house on several occasions. She had called the sheriff, but as Mark was his son, there really wasn't much done.

"I'm sorry Jeremy...I'm sorry that I put up with it...I'm sorry that I brought you into this..."

[Mihkul]

Jeremy sat silently while Adelaide told him of the things she had endured. Each word made him more angry but seeing her this upset broke his heart. She was a beautiful flower, so sweet and innocent, only to be trampled on by this monster. He held her in his arms, stroking her hair as she sobbed, trying to comfort her. "Addy, it won't happen again. I won't let it happen again. I don't care who he is. No one has the right to do to you what he did."

He kissed her forehead, thinking. She had been open and honest with him. He couldn't hide anything from her now. "Addy, can I use your phone? My cell won't pick up out here and I need to call my lawyer. It's long distance but just let me know when the phone bill comes in. He's helped me out in a lot of things and I hope he can help us with this." He stood up and took her hand, walking to the phone. She sat while he dialed the number.

David Pellingham was Jeremy's college room mate. They had become good friends in college and once he passed the bar exam Jeremy took him on as his personal lawyer. His help had ranged from getting him oout of speeding tickets to corporate battles he had with his father. "David....this is Jeremy...No, I haven't disappeared. I'm still alive and kicking. Got a favor to ask.." Jeremy went on and described the situation. "I need you to pull some strings with your buddies in the state house in Nebraska. See what dirt you can find on this asshole and put him away......I owe you one, my friend."

Jeremy hung up the phone and took both of Adelaide's hands in his and looked deeply into her eyes. "It's going to be all right, Addy. I'll take good care of you."

[Notty]

Adelaide nodded and watched as Jeremy called his friend and she felt her cheeks heat, almost feeling sick as Jeremy talked more on the phone. She nodded and smiled weakly, taking his hands. "I hope so..." She whispered softly against Jeremy's chest.

To be honest, she was terrified. She was worried that Mark would come when Jeremy was gone and hurt her. She knew that he would be furious when he found out about the lawyer. She had put up with him this long, she could do it. Really, it was because Jeremy was around. She felt her cheeks heat even more and she felt sick to her stomach. Did she really dare think it?

Maybe I should just leave. Just up and leave. Not tell Jeremy or anyone. Just leave.

[Mihkul]

Adelaide's body still felt so tense against his. He took his arms from around her and hung his head in his hands. "This is all my fault, Addy. He wouldn't be doing this if I hadn't been with you at the store. I've done nothing but bring troubles into your life." Maybe he should leave and go back to the city. Maybe things would get better for her. But then, who would protect her? Who would be here for her? Who would love her?

"Addy, I'm going to have to be with you around the clock. If you have to go somewhere I will go with you. That is, if you want me to. I've been pushing myself onto you a lot lately but I never asked if that's what you wanted. It's just that....I love you." he looked down at the floor, then looked back at her. "I hate to ask this, Addy. Do you have a gun?"

[Notty]

"No, Jeremy..." She murmured, gently lifting his head. His sadness and guilt only made her feel worse. "It's fine, really. I'm glad you're here..." Smiling weakly, Adelaide kissed his lips, then hugged him tightly.

His next question surprised her, and she pulled back, her eyes meeting his, searching them. "I..well yes, I have a gun..." She murmured, swallowing hard. She knew why he asked, but she had never thought of that. "Jeremy, I'm...I'm sorry that you're coming into all this trouble and having to put up with it, it's my trouble that I've made and you shouldn't have to deal with it. I feel like...I'm glad you're here to help."

[Mihkul]

Her words were reassuring to Jeremy. She wanted him and that's all that mattered to him. Her kisses warmed his body and he kissed her back, deeply and passionately. "Addy, we're in this together and I'm not backing away. We will take care of this together. Just promise me there will be no more secrets and I will do the same." He kissed her again and the thoughts of the previous night together flooded his mind, filling his body with the electrical heat of passion.

"Uh, we'd better find something else to do before we get too distracted," he smiled with a red face. "You need to keep that gun loaded and someplace close to you all the time. Just in case."

[Notty]

Adelaide nodded and smiled bashfully, slowly pulling back from him. "Yeah, I suppose we should probably get some things done today, hmm?" she murmured, slowly standing and pushing her fingers through her hair. Her eyes moved to his face and she smiled again. How is it that he cares for me so deeply? How is it that he's willing to do anything? To pull strings with his friends to help me, when he doesn't even really know me?

Slowly Adelaide moved back into the kitchen and began cleaning, trying to keep her mind off all that had happened, and all that was happening. She felt herself being torn between being incredibly thankful for Jeremy, and being a little hesitant as to why he was being so kind to her.

[Mihkul]

Jeremy walked out to the front porch. He had calmed down some yet every time he thought about Mark he felt his face flush again. He hoped David would come up with something...anything. He knew he wouldn't get any help from the local sheriff. He was his son, after all. What father would lock up his own son? Well, Jeremy knew his father would if it meant a few more dollars in his pocket. He would wait until tomorrow morning and call David again.

He walked back into the house. Adelaide was busying herself in the kitchen and he hoped maybe it kept her mind occupied. He walked back into the living room and sat down. He knew that he was probably the reason for Mark's escalated aggression but it would have only been a matter of time before it happened anyway. He was a powderkeg just waiting for the spark to make him explode. His mind drifted to the night before. They had made love and it was beautiful beyond words. He didn't understand the attraction he had for Adelaide but it didn't matter to him. He knew how he felt and he knew he wanted to make her happy. Maybe they could just move away together and start a fresh life but Jeremy knew that she loved this land. She loved this farm. And he hoped she loved him.

[Notty]

After a while Adelaide came out and smiled weakly at Jeremy, her eyes scanning his face. "How is it, that it's the middle of the day and I'm exhausted?" She murmured, sinking down onto the couch beside Jeremy. Her head leaned against his shoulder and she closed her eyes, taking in a deep breath.

Should I trust him as much as I do? What if he's like Mark, only sneaky? I couldn't let this happen to me again, and he knows enough people that he really could hurt me if he wanted to... Adelaide's mind ran with questions and fear. She didn't know that she wanted to let anyone in. She didn't know that she was ready to take that chance and love again.

[Mihkul]

Jeremy wrapped his arm around her shoulder. "It's been a long day and it's only lunchtime." He sat quietly for a few minutes, then brushed her hair from her forehead. "Hey, I have an idea. Let's go have a picnic. Somewhere out in the cornfield where we can just kick back and relax. And I'll help fix us something simple, even just a sandwich." He looked into her eyes, wishing he could see that happy twinkle come back.

It had been a stressful morning and part of it was his fault. He had brought a change into Adelaide's life and it had upset her normal routines. Yet, he could not leave her...not now. Not ever. She had brought a change to his life, too, but in a very good way. He was no longer just the spoiled son of a rich man. He felt love for the very first time and it scared him, but he knew it was what he needed the most. "What you say, Addy? Let's go have some fun."

[Notty]

Adelaide leaned up slightly and gave Jeremy a weak smile, nodding. "Yeah, sure. That would be good." She leaned her head back down on his shoulder for a moment and closed her eyes, taking in a deep breath. Adelaide found that her arms moved around him and she pulled herself close, wanting to be near him.

"I can grab a quilt and a basket, if you want to get lunch togetehr..." She said as she stood and started towards a closet, grabbing a patchwork quilt and a basket for a picnic.

[Mihkul]

he felt her arms around him, pulling closer, and his eyes filled with tears of happiness. The warmth filled his heart. "Then we have a plan." Jeremy got up and held his hand out for Adelaide, then they went back into the house. He went to the kitchen and made some ham and cheese sandwiches, the finding some pickles he set them out on the counter. He noticed a pitcher filled with iced tea and, finding a sealable jug, he poured it in. He took some glasses and paper napkins. Now, what's missing, he thought? He took two apples and set them aside. That should do it, he thought.

Adelaide returned with a basket and a blanket. Jeremy packed the food in the basket. "Now, let's go have some fun," he smiled as he took her hand. "Be sure to lock the doors. We don't want any uninvited guests this time." They walked the path alongside the cornfield until they couldn't see the farmhouse. He knew Adelaide was tired, but it was from the stress. Maybe she would feel better just by getting away for a few hours. When they were out of sight, Jeremy took the blanket and spread it out beside the cornstalks. "After you, madam," he said as he motioned for her to sit on the blanket, then he sat beside her and kissed her softly. "Relax, Addy...for now it is only you and I."

[Notty]

Adelaide took Jeremy's hand after locking up the house, and began walking with him, Harrison bounding along happily with them, until he took off into the cornfield, chasing a rabbit. Remaining quiet for the majority of the walk, Adelaide smiled and sat down on the blanket, glancing up at Jeremy and returning his kiss as he sat beside her. "Thank you..." she murmured as he remained close, "this is wonderful."

Lunch was leisurely, something that Adelaide rarely did. Usually she was eating as fast as she could before getting back to work. But today, she took her time. It wasn't a fancy meal, just sandwiches, pickles and apples, but she enjoyed it, laughing and talking with Jeremy.

After they had finished, she laid on her back with her head in his lap, looking up at the sky. For now, she was content and happy, one hand held by Jeremy's hand. "Jeremy?" she murmured after a while, "do you want to stay here, in McCook, forever?"

[Mihkul]

Jeremy stroked her hair softly as he thought about her question. Looking across the fields of corn and enjoying the quietness out here he enjoyed the peace and serenity he felt. The city was filled with the rush of everyday living and life was too busy to even notice the simple things of life. Here, he cherished that same lifestyle of simplicity.

