This story was written for the Forever Knight, Valentine's Day challenge that KC Smith offered on the Dark N&N Yahoo group. I am a relatively new writer, and this is my first attempt at writing fan fiction.  Many thanks to Deb Hymon for proofreading this for me and catching the multitude of silly mistakes, not to mention her patience, since it took me forever to get this right.

To help explain some of the bizarre events in this story, the rules KC posted for the challenge are at the end of this story.  I would suggest reading them after the story, because there are spoilers in the rules.
Feedback to Lady_Alexandra_deBrabant@yahoo.com would be deeply appreciated.

Disclaimer: Forever Knight and its character's do not belong to me.  I only borrow them to feed my fantasies.  The rest of the characters are figments of my over-active imagination.


A Day in Time            
by Donna Welborn

February 14, 2004
Lady_Alexandra_deBrabant@yahoo.com



* CHAPTER ONE *



Natalie awoke to the insistent ringing of her alarm clock.  She’d chosen the clock for its irritating tone, but the last thing she wanted at this moment was to wake from the dream she’d been enjoying.  Cocooned in the warmth of the covers, she allowed her eyes to adjust to the darkness.  A familiar body stirred at her side, “Good Morning Syd.  I see you decided to join me after all.  Why is it the alarm always goes off when I am in the middle of an interesting dream?  Hmmm?  Nick was about to...” Nat rolled over, sat up in bed and stretched.  Sydney peered at her through half-open eyes.  “I know, I know Syd, I have the same dream almost every night, and each time, you listen patiently.  Guess we have fallen into a routine, old boy.  I dream, you listen.”  

Syd began his lazy, morning stretch.  A loud purr emanated from deep inside his round, furry body.
“Careful kiddo, that’s live flesh you are puncturing.”  Syd instinctively retracted his claws and waited patiently for his owner to make a move.
 
Nat smiled and began to stroke his head.
“Yeah, I’m awake, and you’re hungry, so what else is new?  Wonder if Nick ever dreams about me?”   

Nat wrapped her arms around her legs, rested her chin on her knees, and stared dreamily off into space.  Syd rubbed against the back of her arm, bringing her thoughts back to reality.   “Come on Lambert, get your head out of the clouds.  This is real life.  But, wouldn’t it be nice, just once, if my dreams came true?  If I had to pick one, Syd, this dream would be it.  Would you be jealous, old boy, to wake up and find Nick snuggled here next to me?”   Syd, now alert, and sitting on the edge of the bed, seemed to listen intently to every word.  “You're right, Syd, I need to get a life.  This fantasy stuff is for the birds!  I knew what I was getting into when I started this relationship with Nick.  He told me not to expect anything more, and -of course- I didn’t listen.”   She threw the covers back, grabbed her robe, and headed toward the kitchen.  
“Come on, Syd!  What are you waiting for?  Let’s go see what’s for breakfast!”

 Half asleep, Nat stumbled through her evening routine.  She took a sip of her coffee, and reached for her calendar to check for appointments.
“Damn, tomorrow is Valentines Day.  At least it’s Friday and I’m not on call.”  
She couldn’t help but wonder about Nick.  Would she see him tonight?  Would they be able to spend time together tomorrow?  

Nat secretly hoped they would find time for a romantic evening alone.  If given the opportunity, she would suggest a movie and popcorn night.  She always looked forward to their time alone at the loft.  Movie and popcorn nights were non-threatening, just a couple of friends spending an evening together.  It was during those nights that she had watched Nick the Vampire, transform into Nick, the man.  His guard down, he was attentive, loving, and even playful.

Lately, those evenings had been rare, and she felt the distance slowly growing between them. Nick hadn’t been himself the past two weeks, and no amount of prodding had gotten a satisfactory explanation from him.  She wished Nick would be more open with her, but that wasn’t Nick.  When something troubled him, he withdrew.  That was a problem; she hoped with time, they could get past.

