I am my beloved's and my beloved is mine...Song of Solomon 6:3

by realstone 1999©

we are shaped and fashioned by what we love...Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

& & &

Derek glanced at the large timepiece on the wall behind the speaker's head, then around the table silently willing each person to approve the last item on the agenda and adjourn the meeting. He had several errands to complete before heading back to the island, and he was determined to finish before picking up his wife for dinner. Derek's fingers drummed against the table loudly, a sign of his growing impatience. His glance shot thoughts of bodily harm at the committee chairman as he asked if there needed to be additional discussion on the question.

& & &

"Come on Nick you promised that we would see you in the new tux." Alex raised her voice to be heard through the bathroom door. Rachel held up her hand, fingers outstretched, "bet'cha five, that it has a holster sewn into the lining." Alex grinned at her as she settled herself on the weight bench.

"No bet."

"What bet?" Asked Kristen who had just stepped into the room.

"On how great I look in my new tuxedo." Nick said striding into the room. He walked to where Kristen stood with an exaggerated swagger, bowed deeply at the waist and tipped an imaginary hat. Turning to Rachel he took her hand in his and kissed her knuckles. He enjoyed the look of astonishment on her face. His last victim was Alex who he knelt in front of on one knee.

"Will this do my lady?"

"I do believe so, kind sir." Alex signaled for him to stand and turn around. "Damn you wash up good, Nicholas Boyle. There's going to be quite a few women at the banquet drooling all over you."

A look of displeasure filled Nick's face, causing the women to smile. "Just remember you three, promised to sit at my table. I don't intend to be there all night carrying on polite conversation with people I don't know.

"Oh, we'll be there." Rachel said looking first at Alex then Kristen. "I think having three gorgeous women at your table ought to raise your reputation by several points in some circles."

Nick shook his head as he skipped off the jacket. "You three are going to milk this for all it is worth."

"Every drop." Alex said rising slowly from the bench.

& & &

Derek found the group sitting, sprawled, and propped on various pieces of furniture around the spacious living room. He stood in the doorway a light smile on his lips. He was proud of these people whom he counted as friends and colleagues. Randolph Hitchcock, once friend now enemy had told him one true thing that these people was his family. He looked around for Alex and found her lying prone on the floor; he feet propped up on the sofa. His heart raced for a moment as the thought that something was wrong. But, everyone else looked relaxed and calm so he did the same. Loosening his tie Derek stepped into the room.

Nick looked up from the catalogue open across his legs, following Derek's gaze to where Alex lay. "She was being bad so we made her take a nap."

"Was not." Everyone laughed at the little girl voice coming from Alex.

Kristen set up from where she was laying on the sofa. "Alex is resting. She helped us finish the case reports. They are ready for you to review. You did say you wanted them sent this week."

Derek shook his head in frustration, his eyes on the woman laying a few feet away. She looked calm and inviting, when in reality she probably felt anything but. Alex was nine months and 3 days past her due date. The obstetrician had advised, one did not order Alexandra Moreau-Rayne to do anything. He had advised her to rest as much as she could. But Alex seemed determined to do the opposite. That was one of the reason's he wanted to have dinner in the city tonight. The other was to show her how much she and the coming of their child meant to him.

"Nick can review them and you can email them to London as soon as he is finished."

The smile disappeared from Nick's face. "No."

"And why not?"

"Security scans...."

"Can be completed tomorrow. I trust your judgement and any decision you make, I'll back up." Patting his shoulder Derek walked toward his wife.

Alex looked up at Derek. "Hi, good looking." Her hand motioned for him to sit down next to her.

"How are you both?" Derek asked as he folder himself on the floor beside her.

"We're fine. I was dragging a little and Rachel suggested rest. So I've been here twiddling my thumbs waiting for a tall, rather handsome man to return and carry me away. Now that you're here, I'm ready to be wined and dined."

"Watered and dined," corrected Rachel as she closed the folder in which she was making notes.

"Party pooper." Alex complained.

Derek leaned over and kissed the cheek closest to him.

"Naw, baby you don't get away with just that." Alex said pulling on his tie. The kiss started lightly, a greeting that deepened with each second they stayed in contact. Alex let herself float in the feeling building between them.