A soft breeze rustled through the corn stalks as if whispering to him, calling him in an unknown melody. He looked down at Addy as his hand brushed her cheek. "Addy, I would have to say yes, I would stay here forever, but only if you would, too. Where I am doesn't matter near as much as who I am with. I want to be with you forever and it doesn't matter if it is McCook, Nebraska or the North Pole. I want to be with you and to have you by my side to face all that life might send our way." He bent over and kissed her softly as the mid-day sun sent it's warmth down on them.

[Notty]

Adelaide smiled up at him, her eyes scanning his face as he spoke. She nodded and took in a deep breath, then leaned up a little, laying down next to him and snuggling close. "I don't want to work today, I just want to be with you..." She could feel her eyes getting heavier and the sun made her warm. Before she knew it, she had fallen asleep beside him.

She dreamt of what their life might be like together. The farm, each other, maybe children. It was warm and bright and cheerful. Then a darkness spread over it, Mark was there, taking everything away from her, and threw her in jail, mocking her. She awoke with a start, her heart racing from the nightmare.

[Mihkul]

Jeremy felt Adelaide's body relax in his arms. He looked down and saw he sleeping with a faint smile on her face. He smiled, staring into the acres of corn, the green stalks swaying slightly in the breeze with the tassles of brown silk attached to the full, golden ears. His mind drifted in thought to a lifetime with her. He knew he could make this farm into a self-sufficient business without destroying the simplicity of it all. He would help her manage it, possibly raise a family to continue when they were old and gray.

He felt her body jerk and her smile disappeared. He stroked her hair. "It's okay, Addy. Just a bad dream. Rest now." His voice was calming and low and she closed her eyes and went back to sleep. He guessed it was a dream about Mark. He would try his lawyer later to see what he had found out. Mark was the only thing that truly stood between them and he needed to remove him from their lives forever.

[Notty]

Adelaide shifted against him and slowly relaxed again, drifting back to sleep. It felt so natural, so right to sleep beside him. She was comfortable and cared for. After nearly and hour, she slowly opened her eyes and glanced up, smiling more when she saw Jeremy was still holding her.

"Hey..." She whispered, her cheeks flushed with color from sleeping. "Sorry...I guess I was more tired than I thought I was..." Slowly she leaned up and glanced around, the sun low in the sky. "Should we head back?" She asked, gently pressing her lips to his with a smile.

[Mihkul]

Jeremy felt her stirring, then she sat up. "Yes, as much as I hate to, we'd better head back." hwe looked at Adelaide. "This has been a wonderful afternoon, Addy. Thank you for agreeing to come with me." He softly kissed her and helped her up from the blanket.

He gathered up the basket and the blanket and they walked back to the house holding hands. "Addy, I've thought more about the little farm stand. It wouldn't bring in a lot of money but it would help out some. I'll help out, of course."
Jeremy had other plans to make the farm flourish but he still had to work out the details in his head before he told her. One thing for sure, he never wanted to destroy the comfort of this farm...and he wanted to spend the rest of his life with the woman he had grown to love.

[Notty]

Adelaide held his hand all the way back to the house, listening to his dreams about a food stand. She smiled and squeezed his hand, pulling herself a little closer as they walked. "Yeah, I'd be willing to try..." She said with a smile. "Just never been very good at business." Her eyes moved upwards and met his, "I guess that's where you'll come into things..."

As they reached the house, harrison was there to meet them, barking and jumping happily. Adelaide smiled and petted his head, starting up the steps to the door. "Uh..." She murmured, remembering what she had said about Jeremy staying with her in the house. "I don't know..." She began, hesitating. "Did you want to stay here? There's another bedroom up here that could be yours..."

[Mihkul]

"The other bedroom would be fine, that is if you still want me to stay with you. I could even sleep on the couch if you want." Jeremy felt like he was getting mixed signals from Adelaide. At first she nearly begged him to stay with her but now there was an uncertainty in her voice. He didn't want to leave her alone in this house even if he had to sleep in front of the door. But so much had happened today and he understood her confused emotional state.

"Let me go into the house first, Addy, just in case. He felt the door and it seemed secure, then stepped back so she could unlock it. He slowly opened it and stuck his head inside. Everything appeared to be in order. "OK, looks good," he said as he motioned for her to follow him. He felt tense and he knew there was only one way to feel relaxed again and that was to take care of Mark for good.

[Notty]

Adelaide stepped back slightly, letting Jeremy go in first before she stepped in. She glanced around, then smiled, letting go of his hand before she went to the kitchen, putting everything away from their picnic. To say she he had a lot on her mind would be an understatement. She was confused and unsure, and wasn't ready to make big changes like Jeremy wanted to. I'll just leave. Tonight I'll leave, it'll be for the best.

Heading from the kitchen she went upstairs, starting some laundry, mentally making a list of all that she would have to pack. There wasn't much. I just need to leave long enough to get my head straight... she thought to herself, trying to avoid Jeremy at all costs.

[Mihkul]

Jeremy sensed that she was purposely avoiding him and went out on the front porch to sit. The sunset was beautiful as it cast it's orange hue over the cornfield and he listened to the crickets singing their chirping lullabye. He was unsure of what he had done or what he had said to make Adelaide not want to see him but he would give her her space. His heart, the same heart that felt so alive and filled with joy, now felt so heavy and sad.

Maybe she didn't want him to interfere in her life. He sure had done that from the very first moment they had met. He had probably overstepped that imaginary line and now he worried he could not cross back over. He sat in the twilight silence deep in thought. He must have screwed this up just like he did with everything he touched. His father had called it the Jeremy Touch....'everything you touch turns to shit,' he had always told him. He despised the old man. But how much was he like him? The thought made him shiver.

[Notty]

He could be playing you. He could be just after your land, taking the long way around by getting your heart first. What if he turns into a Mark? What if he leaves you when he discovers how messed up you are? What if you're pregnant?...

Adelaide finished up folding a load of laundry and noticed how quiet the house had gotten. She leaned out from having her head towards the dryer, and didn't see Jeremy anywhere. Her mind had been racing, and she couldn't shake the doubt and fear that was now threatening to consume her completely.

Slowly she made her way down the hall, glancing around, only to find that Jeremy was not in the house. She stepped outside and smiled slightly when she saw him on the porch. "Hey...." she murmured softly, standing near him. "Perfect out here, isn't it?"

[Mihkul]

Jeremy looked at her and nodded. "It sure is." He sat silently, staring out at the horizon, then looked at Adelaide. "Addy, do you really want me here? Sometimes I think I am more of a burden on you. I've done nothing but disrupt your quiet life here and I am so sorry." His heart felt as if it were tearing in two pieces as he spoke. "Please believe me when I say this. You make me feel so alive. No one has ever made me feel the way I do about you. You have taught me what true love really is. Maybe you doubt my motives or my actions but, Addy, I promise you my motives are pure. I only want you to be happy...." He trailed off before finishing his sentence and looked out across the fields again.

"...even if it means that you want me to go. Just say the word, Addy, and I'll be gone tonight." he looked at her with a small tear in the corner of his eye. "I just need to know where I stand with you, Addy."

[Notty]

Adelaide furrowed her brow slightly as he began to speak, and she felt herself feeling guilty at her thoughts and actions of earlier. Maybe he really does care about me, maybe I'm just being ridiculous, and thinking that every man I will meet, will be like Mark. She nodded slightly, her eyes scanning his face, then she moved and sat down in his lap, smiling a little as she brushed away his tears.

"I'm sorry, Jeremy..." she whispered, leaning her forehead against his and closing her eyes. "I'm sorry, I don't mean to push you away. I just...I think part of me is scared that I'll wake up and this has been a beautiful dream." Taking in a deep breath, she looked at him, pulling back slightly. "Jeremy..." she started, hesitating. "I... I know that we haven't known each other very long, and....the other day..." Her eyes dropped, "what if I'm pregnant?"

[Mihkul]

Jeremy looked at her as she wiped his tears, then took her hand and kissed the back of it. He had oftened wondered about a child. It both frightened him and excited him. he had plenty of personal experience in how not to be a good father but he felt he could love a child with a pure, unconditional love like a father should.

He looked at Addy and held both her hands. "Addy,if you are, then we would love the baby and raise it to be a perfect human being." It was not a trick question and he answered it from deep in his heart. He would love the child and nurture it and it would be as perfect as it's mother.

[Notty]

Adelaide let out a long breath, nodding her head as he kissed her hand. She was nervous, scared. She didn't know if she would be a good mother, or really, even how to be a mother. Slowly, she pulled her arms around his neck and pulled herself to him, hugging tightly. She closed her eyes and relaxed against him, letting him hold her. The breeze blew gently over them and the last rays of sunlight shone against Adelaide's back as Jeremy held her, it was as close to perfect as she could have imagined.

Leaning up a little, she looked at him, her eyes scanning his face. "When will you hear from your friend?"

- - - Updated - - -

Adelaide let out a long breath, nodding her head as he kissed her hand. She was nervous, scared. She didn't know if she would be a good mother, or really, even how to be a mother. Slowly, she pulled her arms around his neck and pulled herself to him, hugging tightly. She closed her eyes and relaxed against him, letting him hold her. The breeze blew gently over them and the last rays of sunlight shone against Adelaide's back as Jeremy held her, it was as close to perfect as she could have imagined.

Leaning up a little, she looked at him, her eyes scanning his face. "When will you hear from your friend?"

[Mihkul]

He looked at her and said, "I tried calling earlier but didn't get an answer so I'll try again in the morning." He stroked her soft hair. He felt better and a little more reassured. She hadn't asked him to leave and that was a good thing. He thought more of the idea of children. They would learn together how to be good parents. No one is born with that ability; it is something that is learned.

He squeezed her gently, "We would make good parents, Addy, and any child we have would be the most beautiful baby there ever was." He leaned and kissed her head. "I do love you so much. I would give my life for you." His thoughts drifted back to his earlier question to her. What if she had told him to leave? How would he handle that? How could he live without her?