“Well Syd, you may be stuck with me for dinner when I get home in the morning.  Since I have no other plans,” Nat rubbed his head and grinned, scratching him under his chin, “yet.”

Nat slipped into her coat, wrapped her scarf around her neck, and stopped at her desk to get the black, velvet box from the top drawer.  She smiled as she remembered the corner jewelers where she’d spotted the item.   At the time, it seemed the perfect gift for a man in search of a sunrise.

“Damn it, Nick.  I hope I see you tonight, and you’re in a good mood.  I want this to be a special evening where we’re both relaxed, no outside world, just the two of us.  I can live with that, and you could too, if you would just allow yourself to believe.”  
Nat looked at the box, her chest tightened with anticipation.   She hoped he would like the gift, and understand its significance.  She laid the box gently in her briefcase, and headed for the door.
“Be a good boy, Syd, and Mom will bring you a Valentine’s present.”

Natalie locked the apartment door, and left the building.  The crisp night air assaulted her, clearing her mind of the tiresome daily obligations facing her. Her thoughts turned to Nick; she wanted to phone him, needed to hear his voice.  It would take a lot of courage, but she wondered how he would react if she asked him to book off work, and take a drive with her down by the lake. Nat chuckled softly and slid the key in the car’s ignition.  “Get a grip Lambert, the man would think you’ve lost your mind, and he’d probably be right.  You’re letting your romantic Valentine’s Day fantasies get to you.  You know better than to allow yourself to get caught up in that!”  





* CHAPTER TWO *



Nat glanced at the clock for the fourth time in less than twenty minutes.

“Natalie, are you expecting someone?”  Grace leaned against the desk, a broad smile spread across her face.  “You’ve been watching that clock since you walked through the door.”

Embarrassed, Nat closed the file in front of her and pushed it to the side.
“No, I’m just tired, Grace, and want this week to end.”

Grace took the file from the desk, turned it right side up, and placed it back in front of Natalie.
“Honey, you can’t kid me.  You’ve been staring at this file upside down for quite a while.  What’s wrong with you tonight?”

Nat rose from the chair, tossing the file in her inbox.  Grace could be so irritatingly accurate with her observations.
“Nothing is wrong, Grace.  Like I said, I’m tired.  It’s been a rough week, and I need a day off.”

“And maybe a visit from a certain blonde detective?”

Natalie spun to meet Grace, who had followed her across the room.
“Grace, just drop it.  How many times do I have to tell you, there’s nothing going on between Nick and me, we’re just friends.”   The shocked, wounded expression on Grace’s face caused Nat to instantly regret the outburst.  Nat bit her lower lip; she hadn’t meant to take her frustration out on Grace.  She placed her hand on Grace’s shoulder and forced a smile.
“Grace, I’m sorry.  I didn’t mean to bite your head off.”

Grace returned her smile, and hugged Nat.  “Honey, I know you’re upset about something, and I don’t have to be psychic to know that a certain absentee, blonde guy is at the bottom of your mood.”

“Grace, it’s just that it’s hard to be single on Valentines Day.  Everywhere you go there are reminders.  Sometimes I just wish...” Nat turned her back, frantically fighting to regain her equilibrium.  It was completely foreign to openly display her emotions.

 Grace smiled sympathetically.  “Honey, I understand, believe me, but don’t lose heart.  The day is just beginning.”

Schanke burst through the doors of the morgue.  Natalie and Grace turned in time to watch him sling his hip onto the slab, and sit down.
“Man, oh man, oh man, I am beat!   It’s Valentines Day.  It’s supposed to be a day for lovers, and people are killing each other out there.  Go figure!”

Natalie and Grace grinned at each other.  Nat chuckled and winked at Grace.
“Well, Schank, pull up a slab, and make yourself at home.  Are you here for a reason or just to cheer us up?”  

Schanke jumped off the slab, and vigorously brushed himself off.
“Oh, sorry Natalie.  My feet are killing me.  I guess I momentarily forgot what you use that for.  I’ve been doing the work of two guys tonight, and I’m beat.”