Neither Alex nor Derek acknowledged the groan from the chair. "They're at it again." Nick said wadding up a piece of paper and throwing it at the two lovers.

Alex broke the kiss, "we ignoring you, Boyle."

"Easier said than done." Nick threw another wad in their direction.

Alex moved first, her hand tapping Derek on the knee. "You better change so we can leave before Nick buries us in paper."

Derek rose smoothly. Taking a short step he slipped his hands beneath Alex's arms and lifted her to her feet. With a hand at the small of her back he followed her out of the room.

& & &

"Alex can I borrow you husband for a few moments?" Rachel looked up at the couple from the bottom of the stairs.

"Sure Rachel."

"Rachel if this is about Legacy business, you and Nick handle it." Derek said anxious to join Alex.

Rachel watched Alex climb the stairs and enter the hallway leading to the bedrooms. "No, Derek, this is about Alex. It's time for her to stop working. She's too advanced in her pregnancy for twelve-hour days. Today after working with Kristen she was a little dizzy so I checked her blood pressure. It was slightly elevated and her ankles are swelling."

Derek looked down at Rachel, then up to where he knew Alex was waiting for him. "Is it anything serious. Maybe we should just stay home tonight."

"No. She'd strangled us both. But I do think that you should talk to her about taking leave until that child is born."

Derek gave Rachel a quick smile. "Thanks Rachel, I will."

"Good. Now where are you taking our girl?"

Derek climbed up several steps before turning to answer. "The Cliff House."

"Nice choice."

"I hope so. It's been so long since we've gone out without one of us being required to perform at some function."

Rachel smiled her understanding. Being a member of the Legacy, plus a practicing psychiatrist left her little time to have a social life. And given that Alex and Derek were both driven by their careers, she recognized Derek need to reconnect. "Have a great time."

Derek hurried up the stairs eager to start the evening. He entered the room, jacket and tie in one hand, belt in the other. He threw everything on the bed as he kicked off his shoes. "You ready?"

"Almost." Alex exited the bathroom, stepping aside as Derek hurried past her. She made several light dabs on the inside of her wrist with a small vial of perfume and combed her hair as she waited.

Moments later with a towel over his head and one barely hanging on around his waist, Alex watched as he went through his dressing ritual. He walked around gathering up items until the towel began to slip down his body, revealing her favorite parts.

"What did Rachel want?"

Derek's answer was a light pause as he pulled on a sock.

"She wants you to talk me into taking maternity leave now."

Derek look back at Alex. "Ease dropping?"

"No. I just figured she would say something after the lecture she gave me this evening."

"Will you consider it?" Derek held her gaze."

"Grades are due next week. I can ask that my maternity leave start them."

Derek bent over to tie his shoes. "And until then no more twelve hour days."

Alex watched Derek pull on a forest green cable knit sweater, smoothing it over charcoal gray dress slacks. Pride filled her at the sight of him. Five years of marriage, different careers and a variety of community and political commitments had not lessened her love or trust in the man before her. His eyes reflected back her feelings, strengthening the link between them.

"I'll try."

Derek walked over to where Alex sat on the edge of the bed. Kneeling he sat between her legs his head resting on her stomach. Alex picked up the towel he had discarded and started to rub his hair. They both smiled at the sudden movement between them as the baby kicked several times. Alex shifted Derek's head to get at a different section. "He knows whenever you're near."

Derek grinned rubbing the ball that was one end of his child. "Maybe he's just hungry like his father."

"Maybe." Alex said planting a quick kiss on the side of Derek's face. Wanting more Derek moved back, his hands resting on her thighs. Alex couldn't hold her grin at the look on his face.

"Are we going anywhere besides this room?"

Derek threaded his fingers into her hair and pulled her lips against his own. He rubbed lightly at their softness until Alex's lips opened to him; her breath came in soft puffs against his tongue, filling him with desire. Alex pulled back from him reluctantly. "If we are going, I need you to fasten these buttons for me."

Derek moved his hands from Alex's face to the back of her dress. His eyes held hers as he fastened the three buttons on the mock turtleneck. Derek smiled, pleased at the blush beneath her skin and the way her pulse raced at the side of her neck against his wrist. He never doubted that she is attracted to him, but in the fast pace of living their lives he sometimes wondered if they could maintain the all the connections. His fingers lingered on the final button enjoying the heat flowing back and forth between them.