[Notty]

Adelaide felt her cheeks warm as he mentioned them being parents. It definitely wasn't in her life plan, but then again, neither was he. She nodded and kissed him, smiling against his lips. She could feel the fear begin to crumble, feeling more at peace with Jeremy being there, knowing that he would always care for her.

She nodded, lacing her fingers with his as he kissed her forehead. "Do you want to go inside and watch a movie? Just curl up on the couch?" She smiled a bit, "if you want, you can try to call again, I can make popcorn..." Adelaide smiled a little more, her cheeks warm, her heart full of love.

She stood and headed inside, letting Jeremy and Harrison follow. Harrison trotted into the living room and laid down on a small bed, watching Adelaide and Jeremy. Adelaide headed into the kitchen and started pulling out things for popcorn, rummaging through the refrigerator for a couple cans of rootbeer.

[Mihkul]

Watching a movie with Adelaide in his arms was almost like a dream come true....a life spent with someone you loved that would make anything sound so exciting. he sat on the couch as he heard her rummaging through the pots and pans. he would try the lawyer again. He used the house phone and called his cell phone. It rang several times before he answered.

"Dave, this is Jeremy...have you found anything yet...really? Can you get the state boys on this? Yeah, he's here somewhere in town... tell them it's a matter of life and death." Suddenly he went silent for a moment as his lawyer spoke. "OK...I'll handle that. Thanks, man. I owe you...yeah, I know that's what I pay you for but this means a lot....OK, talk later."

Addy would be happy with the news he got, but the second part troubled him. It was about his father. "Addy, can you come here for a minute? I've got to tell you this and you need to be sitting down."

[Notty]

Adelaide leaned up, peering over the top of a cabinet door. Her brow furrowed as she noted his eyes looked trouble. "Yeah...sure..." she murmured, shutting the cabinet and heading into the living room. Sitting down beside him, she tried to give him an encouraging smile, her eyes meeting his.

"What is it?" she asked, taking his hands. What could the lawyer have found that was so troubling? What had he heard that made him nervous, anxious, so much so, that he thought she would need to sit down to hear the news of it?

[Mihkul]

Jeremy decided not to play out the good news-bad news scenario but he had promised to be open and honest with her. He sat beside her and took her hands." It seems that Mark has warrants out for him in Wyoming for assault with intent to kill. He beat a woman up there and she almost died. David has notified the Wyoming State authorities and they will get the Nebraska State Police to pick him up." He looked deeply into Adelaide's eyes. "Until they pick him up he is considered to be a very dangerous man, Addy. But they will get him."

He looked down at the floor. "I also found out that my father is still pretty mad and he is going to personally come out here to talk with you." His voice faltered a bit. He didn't ever want to see that man again. "But you just stand your ground, Addy. He can't force you to do anything and I promise I will be here with you."

[Notty]

Adelaide felt her cheeks heat, then pale, feeling sick to her stomach at the news about Mark. Beat and almost killed a woman? she thought to herself. She stifled back a sob, covering her mouth with her hand, but it was too late, tears were starting down her cheeks. Quickly she pulled her arms around his neck, hugging him tightly as she cried, trembling in his arms. She was scared of Mark before, now she was terrified.

Her brow furrowed slightly as she pulled back and looked up at Jeremy. "He's coming here?" she asked, feeling her voice shake a little. It had been tough to stand her ground with Jeremy- and she had heard stories about his father, what would that be like? Would she be able to do it? Slowly she nodded, her cheeks still wet with tears. "O-okay..." she murmured, taking in a sharp breath. "As long as you're beside me, I'll be okay."

[Mihkul]

Jeremy took her into his arms. "Baby, I promised you I would be by your side no matter what. He's nowhere near as dangerous as Mark. All he has is more money than he knows what to do with and he'll throw it at you like water. He can't force you to do anything you don't want to do."

He knew this was true, but the old man had such a threatening way to do business. he would lie and cheat to get what he wanted. As much as he hated to face him again, Jeremy knew he would intimidate Adelaide if she were alone. He wouldn't allow it. He would be at her side. Suddenly an idea came to his mind. Legally, he had no say in the negotiation. But, if they were legal partners his father would have no choice but to deal with him. "Addy, I have an idea. let's go to town tomorrow and get a business license, as partners, for the Farm Stand. Then, legally, he would have to deal with me, too, because I would depend on your farm to provide the stand with fresh produce. What do you think?"

[Notty]

Adelaide hesitated, furrowing her brow slightly as he mentioned the farm stand and being partners. "Are you sure that would work?" She asked, shifting against him. "Are you sure that would work? That he couldn't figure a way around it?"

Her eyes scanned his, hoping, praying that what he said was true. "I...yeah, yeah. I don't really want to be up against him alone..." She pulled against him, closing her eyes and hugging close to him. There had been a lot that had come at her in a short time, and she didn't quite know what to think.

[Mihkul]

He smiled at Adelaide. "Addy, I promise you will never be alone as long as you want me. One of my favorite classes in school was Business Law and I learned the ins and outs of what can and cannot be done. I won't bore you with all the details but, in a nutshell, if a business relies on another business for supplying goods to be sold it is illegal to force that business out of the picture because it would create a hardship for the other business."

Jeremy knew it was stretching the law a little and he knew there would be a legal battle but he had full confidence in David's legal capabilities. The hardest part would be facing his father again. He would protect Adelaide with all his resources but it was a personal battle for him. It was time he stood up to the old man once and for all.

[Notty]

Adelaide nodded slowly, her face still partially pressed against his chest as she held onto him. "If...if you think that's best..." She breathed in again deeply and closed her eyes, letting him hold her for a moment before she leaned up, her eyes meeting his. "Okay, okay. I trust you." A small smile appeared and she kissed him quickly.

She pulled up and then stood, smiling. "Let's try this movie started." She headed back to the kitchen and grabbed the popcorn and rootbeer and returned. Snuggling close, Adelaide laid her head on his shoulder and relaxed, enjoying his nearness.

[Mihkul]

Jeremy felt so at ease with Adelaide lying against him. She had said she trusted him and he would never betray that trust. He smelled the faint scent of her shampoo mingled with her sweet musk. He kissed her head softly as the movie began. It was a romance movie but he couldn't focus on it as he thought about his father. He knew that Jeremy couldn't close his deal so he would personally show him up. But it would not happen. Jeremy would not let him.

He felt Adelaide sobbing in his arms during the movie and he just held her tight and stroked her hair without speaking. It had been an emotional day for both of them and the movie was a good release for her. He felt overwhelmed with his feelings for her and to hold her like this was so intimate he felt tears well up in his eyes. Not tears of sorrow but tears of happiness. He would always remember this moment.

[Notty]

Adelaide snuggled close to him, her eyes red and weary. She shifted, closing her eyes as she tried to get comfortable. She wanted to just fall asleep, fall asleep and forget all that had happened. All that was going to happen. She didn't want tomorrow to come. She didn't want his father to come.

Again, she shifted against him, glancing up at Jeremy. "Jeremy?" She murmured, her eyes scanning his. "Will you stay here tonight?"

[Mihkul]

"Do you want me to, Addy?" Jeremy wanted her to tell him for sure. He had already made too many assumptions and was so worried he was pushing her away with his constant presence, yet he wanted to be with her. He wanted to always be close to her.

He was not going to worry any more about tomorrow. Whatever happened would happen and there was no reason to worry. What he wanted now, for the rest of this night, was to enjoy being together with no cares for the future. He wanted to enjoy these moments. No Mark. No Father. Just he and Adelaide, alone together, sharing the love they felt for each other.

"If you want me to stay with you I would be happy to."

[Notty]

Adelaide nodded and looked up at him, taking his hands in her own. "I want you to stay..." She whispered, then closed her eyes again. She was comfortable with him. Something that she never had felt with Mark. There was always an underlying uneasiness, even when they had laid on the couch together like this.

She smiled a little, shifting against him. How was it that he was able to comfort her like this? And how as it that she so easily trusted him, though she had only known him a few days?

Adelaide soon felt herself drifting to sleep there on the couch with Jeremy. It had been an eventful day, and she was drained. Her dreams were a mixture of joy with Jeremy, and fear and apprehension of what was to come te next day.

[Mihkul]

Jeremy looked down on Adelaide as she slept. She looked so peaceful and innocent and looking at her like this filled him even more with a sense of love at it's purest. He softly touched her cheek as he felt his eyes growing heavy, too. The stress of the day was taking it's toll on both of them yet they could still be together like this. He wanted this; a life where no matter what might happen during the day they could still love each other like this when the night came.

His thoughts drifted to his father and the abuse he gave to his mother and to Jeremy. 'Toughen up,' he would say as he slapped his face. 'You're weak like your mother.' He hated him. How could Jeremy have ever allowed his own greed to overshadow that hate when he went to work for him. He nodded off into a sleep of sorts, sitting on the couch and holding Adelaide in his lap as his dreams turned to a lifetime spent with her.

[Notty]

Adelaide shifted, stirring as the first light of day came streaming in the windows. Her eyes slowly blinked open and she glanced around, then smiled when she saw that Jeremy was still holding her. Slowly she sat up and moved off him, careful not to wake him. Quietly she moved into the kitchen and started a pot of coffee, glancing through the doorway into the living room, smiling as she watched Jeremy sleep.

I think I love him... she thought to herself as the coffee brewed. Closing her eyes, she pushed her fingers through her hair and took in a deep breath. It was scary, to think that she was falling for him so easily. She was also struck with the fear of what was to come- his father's visit, and hopefully the news of Mark's arrest. It would be an eventful day, one way or another, and she was glad that Jeremy would be there beside her.