Grace arched a brow at Natalie before asking Schanke,  “Where’s your partner tonight, detective?”

 Schanke looked surprised.  “I’m sorry, I thought...” shuffling his feet, he looked very much like a guilty school boy, “I thought you knew.  He took the day off.  He said he had somewhere he had to go for the weekend.  Natalie, I assumed...”

Nat could feel the heat beginning to rush to her cheeks.
“Never mind, Schanke.  Why are you here?   Is there a purpose for your visit?”

Schanke stood up straight, and changed into the professional, homicide detective.
“Uh, yeah, I’m here to pick up the Jackson file.  Cohen sent me, she needs it pronto.  The Crown Prosecutor is waiting.”

Grace walked to the desk, and retrieved the file from the stack.  
“Here it is detective.  All the labs are in, but the final report isn’t quite finished.  You will make sure we get this back intact, won’t you?”

Natalie turned, leaned against the sink, and washed her hands.  Nick was gone for the weekend and he hadn’t bothered to tell her.   Her hopes for an evening together crushed; she fought angry tears.

“Uh, sure, no problem.   Natalie,” Schanke’s voice softened, “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to upset you.”

“I’m not upset Schank, I’m just tired.  It’s been a long and gruesome week.  Nick is his own man.  He can do as he pleases; he doesn’t answer to me.”  Natalie slowly dried her hands.  She made sure her emotions were under control before she turned to Schanke.
“Is there anything else I can help you with?  I’m sure Cohen is getting impatient, and we need to get back to work.”

Schanke walked toward the door.  “No, thanks.  That’s it.”  He paused, “Natalie, if I said anything I shouldn’t...”

 “You didn’t, don’t worry about it.  Later Schank.”  The tone of her voice was sharp; she felt detached from her body.  Nat walked to her desk and sat down.  It took all her strength to keep her hands from shaking.  She picked up a file, and pretended to read.

Grace watched Natalie from across the room.  It was an excellent performance, but Grace could see the anger and hurt Nick’s departure had caused.
“The lab and morgue staff asked me to pick up their lunches when I run over to the precinct.   Can I get anything for you?”

Natalie shook her head, and desperately attempted to focus on the report in front of her.  She took slow, deliberate breaths, and forced herself to remain outwardly calm.  
“No, thanks Grace.  I’m really not very hungry.  But you go ahead, take your time.”

 Grace picked up her coat and walked to the door.   Her heart ached for Natalie, and she wanted to throttle Nick for his insensitivity.  This was Valentines Day.  Didn’t the man have a romantic bone in his body?  Nick’s behavior could be puzzling.  She’d noticed how he looked at Nat, and was certain he loved her, so where was he?
“If you change your mind, page me.  Otherwise, I should be back in about two hours.”

Nat forced a smile.
“No, honestly, I’m fine.   I’ll work on these reports, and if it stays quiet while you’re gone, I might actually get them finished.  Take your time, Grace.  Get away from this madhouse for a while.”

“Thanks, I’ll be back as soon as I can.”   Grace smiled, and left the morgue.  The more she thought about Nick leaving town, the angrier she got.  She couldn’t believe he hadn’t told Nat about his plans.
“There has to be something I can do to cheer that girl up!”





* CHAPTER THREE *



Natalie signed the last report and threw it on the stack in her out-box.  She leaned back in her chair, stretched and began massaging her stiff neck.
“God, I hate paperwork!”

Natalie heard the door, and looked up to see Grace enter the morgue, an enormous grin on her face.  Her hands were full of shopping bags.  Natalie was surprised, when she dumped the bags on the desk in front of her.

“Happy Valentine’s Day!”

“Grace, you shouldn’t have…really.”