His closeness and the look of desire in his eyes, caused tiny shivers to move deep within Alex. She gripped the sides of his sweater closing her eyes as the sensations deepened. "We...are...going...to....be...late."

Derek grinned and kissed her forehead.

& & &

Alex hated to admit it, but the couple of twinges she had just experienced were telling her that she needed to call a halt to the casual walk they had decided to take until their table was ready. "Derek, lets sit for a while."

Derek squinted slightly to see her face more clearly in the weak light of the lamps lining the walkway. He led her to a bench. "Do I need to call Michael?"

"No, just a few twinges. Everyone has warned me to expect subtle hints this far along. If we rest here, I think they will stop. This child is growing faster than I can get ready for."

Derek moved his hand from her shoulder to the middle of her back. His fingers massaging in small circles. Alex sighed in contentment as tightened muscles relaxed under his fingers. "We don't have to do this. I planned this evening for both of us and if you can't enjoy yourself..." The beeper at his side sounded twice.

Alex gripped Derek's thigh as she stood. "Our table is ready."

He looked up at her face for other signs of distress. Wrapping is arm around her, he inhaled deeply, taking in the scent of her. Standing a light wind blew strands of her hair across his face, tickling the side of his neck and cheek. Alex moved closer soaking up the strength of his arms.

"We'll never get that table if we continue like this." Derek said, as the hand underneath his shirt moved lightly across his skin.

"You started this." Alex moved still closer.

"Tell your mother to behave and we both can get some food." Derek said to the little one squirming between them. Derek turned Alex until she was facing the restaurant and gave her a little push.

At the door Alex gave their name and handed the waitress the beeper.

"Rayne, two, non-smoking, correct?"

"Yes."

"This way please."

The young woman led them to a small intimate alcove of glass and wood. Alex lowered herself slowly into the chair, Derek held out for her. Sitting next to her, he rubbed the back of her hand.

"You're hovering." Alex said kindly but with enough force for Derek to understand.

"If you are not feeling well, we can do this another time. I don't intend for this child to be born in my car."

Alex laughed. "Nor do I plan on you delivering him."

"Are you saying I couldn't handle the delivery?"

Alex looked around the room at the other patrons. "No, I just think you'd have a hard time, letting someone else help."

A waiter came to the table. He placed menus and glasses of water before them. "Good evening, my name is Chad. I'll be your waiter tonight. What would you like to drink?"

"Tea for me." Alex said as Derek picked up a menu.

"Same for me." Derek added.

"Would either of you like an appetizer?"

Alex shook her head no, leaving Derek to decided for himself.

"No, thank you."

"I'll be right back with you drinks." The young man pocketed his pad and pencil, lit the large candle in the middle of the table and left the room. The candle threw fine threads of light then shadow across the table.

The waiter returned with their drinks and a large glass vase. Alex stared at the delicate glass creation before her. The vase was etched with two figures in a close embrace standing in a field of swirls and hearts that surrounded the bottom of the vase. Eight delicate Spider Orchids stood in a bed of ice green glass beads. Longs strands of glass leaves draped over the sides. Light from the candle and the overhead lighting glittered off and through the glass adding color to the room. "They're beautiful." Alex whispered looking at Derek, unshed tears glistening in her eyes.

"I wanted you to have something that would last."

"I have." She though of the child within her womb.

"Do you remember how furious, I was with you when you returned our group paper in Ancient Religious Texts?"

Derek was momentarily thrown by her shift in conversation, his mind going back to their time at the university. Alex had taken several of his classes while he served as adjunct faculty. She had been very vocal in her displeasure at his comments on the group's paper. They had argued often about many details in that class, including his teaching style.

"I fell in love with you that afternoon." Her eyes were still on the flowers, a soft smile lighting her face.

"I thought you were going to hit me with that piece of sculpture."

"I was tempted." Alex focused on the face that she cared for so deeply. Her eyes tracked every line new and old. Her focus widened to take in more. A nose that he often complained about. Lips that were softer and gentler than they looked, a chin which gave the rest character.

"If you knew you loved me, why did it take three years for me to woo you?"

"I've always understood that you were a man who loved a challenge."