[Mihkul]

Jeremy woke to the smell of coffee. It was one of his favorite smells in the morning. He stretched and stood up. The couch was not the most comfortable place to sleep but he had enjoyed having Adelaide in his lap. He walked to the kitchen to see her busy. "Good morning. Whatever you're fixing smells divine." He walked over to her and leaned over her shoulder, kissing her neck.

He didn't want to mention his father or Mark this morning. He didn't want to spoil the moment. "I hope I was a good enough pillow for you, Addy. Although I have to say the next time I sleep with you I hope it's a little more comfortable than the couch." He laughed and winked at her, hoping she wouldn't be offended.

[Notty]

Adelaide smiled as she felt Jeremy gently kiss her neck and draw his body close to hers. She turned slightly and looked at him, giving him a warm smile. "Good morning..." She murmured, turning in his arms and hugging him gently. Then she laughed a bit, smiling even more. "I actually did, but I know I was exhausted..."

Leaning up she kissed him gently, then smiled again. "What sounds good for breakfast? I know we've got several things to do today..." She was hesitant to even speak of what they had to do, lest she should wake and find that she was having to face it all alone.

[Mihkul]

"Do pancakes sound simple enough?" he asked as he poured a cup of coffee. The hot brew hit the spot as he slowly sipped it. Black with no sugar. He never could understand how people could call that sweet stuff real coffee. "I was hoping we could go to the town hall this morning and get that business license." He looked at her and grabbed her hands. "I was thinking we could get a joint license for the stand but the joint ownership would only be for the stand itself. I, or we, would pay rent for the little piece of land at the street." He squeezed her hands. "Addie, I just don't want you to think that I'm trying to steal your property from you. That will still be yours, free and clear."

He knew she had been apprehensive of him and, to be honest, he didn't blame her at all. His first impression was not the greatest but he had vowed to himself that he would show her the real Jeremy. He wanted this to be proof of his intentions. "I can have David draw up all the paperwork once we get the license. Call this my token of love for you."

[Notty]

Adelaide nodded, gently squeezing his hands as he spoke. "I...I trust you Jeremy." She smiled warmly before kissing him quickly. "I don't think that you're trying to take advantage of me." But she remained silent as they cooked the pancakes, her mind swirling with all that was to come that day.

Once the food was on the table, she smiled over at Jeremy, dishing him out some pancakes before getting one herself. She ate quietly, thinking about what had happened. "Is there any papers I have to take? And..I mean if we get this license, does that mean we actually have to start selling food at the stand, or can we just have it and not use it?" Her brow furrowed; not sure of all the workings of legal logistics. The last she thing wanted was for her farm to be taken away from her.

[Mihkul]

Jeremy pushed the fork in his mouth. The pancakes were covered with syrup and tasted delicious with his coffee. "Oh no, we don't ever have to sell anything if we don't want to. The license just says we can when we are ready. We would have so much to do to get things ready before we could. But I want to do this with you if you are okay with it."

He knew his father wouldn't come until late afternoon, probably flying in on his private jet to a nearby landing field. He wanted to have the license in place before he got here so that he could wave it in his face. He saw the troubled look on Adelaide's face. "Addy, everything is going to be alright. I promise."

[Notty]

Adelaide nodded and gently squeezed his hand. She finished up her breakfast and started cleaning off the table. Her heart was pounding slightly, and she glanced at Jeremy every now and then, letting his looks calm her. She smiled and moved over to him and pulled her arms around him, hugging tightly. "Jeremy..." She whispered, pressing a kiss to his lips.

Just say it...just...just tell him how you feel. You know he feels the same way. You know that he cares about you and would do anything for you. Look at all the help he's giving you. Look at what all he's doing for you already. He's a good man, you trust him.

Taking in a deep breath, Adelaide looked up at Jeremy and gently stroked his jaw, her eyes meeting his. "I love you."

[Mihkul]

No words could explain the feelings that swept over Jeremy as he heard her say those words. He wanted to laugh and cry at the same time. He held her in his arms and they kissed a deep and passionate kiss that lingered for a very long time. He knew that those words did not come easy for Adelaide and to hear them come from her lips were like a precious gemstone. "Addy, to hear you say that means so much to me. I love you always and forever."

They walked out to his truck and he helped her step into the cab. He had made an appointment at the Town Hall and they still had an hour to get there. "This will be the license, " he told her. "David is already drawing up the contract. It's just for your protection, Addy. Only a formality so that no one can ever take your property away from you." They hadn't been to town together since the incident with Mark and Jeremy still found himself looking over his shoulder as they entered the Town Hall.

[Notty]

Adelaide held Jeremy's hand as they headed into the Town Hall, her heart pounding as they stepped up to the counter. Once they received the forms, Jeremy helped her fill them out. Surprisingly, it was easy and they were given their provisional license until the final one came through.

"Well, we did it!" Adelaide smiled as she held the paper, walking back out to the truck. She stopped at the bottom of the stairs and smiled, then pulled close to Jeremy, hugging him before she kissed him gently. "Thank you Jeremy, for everything..." She whispered against his lips, then kissed him again.

She was nervous to head back out to the farm. She wasn't sure when his father would get there, and what kind of tricks he was going to pull on them to try and make her sell her property. Taking Jeremy's hand after she climbed in the truck, she squeezed it and gave him a slightly nervous smile. "Let's go home..."

[Mihkul]

Home. Jeremy had never felt like he had a place to call home. A place where all he loved would always be found. He smiled and looked at her. "Gladly, my dear." He had all he needed when his father showed up. The drive home was quiet and He knew that Adelaide was very nervous. He tried to relax her with silly jokes and she politely laughed but he knew she would be happy when this day ended.

He pulled into the driveway and got out, opening her door and helping her step down. He looked at his cell phone and noticed a missed call from his lawyer. They walked to the door and were greeted by Harrison. "I've got to call David. Maybe he's got some good news for us." He picked up the phone and dialed the number.

"Hello...David? What's up?" Jeremy was silent as he listened to his friend. His face turned ashen. "OK...thanks." He hung up the phone and turned to Adelaide, his face still with a look of shock. "There's been a plane crash. My father is dead."

[Notty]

Adelaide headed inside, putting down her purse and nodding as Jeremy made the phone call. She glanced at him, her brow furrowing slightly as he spoke. Her eyes widened and she took Jeremy's hand. "Sweetheart..." She murmured, feeling a lump start in her throat. "Are you okay?"

She walked with him over to the couch and sat down, pulling her arm around him and highing close. "I'm sorry Jeremy, I'm sorry...is there anything I can do for you?"

[Mihkul]

Jeremy sat in shock. His emotions were so mixed he only felt numb. Angy because he couldn't face off with him. Sad because he was the only living relative he had. Angy because of the abusive way he treated his mother and him. Sad because there were little moments when he almost thought he loved his father. He leaned his head on Adelaide's shoulder and wept.

After several minutes he wiped his eyes. "Addy, this won't change anything between you and I. I still want to open up the stand. And," he paused and looked into her eyes, "I want you to fly to the city for the funeral. Addy, I really need you with me." He looked at her, his eyes pleading with hers. "Please?"

[Notty]

Adelaide held Jeremy as he cried, holding him close to her. "Of course, of course..." She answered, smiling weakly as she brushed the tears from his cheeks. "Yes, I'll go with you..." She smiled weakly, "when do we need to go?"

It had been a few years since she lost everything, but she knew how hard it was. How scary it was to have to make al the decisions and everything on her own. "Of course..." She stood and kissed him quickly, then went into the kitchen and poured them both a cup of coffee. "Her...what all do we need to do?" She asked as she handed him the cup, sitting down near him. "What can I help with? I've done this for my brothers and dad....I'm here for you, sweetheart."

[Mihkul]

Jeremy felt comfort from Adelaide's offer for help. He smiled and said, "I'll call and make the flight reservations. We can fly out in the morning." He had never made funeral arrangements before but he knew his father had all those plans written down and probably filed with his corporate lawyers. But he wanted to be there to make sure everything was carried through by his wishes. He took the coffee and set it on the counter then wrapped his arms around Adelaide. "Thank you, Addy." He kissed her softly. He understood better as to why he loved this woman as he did. No one had ever shown this much compassion towards him.

"We can stay in the mansion until after the funeral. I'm sure all of the hired help will be worried about what will happen to them and it will be easier for the lawyers and friends to visit." He looked at her, knowing how intimidating this might be for her. "Addy, you just be yourself. We won't be there for long and we'll be back home before you know it."

[Notty]

Adelaide smiled and nodded slowly, looking up at Jeremy. She had never even been anywhere near to a mansion, and she already felt intimidated by it. She nodded slowly, smiling as she rubbed his sides. "Alright sweetheart..." She smiled and kissed his lips.

Slowly she pulled back and looked at him. "Let me go pack...do you need me to help you pack? Is there anything you need help with?" She furrowed her brow. She never had anyone to help her or stand beside her when she went through everything, and even now, she wasn't sure how to help him. "I'm right here babe...I'll help as much as j can..."

[Mihkul]

"Relax, sweetheart, " he smiled. We only need a small bag and I just might take you shopping while we're there...my treat. Just pack what you think you will need for a couple days. We'll leave right after the funeral. Right now I just want to hold you." Life was just so sudden. One minute he was prepared to fight his old man for the woman he loved and the next he was gone. He never wanted to lose Adelaide. She was his rock and he depended on her more and more each day. He kissed her softl. "You can start packing and I'll call and make reservations. Then I'll call the butler and tell him we're coming so he can have the chauffeur meet us at the airport.

He was talking of things that had grown common for him without thinking how it would affect Adelaide. He looked at her. "Addy, we'll be okay. I promise."

[Notty]

Adelaide smiled and nodded, then gave him another kiss before she let go of him and started up the stairs to her room. She started packing, unsure of what she would need. She packed a couple dresses, some heels, and then some regular clothes- though nicer than what she normally wore. She was a little nervous about being at a mansion with a butler and servants.