“I didn’t!”  Grace laughed out loud. “What I mean is, I didn’t do this alone.   This is from the forensic night staff, to our favorite M.E.”
Grace unloaded several bags of brightly colored paper plates, napkins, and forks.  She reached into a separate paper bag, grinned, removed a cake and placed it in front of Nat.

“Oh Grace, my favorite!   A Twinkie with...Grace, what is that all over the top of the cake?”

 “Those are candy, message hearts.  Each of us picked one out, and placed it on the cake for you.  Go ahead, read them!”

The messages on each of the tiny hearts caused Nat’s eyes to mist.  
“Grace, I’m really touched.  Thank you!  You have no idea what this means to me.”

Grace walked around the desk and embraced Natalie.
“Yes I do, hon, I certainly do.”

“Hey!  Where’s my hug?”  Bryan, the night shift lab tech, walked through the morgue doors, followed by a mob of smiling, laughing people.  Bryan walked toward Natalie and Grace, his arms extended.  His silly, lop-sided grin nearly caused Nat to laugh out loud.  “Happy Valentines Day, Doc!  From all of us, to you, our favorite M.E.”

“Thanks Bryan,” Nat hugged him, and waved to the others as they began congregating around the desk.  “Thank you. . . all of you!  But you shouldn’t have, honestly!”

“Uh… Doc… Natalie… Happy Valentines Day!”  Nat turned to see a tall, red-haired boy standing at her side. He placed a box of chocolates into her hands.  “I bought this for you.  I heard you like chocolate.”  His face blushed nearly as red as his hair, his speech shaky.  “They’re Godiva, I heard that was your favorite.”

Nat smiled at the boy.  “Thank you.  That was very thoughtful of you.”  His toothy grin grew wider as he stepped back, unable to take his eyes off of Natalie.  Nat turned to Grace, and whispered, “Who is that?”

Grace grinned, “He’s the new kid in med-records processing, Danny Blair.  He seems to have quite a thing for you!”

“He’s awfully young.  He’ll get over it.”  Nat chuckled.

“Maybe he likes older women.”    

Nat swatted Grace’s arm and turned back to the cake.  Grace pointed to a pink candy heart that read ‘You’re Hot!’.   “That’s from him,” she laughed.

“Well, it’s nice to know that someone thinks I’m hot.”   Nat laughed, but her thoughts instantly returned to Nick.

“Hey, I’m starving!  Who’s going to cut the cake!”

 Nat looked at Grace, surprised.  “I thought you were picking up lunch for this crowd?”

Grace picked up the knife and handed it to Nat.  “Nope, I had more important errands to take care of.”

“You went home and baked a cake?”

“Uh huh.  And judging by the look on your face, it was time well spent.”

“Oh Grace...” Nat wrapped her arms around Grace, and hugged her until she groaned in protest.

“Aw, come on you two!  You can save the mushy stuff for later.  Cut the cake!”  Someone yelled from the back of the room.

Nat wiped a tear from her eye, and began cutting the cake.  She turned to the crowd and smiled, “Thanks guys!  You’ve made my day.  Happy Valentines Day to you all!”

Nat sat at her desk and watched as the group slowly dissipated.  The party had temporarily distracted her, and made her forget Nick’s absence.  Grace began clearing the dirty plates, and suddenly stopped in her tracks.  “Oh God, I nearly forgot!”  She walked to the pile of nearly empty bags, and retrieved the interoffice mail that she’d completely forgotten.  “This was addressed to you, and looked personal, so I didn’t open it.”  She handed a large brown envelope to Nat, and winked.  “Do you recognize the handwriting?”

Nat’s hands trembled as she held the envelope.  The handwriting was Nick’s.  Her excitement grew as she fumbled in her desk drawer for a letter opener.

“Damn, just rip the stupid thing open!  What is it, airline tickets? An invitation to join him for a weekend get-a-way?  If you don’t tear that thing open right now, I’m going to do it myself!”  Grace stood hands on her hips, looking like a panther about to pounce.  Nat nervously wedged her finger under the seal, and ripped the envelope open.  She shook the contents out onto the desk.  Her hands shaking visibly, she retrieved the card, and carefully opened the envelope.  