& & &

"Dr. Rayne, there is a phone call for you in the lounge." Chad entered effectively interrupting Derek's comeback.

All evening Alex had been expecting someone or something to interfere with the evening. She grunted unhappily to herself that she was right once again. Derek looked at her a frown filling her face. Alex understood the frustration they were both feeling. She knew Derek loved and needed his work a little more than he loved her. She had faced that fact long before she had agreed to marry him. Smiling at him she waved him away from the table.

"Chad ask the chef to hold our food until Mr. Rayne returns." Alex said ever practical.

Chad nodded in the affirmative and stepped back from the table to allow Derek to rise and follow him. Derek understood his wife better than she knew. Alex would not keep him from doing what he felt was necessary, but neither would she wait for him all evening. "Don't you leave. We're going to finish this dinner. Nothing is going to ruin this."

Alex watched Derek walk away as proud of the back of him as the front. Broad shoulders, holdable hips and legs like...what was the saying the older women use to say on Rose's porch. 'Legs strong enough to guide a horse and gentle enough to hold a woman.' A small chuckle escaped Alex at the thought. The little bout of humor was replaced by thoughts of another night of waiting anxiously until Derek was home safe. Her thoughts shifted again as the child stretched. She watched as a small mound moved across the top of her stomach. We are so blessed, little one. Alex visualized the tiny body; arms outstretched, legs extended as far as space would allow. Just like your father, she thought smiling to herself. Derek stretched with his whole body, even his face. She was so caught up in the image it was awhile before she realized Derek had returned.

He stood smiling at Alex, his hands deep in the pocket of his slacks. He had come back relieved that he could tell her that he was totally hers for the remainder of the evening. He was content. It wasn't often that he was allowed time to just look at her.

"Okay tell me." Alex waited to hear that someone was in danger or that some evil had just flew into town and he had to leave.

"Rachel wanted you to know that Dean Hargrove called to extend his congratulations to you on preliminary approval of your grant proposal. He also wanted you to know that the reviewer's have a few comments and if you need assistance to give him a call."

A resounding, "YES!" Exploded from Alex and she flashed a huge grin in her husband's direction. "I'll have him fax me the paperwork and call the committee when we get home. It shouldn't be a struggle to supply whatever additional information the reviewers need within the timeframe given."

Derek watched the glow in Alex's eyes and it brought to mind Rachel's request. "Not tonight." He said sitting down at the table. Alex started to argue but stopped at the vague look on Derek's face. She waited until he was more focused. "What is it?"

Derek rested his hand on the top of her stomach, then drew it down the front. "He's tired of being confined."

"He and me both." Alex's hands played nervously with the silverware. She shifted her spoon and fork back and forth, and just for variety she added the knife from Derek's place setting.

"You hear him?" Alex asked acknowledging the connection between father and son.

"No. Just a feeling of frustration."

"Well, well, that's something for his journal," Alex looked down at her stomach. Since entering her last trimester she had felt a growing awareness coming from the child. "Do you remember the first time you consciously sent or received a psychic impression?"

"I was three or four and I remember being extremely sad, without knowing why. I was told later that a friend of my mother had died in an accident. I was picking up impressions from around me. I'm afraid I became a handful for my mother."

Alex sat back. Her fingers intertwined with Derek's. "Seems genes will prevail." The knot beneath their hands moved again. "Anything?"

"He's sleepy." Derek grinned.

Derek thanked Chad as he handed him a dessert menu and took away the empty dishes. Alex shook her head no when Derek held the menu out to her. She felt guilty enough that she had been unable to do justice to the delicious meal. Derek looked over the menu at her. "I could have coffee and dessert or, we could dance?"

Alex listened to the music thinking it would be a delightful way to end the evening. She held out her hand to her husband. "I want to dance."

& & &

Alex shifted her head slightly on Derek's shoulder, her hands moving up and down his back in time to the music. "We haven't danced this way since our third anniversary party."

"What party?"

"You're right. You left me to entertain our guest while you and Rachel ran off to dispatch some poor old ghost, haunting some house in Cleveland. You owe me Derek Rayne."

Derek laughed into the soft curls of her hair, pulling her closer. "A lifetime Mrs. Rayne."

"Just promise we'll do this again, in three months time."

"I promise." Derek was confident he could keep his word.

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