After a while she came down with her bag, smiling a little at Jeremy. "I'm packed and ready. Do you want to stay here tonight, or we can drive into the city and stay near the airport..." Her eyes met his and she smiled a little. She wanted to be supportive, to be helpful to him. She wasn't sure how to help him, but she would do all that she could.

[Mihkul]

"Airport sounds good. Our flight leaves at 9 and arrives in Boston at 12:30. I think I've still got my bag packed from when i came so let me grab it and we can head to Denver. It's a 4 hour drive." He looked at his watch. It was already 3 and that would make it 7 when they arrive. He kissed Adelaide again. "Darling, have I told you just how much I love you?"

The long ride to Denver was filled with laughing and joking. Jeeremy still had the funeral on his mind but pushed it as far back as he could. How could he be sad when he was with her? The freeway to the airport was ahead and he veered off to the parking lot. "Here we are, sweetheart, and I've got tickets in first class, too." He kissed her again as they got out of the truck and headed for the shuttle bus to the sirport.

[Notty]

Adelaide climbed out of the truck and grabbed her bag, taking Jeremy's hand as they walked to the waiting area for the bus. Within a few minutes they were on the bus and heading towards the airport. Every now and then, Adelaide glanced over at Jeremy, but she remained silent for the most part, not sure of what to say and do.

They checked into their flight and settled down in the terminal. Adelaide leaned against Jeremy's shoulder and closed her eyes for a moment. She wasn't sure of what to say or how to make Jeremy feel better. No one had been there for her when her father and brothers died- though she desperately wanted someone to be. All she could do was support him and love him as best she could.

[Mihkul]

Jeremy sat silently with his arm around Adelaide while she lay her head on his shoulder. "I got our flight bumped up to the red eye. We should get to Boston by 5 tomorrow morning. Hope you don't mind sleeping on the plane." He laughed to himself. The last two times he slept with her was either on the couch and now in an airplane. His mind drifted back to the night at the hotel and how wonderful it had been.

His thoughts drifted back to his father and the funeral. There would be many people there putting on their shows of sympathy and sorrow but Jeremy knew he was not a very popular man. His demands were great and his rewards were few. He guessed that possibly his only friend was Burt Stallings, his top man in the organization. He liked Burt and Burt had given him advice many times.

He stared out onto the tarmac, watching the planes come and go. He leaned his face into Adelaide's hair. He didn't think he would have made it through all of this without her and imagined how hard it had been for her to go through it alone. The voice in the terminal announced the boarding of their flight and he took Adelaide's hand. "That's us, sweetheart. Let's get this over with."

[Notty]

Adelaide glanced up and nodded, picking up her bag. She followed Jeremy through the terminal, and they checked into the flight and headed down towards the plane. She kept ahold of his hand the whole time, only letting go when she stored her bag, but took his hand again when she sat down. Squeezing gently, she looked over at Jeremy, giving him her most reassuring smile.

"It'll be fine sweetheart." She said, her eyes scanning his. "I mean...it'll be hard, it'll be really hard and it won't be fun or easy, but we will make it through. We will do it, and I'll be there right beside you each step of the way. Okay, sweetheart?"

Adelaide found herself drifting to sleep even though she tried so hard to stay awake. Her head lulled over onto Jeremy's shoulder and soon she was fast asleep, holding close to him, her dreams riddled with fragments of what it was like to plan her father's and her brother's funeral.

[Mihkul]

Jeremy looked at Adelaide with a faint smile. How could he not love someone as caring as her. "Addy, I love you." He kissed her forehead as they sat in the plush leather seats. As the plane lifted and then levelled out, he felt her relax with her head nestled on his shoulder. His heart felt full of love and adoration for this woman and it was his comfort in this time of mixed emotion.

He sat and stared into the darkness outside. The engine of the plane sang in the empty darkness, scattered below with specks of light. He began to nod his head, resting it against Adelaide, and fell into a restless sleep. He dreamed he was at the funeral and as he approached the flower-covered casket he saw it was not his father but Adelaide that lay inside it. He jumped in his seat, gasping for breath, with tears streaming down his cheeks. Realizing it was only a bad dream he sat silently, not daring to fall asleep again.

[Notty]

Adelaide jerked awake when she felt Jeremy move, leaning up and furrowing her brow. "Jeremy?" She whispered, pulling her arm around his waist, "what is it sweetheart?" Her eyes scanned his face, wanting so badly to be able to help him and comfort him.

"Hey, I'm right here, okay? Everything is going to be okay. It might not seem like that now, but it will. It just...it takes some getting used to. I'll be here for you every step of the way, okay sweetheart?" She smiled weakly and then pressed a kiss to his lips, curling herself closer to him as they flew. She would do everything in her power to help Jeremy like he helped her.

[Mihkul]

Jeremy felt foolish after waking Adelaide up. "I'm sorry, Addy. Just a bad dream. Go back to sleep. We have another hour before we land." He welcomed her kiss and felt much better with her beside him. This is how he wanted it forever with her at his side. Together they could face any crisis and he knew that in his heart.

He felt the plane begin to descend and the bright city lights surrounded them. He felt the gentle thump of the wheels as they touched down then heard the racing of the engines as the plane slowed and taxied to the tarmac. They had made it. Jeremy sighed. He dreaded the next few days but, as Adelaide had reminded him, everything would be alright.. He gently kissed her lips, "Wake up Sleeping Beauty. We're here."

[Notty]

Adelaide shifted and sighed as Jeremy kissed her, and she slowly opened her he's and glanced around. Giving him a sleepy smile, she nodded and stretched a bit, taking in a deep breath. "All right sweetheart, let's go."

Standing, she grabbed her bag and headed off the plane with Jeremy. She had never really traveled much, and there were more people in the airport than in her entire town. She held his hand tightly, remaining close to him as he navigated them through the airport. Every joe and then she glanced to him or squeezed his hand. She would be okay with him there. He would be okay.

[Mihkul]

Jeremy was surprised that Logan Airport would be so busy this early in the morning. They navigated through the crowds and he felt Adelaide squeeze his hand. He knew she was uncomfortable and he held on to her until they finally got to the ground transportation section. He saw the chauffeur waiting for them. He didn't recognize him but he knew his father changed the help often, with the exception of the butler and the housekeeper/cook. They were husband and wife and had been there when his mother was still alive. He always had called them Ralph and Norma and he was only a baby when they first came to the mansion.

He helped Adelaide into the back seat of the limo and then slid in beside her. The driver smiled and asked if they were settled in and Jeremy nodded as he drove away. He squeezed Adelaide's hand, then kissed her. "Don't let all this stuff worry you, Addy. I'm right here with you."

[Notty]

Adelaide glanced around the limo and then nodded, closing her eyes as she kissed Jeremy back. She was glad heh was there. She was glad he was beside her. She wasn't quite as nervous with him there. She shifted and leaned her head against his shoulder, taking in a deep breath.

Her mind was racing, with everything that had happened, and everything that she knew was still to come. Every now and then she squeezed Jeremy's hand or scooted a little closer to him, wanting him to know she was there, but also to remind herself of his presence as well. This is where he's from. This is his life, this is how he lived and what he is used to...hopefully he can still be happy with me and the farm... Adelaide couldn't help but already feel intimidated.

[Mihkul]

It was like a sixth sense but Jeremy could feel how uneasy Adelaide was and he wrapped his arm around her and hugged her tight. "Have I told you today how much I love you, Addy?" He looked at her and smiled, then kissed her softly on the lips. The car pulled into the gated driveway and stopped in front of the door. The driver opened Jeremy's door and he helped Adelaide out. They were greeted by Ralph and Norma, who gave them both a big hug. "This is Adelaide, my...friend." He paused for a moment not sure what to call their relationship. He felt stongly enough about her to call her his girlfriend yet he didn't want to offend her.

They walked into the mansion. The front room was enormous with paintings and statues. Jeremy thought his father was showing off by decorating this way. He looked at Adelaide. "I'll show you the house later but we need to get some rest. It's still early." He looked at Ralph and Norma. "You guys go back to bed. We're going to try to get a little rest." He took Addy's hand and led her up the spiralling staircase to his old bedroom. Opening the door he led her in. "Here we are, sweetheart."

[Notty]

Adelaide frowned when Jeremy called her his friends didn't she mean nite to him than that? She tensed up a bit more, but didn't say anything. She followed him silently up to the room and nodded slightly, glancing around. She could feel that her cheeks were hot and she was getting more frustrated.

"And where am I staying?" She asked, too upset to want to stay with Jeremy. After all this, he just called her his friend? Is that what she had become? A friend with benefits?

[Mihkul]

Jeremy could feel the tension between he and Adelaide and was confused. "What's wrong, Addy. Did I do something? I was hoping you would stay in my room with me." He hung his head, not knowing what he had done or said. He reached for her hand and she pulled away.

"I am sorry for whatever I did or said, Addy. I would never hurt you intentionally and even if I did it accidentally I would rather die than to hurt you in any way. Please tell me what is wrong." He looked at her eyes and saw tears forming. What have I done, he thought?

[Notty]

Adelaide looked at Jeremy, feeling hurt and unwanted. "You...you said I was just a fiend Jeremy." She murmured, feeling hot tears spring to her eyes. "Is that all you think of me? That I'm just your friend and nothing else?" Her cheeks burned as she thought of how she felt about him, and what they had done together. What if she was pregnant and he only felt about her like a friend? What then? Would she be left on her own?

Adelaide crossed the room and sat down on the bed, looking at Jeremy. "I...I don't want to just be your friend Jeremy..." She finally murmured after a long silence. Her eyes moved upwards, towards his, wanting to know how he felt.