‘To my Valentine’, the card read.  The photograph on the front of the card was of two lovers in a passionate embrace, a beautiful sunset in the background, surrounded by a large red lace heart.  Inside Nick had written, ‘Nat, please forgive me, this trip was unavoidable.  I’ll explain when I return.  I’ve made an appointment for you to spend the day at Chez Rev’s.   Humor me; you need a little TLC.  Please go directly there from work, this morning.  They’re expecting you.  Relax and enjoy yourself.  Love, Nick.’  Nat laid the card on the desk, and unrolled the parchment scroll; a gift certificate elegantly written in embossed gold ink.  
   
Before Natalie could react, Grace grabbed the paper from her hand.  “Oh my God, the man has a soul!   Chez Rev’s!   Girlfriend, you better be prepared for a day of pampering!”

Nat looked confused, “What is Chez Rev’s?”

Grace’s mouth flew open, “Why only the most exclusive day spa in the city!   They do everything there, facials, manicures, pedicures, body buffs, massages, everything!  And it looks like he’s purchased the entire package for you!”

Nat dropped into her chair.  It was an extravagant gift, but she would have gladly settled for a movie and popcorn evening at the loft, alone with Nick.

“Aren’t you excited?  My God, girl, they have valet parking and everything!   You just park at the curb, and they take it from there.   When you’re finished, they provide a limo to take you home, and someone delivers your car the same day.  Honey, we’re talking the lap of luxury!  I bet Nick maxed out his credit card on this gift!”

Natalie smiled, but couldn’t hide her disappointment, “Yes, it’s nice.  But he didn’t have to go so overboard.”

 “Maybe he expected thanks and payment later.”  Grace chuckled.

Nat blushed, if only that was the case, she thought.





* CHAPTER FOUR *



Nick walked through the door of his ancestral home.  The gray, stone walls welcomed him, triggering memories of home and family.  The castle was in desperate need of repair, but now that he owned the property, he vowed to restore the structure and gardens to their former splendor.

His thoughts drifted back 800 years.   With, his sister, Fleur’s, marriage, the estate had become the property of her husband, who only saw the financial gain to be made.   Nick’s jaw tightened in anger as he remembered the loss of his childhood home.  The manor had been sold at auction, his family’s legacy lost.  He’d been told of the property’s sale after the fact, too late to acquire it.

Natalie.  Nick hoped once he explained his sudden departure from Toronto, she would forgive him his absence on this special day.  Six weeks before, his attorney in Belgium had called to inform him the property was once again for sale.  Nick’s high bid clinched the deal, or so he thought, until the Belgium government insisted on a personal appearance to sign the contract.  Nick had argued, but the government officials insisted the property would not transfer ownership until he made the trip, and showed the proper credentials.  The situation had become more inconvenient when the officials had set the closure date for Valentine’s Day.  Without his appearance, the property would be awarded to the next highest bidder.

After Valentines Day the previous year, he’d hoped to make this one memorable for Natalie.  Unlike the near disaster at Azure’s, he’d planned to treat her to the day at Chez Rev’s, and surprise her that evening with the present he’d designed.   Nicks hand instinctively reached into his pocket, surrounding the small, velvet box.  A smile crept across his face.  Yes, she would love the gift.   It would be a private connection between them, and clarify his intentions for their relationship.  

Nick opened the box, and looked at the pendant.  She’d always been there for him, especially during the difficult times, and it had bonded them in ways he could never have conceived.  He couldn’t imagine how he’d lived so long without her in his life.  He shut the box, and slipped it back into his pocket.  He’d put this off too long, far too long.  Finally he’d come to his senses, his decision made.  

 He entered the courtyard, stopped, and surveyed the disarray.  The small rose bed, now long gone, stood as a silent reminder of the first time he’d witnessed Fleur and LaCroix together.  His heart twisted.  He’d been wrong, keeping the two lovers apart.  Neither had ever been the same.  Now that he was in love with a mortal, he understood the unending torture of permanent separation.   His near loss of Natalie the year before had taught him that valuable lesson.   Nick leaned against the wall where he’d first revealed his and LaCroix’s affliction to Fleur, and was overcome with grief.   
“Fleur, I didn’t understand.  If I could undo my wrongful actions, I would in an instant.  Please forgive me for the pain I inflicted on you both.   I now understand how precious true love is, and the eternal agony of its loss.”  He put his hands in his coat pockets, and turned to go to his attorney’s office; in less than an hour, he’d once again be the legal owner of Brabant castle.




Natalie turned off the computer, and locked her desk.  She glanced at the clock, grabbed her purse and briefcase.  
“Grace, I’m out of here.  Are you finished?”

Grace turned and smiled, “Almost, I just need to put away these specimens, and I’ll be ready to leave.”  She grinned, slid the tray into the refrigerator, and closed the door.  “Well?  Are you excited?”

Natalie groaned, her head ached, her neck and shoulders felt like they were tied in knots, and her feet throbbed.
“I would rather go home, feed Syd, and go to bed.”

Grace stood with her hands on her hips, a look of shock and disbelief on her face.  “Girl, you are planning on going to Chez Rev’s, aren’t you?”

Natalie winced.  Nick’s gift was wonderfully extravagant, and any woman would be elated to receive it.  But for some reason she couldn’t get enthusiastic.  She missed Nick, plain and simple, and resented the gift in place of his company.
“Yes Grace, I’m headed there now.  I don’t know how much I’ll relax and enjoy it, but I’m going.  You know how much I hate beauty shops.”

 Grace threw her hands in the air in exasperation.  She was puzzled at Natalie’s reaction.  She sensed that for some reason Natalie was upset with Nick’s gift.
“Hon, it’s as far from a beauty shop as you can get.  I’d sell my soul... sell this tired old body on a street corner, to do what you’re about to do.”

“Then you do it.”

“No!  Nick will be deeply hurt if you don’t accept his gift in the spirit it was given.  He put a lot of thought and money into this.  Now get your butt in gear or I’ll take you there myself!”  

Natalie watched as Grace’s frown turned to a grin.  Defeated, Nat grabbed her keys and stopped to give her a hug.
“Grace, does Nick know you’re his personal cheering section?”

Grace winked, “Cheer up, you’re going to have the time of your life!”

Nat released her from the hug.  “Thanks for everything; it was the highlight of my day.”  She smiled.

Grace pushed her toward the door.  “Go on, get out of here.  The highlight of your day hasn’t even started yet.”





* CHAPTER FIVE *



Natalie stopped her car at the curb, in front of Chez Rev’s.  In an instant, a young man was at her door, and offered to help her out of the vehicle.
“Dr. Lambert?”

Nat nodded, “Yes?”

“Welcome to Chez Rev’s!”

“Thank you, should I take my things with me?”

“No ma’am.  I will personally transfer them to the limo for your trip home.”

“Thank you, uh...”

 “My name is Jerry.  If I can be of any further assistance, please, don’t hesitate to ask.  We’re here for your comfort and pleasure.”

Natalie smiled.  She reached into her briefcase, took the velvet box, and placed it in her purse for safekeeping.  
“Thank you Jerry.”

Natalie watched her car disappear into the underground parking.  The spa looked like any ordinary storefront, nothing to give her any indication of what to expect inside.  She walked up the steps where a doorman greeted her with a broad smile.

“Dr. Lambert, how wonderful you could join us this morning.  Welcome to Chez Rev’s!”

Surprised that the doorman knew her name, she paused in mid-stride. “Thank you.”   Nat gave him a half-smile.  She had the oddest feeling she was about to step into the twilight zone.   She walked past the doorman, and stopped just inside; her eyes adjusted slowly to the dim indoor lighting.