[Mihkul]

Jeremy's mouth dropped open and he knelt down before Adelaide and took her hand in his. "Oh Addy, I am so sorry. I just wasn't sure how you felt about this..about us. Sweetheart you are so much more than a friend, even more than a girlfriend. You are the woman who I love with every fiber of my soul. You are the woman I to spend the rest of my life with.

He laid his head on her lap, realizing how inconsiderate he had been. There was so much happening in his life right now and he couldn't imagine trying to make it through it all without her by his side. He looked at her, "Addy, please forgive me. Hurting you is the very last thing I ever wanted to do. I love you too much to hurt you like this."

[Notty]

Adelaide looked down at Jeremy, her fingers gently pushing through his hair as he laid his head against her lap. She smiled weakly and nodded, taking in a deep breath. "It's okay Jeremy, I...I'm sorry. I'm sorry I was...I shouldn't have said anything. I didn't mean to upset you..." Her eyes scanned his face as she looked at him.

"I know...I know you're dealing with a lot, I know you didn't mean it. I'm sorry...I'm just...I'm cranky and tired. Let's go to bed, okay, sweetheart?" She smiled weakly and helped Jeremy stand, then kissed him gently. Finding her bag, Adelaide changed into her pajamas and sat on the edge of the bed, waiting for Jeremy to join her. She couldn't help but look around the place- it was fancy, like a hotel. She felt intimidated and small, and was glad that Jeremy was there with her.

[Mihkul]

Jeremy came out of the bathroom wearing his boxers, having slipped out of his pants and shirt, and leaned over and kissed Adelaide. "Thanks for everything, Addy. I love you so much." He pulled the covers back and climbed into the bed, beckoning for her to lie beside him.

His mind wandered to the dream on the plane and he shivered. Where would he be right now if Adelaide had not come into his life? Probably still living under the tyrant's rule in his father's business, hating everything and everyone. She had showed him more than he had ever known. He pulled her close to him and kissed her forehead.

[Notty]

Adelaide smiled a little when Jeremy pulled her close, and she snuggled up against him, pulling herself close to him. "I love you..." She murmured, her eyes closing as she relaxed against him. As she drifted to sleep, she rubbed his side, wanting to keep him comfortable, for him to know that she was near.

She fell asleep quickly, and slept deeply for several hours. Adelaide woke up around noon, shifting and stretching slightly as the afternoon sun streamed in the windows. Smiling a little, she glanced over at Jeremy and pressed a kiss to his temple, then snuggled back up against him. She didn't feel comfortable leaving the room without him- honestly, she wouldn't know what to do or where to go. Closing her eyes again, she remained close to Jeremy, waiting for him to wake up. It would be a long day ahead of them,, and she'd do her best to be his support.

[Mihkul]

Jeremy slept well, as if Adelaide had been his security blanket. He felt so relaxed with her sleeping at his side. He awoke feeling her kiss and slowly opened his eyes. "Good morning, my daring," he whispered to her. "What time is it?"
He looked at his watch. Noontime. He would need to see his father's lawyer at 1 and then he wanted to go to the funeral home after that to view the body. "Let's get up and see what Norma has for lunch. I'm hungry."

He slipped out of the bed and was slightly embarrassed. It seemed the feeling of lying with her had aroused him. He quickly turned his back and slipped on his pants, hoping she had not noticed. She had such an affect on him, almost magical. Modesty had never been one of his stronger points yet now he was being overly modest. "I'll wait for you while you get dressed, Addy."

[Notty]

Adelaide hadn't noticed and was already out of bed and at her bag. She rummaged through, suddenly feeling like what she packed wasn't nice enough. She hesitated and then pulled out a pair of jeans and a plain grey blouse. She headed to the bathroom and got dressed, putting on a little makeup as well. She came back out and pulled on a pair of boots, then glanced up at Jeremy with a smile.

"Alright, do I look okay? I feel out of place..." She murmured, glancing donw at her clothes. To be honest, she felt painfully out of place. Even though they were fairly new clothes, they looked very plain in comparison to everything else around her. Shifting and smoothing her clothes, she stood before Jeremy, looking at him, hoping for his approval.

[Mihkul]

"Sweetheart, you look gorgeous," he beamed a smile at her. He had wore a pair of jeans and a button-up white shirt himself. "The folks we're going to see are all black suit-type, but we don't owe them a thing." he took her hand and they walked down the stairway to the dining room. The food was an elaborate spread with ham and eggs, fruits and toasted bread. "Norma, you have outdone yourself again," he said as he kissed her cheek. He pulled the chair out for Adelaide to sit and he sat beside her. He looked back at Norma and motioned toward Adelaide. "This woman is very special to me and I want you to treat her like she's part of the family." he turned to Adelaide and smiled, hoping he had made amends for his mistake earlier this morning.

He watched as Adelaide daintily picked at the food, then laughed. "Oh come on, Addy. You won't break it. just pretend we're at home in your kitchen."

[Notty]

Adelaide laughed nervously, glancing over at Jeremy. "Sorry...this is just really nice.." She murmured, then slowly began eating. She hadn't realized how hungry she was, and soon had finished all that was on her plate. Finishing off her cup of coffee, she smiled over at Jeremy.

The clock behind him told her that soon they would be leaving to meet with the lawyers, and then they would go to view the body at the funeral home. She knew his father was in a plane crash, and honestly was a little nervous to see him. She had heard so many awful stories about him, and honestly was terrified of him, but now, she was going to look at the shell of the man that had once scared her. It was a strange feeling, to be scared of someone, yet know that they are dead and can't hurt you. She reached across he table and took Jeremy's hand, squeezing gently. It was going to be a rough day.

[Mihkul]

Jeremy helped her into the limo. First stop was the lawyer. He felt a little nervous about this. He had met him many times but his father had done all the talking. He saw how nervous Adelaide was and put his hand on her knee. "Don't worry, Addy. This will be over before you know it." He leaned over and kissed her deeply as the driver wheeled out of the driveway.

The office of Dewey, Cheatham, and Howe was loctaed on Beacon Hill among the elite Bostonians. Jeremy despised these people who felt they were better than the world. His father dealt exclusively with Mr. Howe and Jeremy took Adelaide's hand and entered his office. "Mr. Burnside, " the older man greeted him with a handshake.

"Good day, Mr. Howe. This is my girlfriend, Adelaide Penthrane."

"Oh yes," he said as he eyed Adelaide, "The farm girl you father had mentioned. I am so sorry for your loss, Jeremy."

Jeremy was irritated at the comment that Howe had made. "Not just a 'farm girl' as you put it. She is CEO of Penthrane Farms and also co-owner of Farm-Fresh Produce. Now, if you please, I want to know what my father's arrangements are so I can make sure his last wishes are followed."

The man was a bit ruffled and sat down, opening the folder. "His funeral arrangements are complete. After the funeral he wished to be cremated and his ashes spread into the Boston Harbor. But then there is the issue of the will. he asked that you be present. I will read it after the funeral."

Jeremy had not even thought about what would happen to his estate and his multi-millions. And at that moment he could care less. he just wanted to get this over with. He stood and shook the man's hand. "Thank you, Mr. Howe. I want to go view the body now so if you will excuse us."

He took Adelaide's hand and left the office. "Short and sweet," he said as he looked at her. "Now comes the worst part."

[Notty]

Adelaide felt her cheeks heat in shame as she was referred to as a "farm girl" but she couldn't help but smile when Jeremy told the lawyer that she was his girlfriend, and stood up for her. She held his hand tightly as they listened to the lawyer, then stood, following Jeremy out of the law offices.

"Are you ready?" She asked quietly. This had always been the worst part. Viewing the body. It was hard to see someone that you love laying on a table, knowing that they won't wake up. She smiled weakly and kissed him gently, "I love you Jeremy, and I'm here for you, always."

They climbed into the limo and started the trip over to the funeral home. Her mind was running a thousand miles an hour, but she said nothing, knowing that Jeremy was probably just as worried and overwhelmed. Every now and then she squeezed his hand and smiled, but the closer they got, the less Jeremy smiled.

[Mihkul]

Jeremy felt his stomach rise to his throat as they stopped in front of the funeral home. He had tried to smile on the way, tried to make Adelaide comfortable, but the closer they came the worse he felt. he felt his body tremble as they stepped out of the limo and walked to the door.

He was greeted at the door by the funeral director. "You must be Mr. Burnside. Please follow me." He gripped Adelaide's hand tightly, then realized he was squeezing it too hard. He released his grip a little and looked at her, whispering 'Sorry.' He hated the smell of a funeral home, the scent of flowers mingled with formaldehyde.

"We did all we could to make your father look natural," the director solemnly said. "Fortunately, the body was intact when they recovered it."

Jeremy thought he would vomit at that moment but he felt Adelaide's hand in his and he relaxed some. They stepped into the viewing room and saw the copper-clad casket in front of them. He looked at Adelaide and then looked back at the casket, moving to it and hoping she would follow.

The old man lay inside the silk-lined box with a fake smile pasted on his face. He never smiled, Jeremy thought. He looked restful, as if sleeping. He felt the tears well in his eyes as his stomach rose again. This time he felt it coming for sure and turned, releasing Adelaide's hand and running to the men's room where he vomited all of his breakfast. He finished and walked to the mirror, splashing cold water on his face and drying it off, then went back out where Adelaide was waiting for him. "Sorry about that, Addy," he said sadly. "Let's get out of here. I've seen enough."

[Notty]

Adelaide smiled and held Jeremy's hand, though he was holding incredibly tightly and kind of hurt her hand. She tried to keep the smile on her face, but the closer they got, the more it faltered. Not sure how she managed, Adelaide followed Jeremy up to the casket and glanced in. She was surprised to see a smiling man looking back at her. Somehow she had always envisioned him being angry and never smiling.