The lobby of Chez Rev’s took Nat’s breath away.  Elegant, but tastefully decorated, it had an old-world feeling.  A roaring fireplace warmed the room; it’s fire casting a soft glow to the rich mahogany, paneled walls. An intricately woven tapestry hung over the mantle.  Dark green velvet drapes covered the windows, held by tiebacks adorned with gold roping.   Large oriental carpets were scattered throughout the room, creating plush islands atop the hard wood floors.  Candles were lit, and strategically placed, adding to the seductive glow of the room.

Nat found herself relaxing in spite of her deep exhaustion. Soft harp music filled the room, instantly calming the apprehension she’d felt about spending the day here. How did Nick know about this place?  If the rest of Chez Rev’s was as breath-taking as this, her earlier feelings about coming would change drastically.  She remembered her comment to Grace.  This was definitely no beauty salon, it reminded her of a wealthy estate. This place made her feel as if she’d stepped into another time, another world.  

“Dr. Lambert?”

Startled, Natalie turned to see a gentleman, who looked to be in his early fifties, dressed in a tuxedo.  

“Yes, I’m Dr. Lambert.  But please, call me Natalie.”

“Natalie.”  He dropped his head in a slight bow.   “My name is Charles. We’re pleased you could be with us today.”  He flashed her a smile, exposing his perfect white teeth.  “Mr. deBrabant said you were beautiful, but his description didn’t do you justice.”

Charles’ compliment caused a heated flush to wash over Natalie’s face.

“I would be pleased to show you to a room where you can make yourself more comfortable.”   He motioned her toward a door just off the main lobby.

“Thank you Charles, this is a first for me.”

Charles smiled, his dark hair, athletic body, and genteel manner would have attracted her in the past. His speech and mannerisms suggested he was well educated, and reminded her of Nick.

“Then we’ll have to make this a most memorable experience for you.”

Charles opened the door and waited for Natalie to enter.  The room was softly lit, candles throughout the area added to the sensual atmosphere.  On the opposite side of the room, a chair and a small dressing table sat against the wall. The room was adorned with roses in various shades of red.  Expertly arranged in tall vases, their scent was soft, and intoxicating.  Her lips curved into a smile, the room was breathtaking.  It was obviously designed to seduce the senses.  
     
“Let me take care of that for you.”  Charles slipped her coat off her shoulders and hung it in the closet.  “Natalie, your attendant will be right with you.  If there is anything I can do to make your stay with us more memorable, please ask.  Our desire is that you thoroughly enjoy your visit.”

Nat seated herself in the large, upholstered chair and kicked off her shoes.  She could feel the room’s ambiance slowly draining the remaining tension from her body. Grace had been right; this was definitely going to be an experience.

“Thank you, Charles.  This is a beautiful room.  And the roses, there are so many, and the fragrance!”

“Mr. deBrabant insisted on the roses.   I understand he had them shipped in from the states, especially for you.”

“They’re magnificent.”

“They pale to your beauty.  If you’d like, I can arrange to have them delivered to your home.”  Again, he flashed her a smile.  

Nat blushed, “Yes, thank you, I would appreciate that.”
“Mr. deBrabant expressed his wishes that you’re to be pampered to the fullest.  He specifically stated you were to enjoy yourself.”

Natalie returned his smile.  She’d thought Nick’s gift extravagant, but he’d done all of this for her.  Maybe Nick did feel more for her than friendship.  Nat suddenly realized Charles was speaking to her, interrupting her thoughts.  She blinked, and tried to concentrate on what the man was saying.

“If you should require anything, this button will summon your attendant.  You’ll find one in each of the rooms.  I’ll leave you for now.  Enjoy.”  Charles smiled and walked out the door.

Nat leaned against the back of the chair and let out a long breath.   The ivory, silk fabric covering the chair caressed her, she felt special, pampered.  My God, she thought, I could never have imagined a place like this.