Before she realized it, Jeremy had pulled away from her and ran out of the room. She furrowed her brow, looking at the funeral director and then out the door that he had fled from. When he returned, she saw how ashen he looked and she frowned a little, pulling her arm around his waist and holding close. "I'm sorry..." She whispered, leaning her head on his chest for a moment before looking up at him.

"Let's head back, alright?"

[Mihkul]

Jeremy nodded and held her closely with his arm around her waist as they walked to the limo. He took a deep breath and looked at Adelaide. "Honey, thank you for being there with me. I couldn't have done this without you." He was glad that part was over but he still had the funeral tomorrow with all the people lying about his father when they all despised him. He wouldn't lie to no one. He was almost glad he was gone. And Jeremy would be glad when he was gone from here and back to the farm in Nebraska.

The ride back seemed much quicker than the ride to the funeral home. Jeremy opened the door and helped Adelaide out and they walked together into the house. Ralph, the butler, met them at the door. "Master Jeremy, your father left this for me to give to you if anything were to happen to him." Jeremy looked at the DVD that he handed him.

"Th..thank you, Ralph," he stuttered. Even in death the old man wouldn't let him rest, he thought. He looked at Adelaide. Let me go change my clothes and I'll show you the rest of the house."

[Notty]

Adelaide couldn't help but be curious about what it was that the butler had given Jeremy, but she didn't want to push him, knowing that it had already been a difficult day for him. She nodded and stood in the entry hall, glancing around at the ornate and intricate paintings that lined the walls.

When Jeremy returned, she smiled and took his hand, pressing a kiss to his cheek. "Alright, show me around," she murmured, hoping that maybe this would help to take his mind off things. She followed him along through the house. How he ever found his way around, she didn't know. She was already lost, and they hadn't been walking very long. "This house is incredible..." She murmured quietly, her eyes moving around and then back to Jeremy. "I can't imagine living here. Id be scared that Id break something."

[Mihkul]

Jeremy laughed. "I'm sure that's what they all thought when I was a kid, running through these halls. Norma always cleaned up my messes without a fuss." He took her hand and entered a room. "This is the den. It's where my parents woul;d entertain guests, when times were better." Chandeliers hung from the cathedral ceiling and paintings adorned the walls. The furniture was covered with crushed red velvet."

He took Adelaide's hand and they went down the hallway to the next room. "This was my father's study. When he was home he would spend more time in here than anywhere else." He rubbed his hand on the mahogany desk, then picked up a picture, showing it to her. "This was my mother. She was so beautiful in this picture. That was before the drugs and alcohol took it's toll." He looked at the picture sadly.

"Ralph gave me a CD that my father made for me to watch. Addy, would you watch it with me?" He pressed a button on the desk and a large projection screen descended from the ceiling. He looked at Adelaide with a tortured look. "Please?"

[Notty]

Adelaide smiled and glanced around, looking at the picture of his mother for a while. "You have your mother's eyes," she murmured, taking his hand and squeezing it gently. Her brow furrowed when his voice changed and she nodded. "Of course sweetheart, of course I'll stay with you,"

She settled in beside Jeremy, a little nervous and unsure about what could be on this dvd that scared him, and made him so nervous. "I'm here, I'm not going anywhere."

[Mihkul]

Jeremy slipped the DVD into the player and sat next to Adelaide on the leather sofa. The picture focused on his father sitting in the chair behind his desk.

'Jeremy, if you are watching this it is because I am dead. I'm not sure if that makes you happy or sad but it doesn't matter to me either way. I know I've been a pain in your ass ever since you were born and I don't apologize for any of it. I wanted to make you tough so you could stand up for yourself in this cutthroat world. You showed me you could do that in this whole McCook deal. Kudos to you.'

He squeezed Adelaide's hand as a sick feeling filled his stomach. The old man had set him up. It was a test. His cheeks burned as the recording continued.

'So, I guess now you're wondering who's going to get all my money. I mean, you are my only heir and it is rightfully yours. Well, looks like you're a very rich man. I don't even know how much I have. The lawyers can fill you in on that. The only condition is that you let Burt handle the business. He's probably the only friend I really have and I trust him. You, on the other hand, are far from ready to run a development business. Do something for yourself, Son. Make your own name. You will have plenty of money to do that....and one more thing. I know I've never told you this before, but.....I love you."

Jeremy felt the tears well up in his eyes. It was the first time he had ever heard that from his father and now it was only a recording. He looked at Adelaide and laid his head on her shoulder, gently sobbing, as the screen turned black.

[Notty]

Adelaide shifted a bit on the couch, listening intently to the recording. She wasn't surprised when his father mentioned that he would get all of his money, but she had to admit that him mentioning McCook made her a little angry. She quickly brushed it off when his father quieted, and then said that he loved Jeremy.

"Shh...you're okay..." Adelaide cooed as she put her arm around Jeremy, rubbing his back as he cried against her shoulder. She let him cry for a bit, then gently tilted his head up. "Come on, let's go get a coffee or tea or something, okay?" She asked with a small smile, then gently kisses his lips. "I love you Jeremy, you're a great man, and you should be proud of all you've done, and proud that you had a father that loved you."

[Mihkul]

Jeremy looked into Adelaide's eyes. "I am even more proud to be loved by a woman like you, Addy." He got up from the leather sofa and took her hand, then placed the DVD back in it's case and placed it in his pocket. They left the study and walked the hall to the main kitchen. Norma was busy preparing dinner and turned as they came in.

"Jeremy, is everything okay?" She had known about the recording but not what the contents were.

Jeremy smiled, "Everything's fine, Norma. How about a cup of coffee, and I want you to sit down with us and enjoy it."

"Oh, I have so much to do, but maybe I can have a minute. It's so good to see you again, Jeremy." She fixed three cups of coffee and sat down at the table with he and Adelaide.

He looked at Adelaide and smiled, squeezing her hand, then spoke to Norma. "I want you and Ralph to stay on here and take care of the place. I might visit every now and then but I will be going back to Nebraska." He smiled at Adelaide and leaned over and kissed her.

[Notty]

Adelaide smiled a little and kissed Jeremy back, leaning her head against his for a moment. They stayed and chatted with Norma for a while before she excused herself to work on dinner. Adelaide took Jeremy's hand and headed outside to the garden. For a while she didn't say anything, just held his hand as they walked together.

"You plan on keeping this house?" She asked finally, looking at Jeremy, her eyes scanning his face. She didn't understand why he would keep it, though perhaps it was for sentimental reasons. "I thought you wanted to go to Nebraska..."

[Mihkul]

He looked at Adelaide and smiled. "I'm actually going to give this house to Ralph and Norma. They deserve it. I don't want it, Addy. Too many bad memories. My home is with you, forever. I promise." He kissed her and held her tight. "I'll tell them about it when we get ready to leave. I was going to set up a trust fund for them to pay their expenses, too. It will be theirs until they die." He hated that word so much now but it was death that finally told him of his father's love.

"Hey, I have one more room to show you." He smiled and took her hand as they followed the staircase to the basement. Opening the door he showed her an Olympic-sized pool. "Would you care for a little skinny dipping?" Jeremy laughed.

[Notty]

Adelaide nodded and walked with Jeremy as he explained what he planned on doing with the house. She couldn't help but smile when he told her how he wanted to give the house to Ralph and Norma. "You're a good man..." She whispered before kissing him.

Her brow furrowed as he led her to a door, and when she saw what was inside, she let out a squeal of delight. "Jeremy! This is incredible!" She called out, already starting into the room. Adelaide glanced back at Jeremy with a mischievous smile, and then began stripping off her clothes, leaving a trail right up to the edge of the pool. "Well, are you going to join me?" She called out with a laugh before diving in.

[Mihkul]

Jeremy grinned as he saw her naked body splash into the water. He turned and locked the door, then stripped his clothes off and jumped in behind her. The water was heated and felt so refreshing against his tense muscles. He swam to Adelaide and splashed water playfully. "I have to tell you, sweetheart. This is a new experience for me." He had never gone skinny dipping in his life but he honestly liked it.

He wrapped his arms around her waist and kissed her. Feeling her body against his brought a rush of heat that coursed through his veins. "Addy, I love you so very much. Thank you for standing with me these past few days. I couldn't have made it without you." He kissed her deeply again and they sank underneath the water with their lips pressed together.

[Notty]

Adelaide squealed and laughed, the sound echoing off the walls of the large room. She smiled and pulled her arms around Jeremy's neck, kissing him back. "You're welcome, of course, you don't have to thank me.." She murmured against his lips, kissing him once more.

She let go of him and pulled up for air, pushing her hair from her face and smiling. Her eyes scanned his face, and she could feel her cheeks heating. Did he want her as she wanted him? Adelaide smiled and swam a ways away, to where she could touch, the water coming just above her chest. She smiled, looking at Jeremy. "Are you sure Norma and Ralph won't come in?"

[Mihkul]

Jeremy saw after her and walked as he felt the tiled surface beneath his feet. "They wouldn't come anyway but I locked the door behind us to make sure." He felt the warmth spreading through his loins and he wrapped his arms around her neck. As he looked into Adelaide's eyes he felt an overwhelming wave of love fill him and his heart raced as he kissed her again, feeling the softness of her skin against his fingertips.

His eyes showed his deep desire for her and his whole body was flushed. His lips moved to her shoulder, softly kissing it and then to her neck. He whispered hoarsely into her ear, "I want you, Addy."

[Notty]

Adelaide smiled and giggled softly, happily as Jeremy pulled close to her again. His kisses were like electricity to her, and she found herself closing her eyes and pulling closer to him. Flushed cheeks spoke of her feelings, and she nodded, kissing him gently once before whispering, "I love you."

Both Jeremy and Adelaide found warm, thick robes and wrapped themselves up in them, Adelaide's skin still slightly flushed, and Jeremy smiling warmly at him. Being with him, was unlike anything else she had experienced. He was loving, gentle and tender. Adelaide pulled her arms around his neck and kissed him again, "I love you..." She whispered. "You've exhausted me..." She grinned, her cheeks flushing a little more. "I do think that I could grow to like swimming," she teased, feeling lighthearted and happier than she had in a while.

[Mihkul]

Jeremy grinned at Adelaide. "I agree. It might become my favorite sport." He pulled up a chair and sat, motioning for Adelaide to sit in his lap. "Addy, you are fantastic. Please don't ever leave me." He kissed her softly. "After the funeral we'll go to the lawyers. I've asked David to be there with us. Just a matter of signing some papers and waiting for the will to go through probate. Shouldn't take more than an hour or so. I've got a flight scheduled for 7 tomorrow night, and then we're home." He kissed her happily. His home was with her in Nebraska. He wanted no part of his father's business and no part of this city.

His home was with her.

[Notty]

Adelaide sat on Jeremy's lap and leaned against his chest, closing her eyes as she relaxed against him. "Okay..." She murmured quietly, shifting a little and pulling her arm around his waist. It was a little strange how quickly he wished to be rid of the house and city, but then she could also understand. It reminded him of his father, and now it was time for him to make his own name, his own home.

"Should we shower and get dressed?" Adelaide asked, kissing his cheek. "I'm starving now..."

[Mihkul]

"Now that you mention it, I'm a little hungry myself. I'm sure Norma has a feast prepared for us as always." He remembered the smell of lamb roasting when they shared their coffee earlier. Norma and ralph had lived here for over 30 years. It was their home and he couldn't just sell it out from under them. He would set up a housing fund for them to pay all their expenses. They would be set for the rest of their lives. He made a mental note to have David write up the paperwork. So many things to get done, he frowned.

He looked at Adelaide. "The shower room is right over there," he motioned to the far end of the pool. "Follow me." She got up from his lap and he held her hand as he gathered up their clothes and they walked along the tiled edge to the shower room. It had a huge marble sink with golden fixtures. Above it was a gilded mirror. The shower itself was a highly polished marble wall with a textured floor. Adam dropped his robe to the floor and got in, adjusting the temperature to a perfect setting. He motioned for Adelaide to join him. "Come on in. I need you to scrub my back," he teased.

[Notty]

Adelaide smiled and climbed into the shower with him, giggling softly. "Oh, really?" She asked, shifting a little closer to him before she wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him. Smiling against his lips, she looked up at him, her eyes meeting his. "I love you, Jeremy..." She whispered, then kissed him again. How was it that she wanted him again? That she needed him again?...

Adelaide stepped out of the shower with Jeremy, having made love for the second time that day with him. Her cheeks were still flushed and she smiled back at him as she toweled her body dry, then pulled on the robe again. "Jeremy..." She whispered, kissing his jaw as she snuggled up against him. "I...I love you..." She smiled, realizing that once she had told him that she loved him, it was like she couldn't stop saying it. It had to be said, she couldn't hold it in any longer.

[Mihkul]

Her words sent a flood of warmth through Jeremy's body. The feeling that he was loved was so unfamiliar yet now he welcomed it. "Addy, I love you more than life itself. No money could ever buy anything as precious as what I've found in you. Thank you for loving me." Tears of happiness welled up in his eyes as he kissed her deeply, holding her tight in his arms. "Now, let's get something to eat."

They dressed and walked hand in hand from the pool room. The smell of dinner filled the hallways as they made their way to the dining room. The room was enormous and the long table was filled with food. Jeremy pulled out a chair and motioned for Adelaide to sit, then he sat beside her. "If you go away hungry it's your own fault, baby," he teased as he helped himself to a tossed salad and a bowl of hot soup. He glanced at Adelaide and felt the love grow in his heart. "I love you, Addy."

[Notty]

Adelaide smiled and followed Jeremy to the dining room. She felt slightly awkward that she was just in a robe, but thankfully Norma and Ralph were nowhere to be seen. Her stomach growled at the smells before her, and she eagerly dug in, remaining quiet as she ate.

When she had her fill, she leaned back and looked at Jeremy, smiling warmly. "I love you..." She murmured, taking his hand and squeezing it gently. She knew the next few days would be rough- especially the funeral tomorrow, but she would do her best to help Jeremy get through it. She would give him the support that she didn't have when she lost everyone.

[Mihkul]

The dinner was great and Jeremy turned halfway in his chair to face Adelaide. She had been his rock today and he could never show her exactly how much he loved her. He held her hands in his. Tomorrow would be rough, but he felt like today was the worst. Seeing his ather lying there and then watching the recording was just so overwhelming yet Adelaide was there at his side to give him a shoulder to cry on.

"Addy," he said, "I don't even know how I can say this but just know it comes from my heart. I spent years rebelling against my father and doing some terrible things just so he would notice me. I've hurt a lot of people and it never bothered me at all. But you," he stammered a bit, "I could never hurt you in any way. You've become my bright sunrise every day and my beautiful sunset every evening. The words aren't even written to explain how deep my love is for you. Saying I love you only is a touch of how I feel but I will say it forever. I love you, Adelaide."

[Notty]

Adelaide smiled and took Jeremy's hand, squeezing it gently before she kissed him. "I'm glad I can be here for you, Jeremy. I know what it's like to try and take this on alone, and it isn't easy or fun. I love you."

Slowly she stood and stretched, "I don't know about you, but I'm exhausted..." Her cheeks warmed a bit as she looked over at him and she nudged him slightly with her hip. "Should we get to bed?"

[Mihkul]

Jeremy felt her warmth radiating from her love and he smiled. "I think that's a good idea. We have a busy day ahead tomorrow and I want to take you shopping before the funeral service." He wiped his mouth with the napkin and stood up. Taking her hand he helped her up and they walked through the hallway to the staircase. He looked around the room as they climbed the stairs and said, "I'm going to miss this place a little but I know Norma and Ralph will take good care of it."

He opened the bedroom door, then turned to Adelaide and took her into his arms. His heart quickened as he held her close to him. "I hope you never get tired of hearing this but I love you so much, Addy." Jeremy looked deeply into her eyes and kissed her gently.

[Notty]

Adelaide smiled and shook her head, her cheeks warming as he held her in his arms. "You don't have to take me shopping..." She murmured, looking up at him with a smile. Then her smile faltered a little, suddenly feeling incredibly self conscious. Maybe what she had brought wasn't good enough for his father's funeral. She saw the way the house was decorated and how even the servants- Norma and Ralph dressed. She smiled a little more and nodded again, "oh, okay..."

Stepping inside with Jeremy, she began getting dressed for bed, pulling on some shorts and a tshirt before climbing into bed. She shifted and laid on her side, glancing over at Jeremy with a smile. "Come to bed..."

[Mihkul]

Jeremy slipped his shirt off and smiled at Adelaide. "Now that is an offer I can't refuse." He slipped his pants off and climbed into bed, sliding close to her. "I love you, Addy," he whispered, and then he kissed her, wrapping his arms around her and laying her head on his chest. He gently stroked her soft hair, nuzzling his nose into it. This just feels so right, he thought to himself.

His heartbeat quickened and he was sure she could feel it against her head. He would be glad to get this whole oreal over with and get back to the farm, a place he could really call home. He had so much to do getting the little farm stand going. And he knew he wouldn't be doing it alone. Adelaide would be with him and he would never be alone again. He felt a stirring in his stomach that spread all over his body. He smiled. This is what she did to him. He kissed her lips softly, hoping he had that same effect on her.

[Notty]

Adelaide smiled and snuggled into Jeremy, then closed her eyes. She felt safe there with him, and was glad to be beside him. Everything just seemed better and easier when she was in his arms. It was a new feeling, and she liked it. It was one that she hoped never went away.

She slept soundly through the night, exhausted from the day. The next morning dawned gray and dreary, threatening of rain, but none had appeared. Her eyes slowly opened and she blinked around, taking in a deep breath when she saw Jeremy beside her. It would be a difficult day for him, but she would be there beside him, no matter what.

[Mihkul]

Jeremy tossed and turned as he slept as the events of the day finally caught up with him. His only consolation was Adelaide. She had been with him when he needed her the most and when they had made love it was as if the world around them had diappeared and there was only the two of them.

He felt Adelaide stirring and he opened his eyes. "Good morning, sweetheart," he smiled faintly. He glanced over at the clock. "We should get going. We'll have to wait to go shoping later." He kissed her forehead and then slid his legs over the side of the bed and sat up. His muscles felt stiff, probably as a result of their activities yesterday. He stretched as he stood up. "I'm hungry. Let's see what's for breakfast." He handed her a robe, then took her hand.

[Notty]

Adelaide smiled and gently rubbed his arm before climbing out of bed, and stretching herself. "Thanks babe," she smiled, pulling the robe on and tying it loosely around her waist. She couldn't help but smile. How happy she was with Jeremy, it was strange- she had never felt like this about anyone, and she was happy, truly happy.

Making her way down to the dining hall, she held Jeremy's hand and stole kisses as they walked. Despite what the day was to hold, she was happy.

[Mihkul]

"They walked into the dining room and could smell the fresh coffee along with the sweet rolls and pasteries. Jeremy chuckled and looked at Adelaide. "We'd better get out of here quick, sweetheart. I'm going to gain twenty pounds just smelling the food." They sat and ate. He couldn't stop talking about the market and his plans, anything to distract him from the funeral.

They finished and returned to the room to get dressed. Jeremy laid out a black suit and white shirt but he wouldn't wear a tie. He hated ties. This would be formal enough. He watched as Adelaide got dressed. She was so beautiful, he thought, the most beautiful woman in the world, and she was all his.