“M’lady?  My name is Aprelle.  I’m your attendant for the day.”  The young woman spoke with a thick French accent.  “Can I get you something to drink?  We have fresh juices, herbal teas, water cocktails with lemon, lime or cucumber.  I’m sure we could provide almost anything you might desire.”

Natalie jumped, she hadn’t heard the young woman enter the room.   

“I’m sorry, I didn’t hear you come in.”  

The young girl’s smile was pleasant; her pale blue eyes twinkled.  

“I’m sorry I startled you.”

Natalie instantly liked Aprelle.   There was something about her that put Nat at ease.  “Yes, I would love some fresh juice.  What do you suggest?”

“I recommend the strawberry mango.”

“Strawberry mango sounds wonderful. Thank you Aprelle.”

“You’re welcome.”  Aprelle exited the room as silently as she had entered.  Within moments she returned with the juice in a crystal goblet, on a silver tray.

“Your juice, m’lady.”

“Thank you, Aprelle.  Please, call me Natalie.”

“As you wish, Natalie.”
 
 Nat grinned to herself.  M’lady?  Honestly Nick, how on earth did you find this place?    

Aprelle waited patiently as Nat took a sip of her juice.  The flavor was like nothing she had ever tasted.
“This is wonderful!  Is this something I can buy at the market?  I could get addicted to this.”

“Oh no, it’s a family recipe.  We only make this for our special guests.  But for you, Natalie, I am sure something can be arranged.”

Nat was impressed.  Nick or his credit card, must have really made an impression.

Aprelle walked to the closet and removed a terry cloth robe and slippers.
“If you will disrobe, I will prepare you for your steam bath.”  She laid the white robe across the dressing table’s chair, opened a drawer, and removed several towels and a cotton body wrap.   “If you need assistance, I’ll be just outside the door, waiting.”

“Steam bath?”

“Yes, ma’am.  A steam bath, then a body buff and cool shower.  Your two-hour massage is next, followed by a facial, manicure, pedicure, hair wash and style.  At the end of the day we have a makeup artist that will apply your makeup.   After your massage and facial, you will be served lunch, and dinner will be served at seven, in a small, private dining room.  Mr. deBrabant has supplied us with a special outfit for you to wear to dinner.”

“Wow…”

“Mr. deBrabant was insistent that you be treated to everything our facilities offer.”

Natalie was stunned.   She’d had no concept of what this day was to entail, but it sounded like a fantasy that any woman would die for.  Grace had been right; most women would sell their soul to spend a day here.   

“Thank you, Aprelle.   I had no idea.”

 “Mr. deBrabant was very clear in expressing his desire that you be given the best treatment possible.”

“Well, Mr. deBrabant didn’t share any of this with me.”

“No, I understood this was to be a surprise.”

“It certainly is that.”

Nat followed Aprelle down the long hall to the steam room.  Nat noticed the business seemed to be deserted.  It occurred to her, except for the staff, she hadn’t seen another client.

“Aprelle, is this normally a slow business day?   I would’ve guessed that on Valentine’s Day you would be bombarded with clients.  I haven’t seen another person, except staff, since my arrival.”

“Mr. deBrabant secured our services exclusively for the entire day.”

“I am your only client?”

“Yes ma’am.”

“Wow!”

“You must mean the world to Mr. deBrabant.”

“I am beginning to think so.”  Nat couldn’t begin to think about what this must be costing Nick.

“You are a very lucky lady, to have a man so in love with you.”

Nat smiled pensively.  “Yes, I guess I am.”

 Natalie followed Aprelle through a parade of rooms, experiencing the lavish treatments Nick had requested for her enjoyment.  She lay face down on the massage table, the steam bath and body buff had left her limp and pliable.  Her eyes heavy, she fought sleep, the cumulative months of tension now gone from her body.   Soothing harp music continued to play through the overhead speakers, adding to her body’s total surrender.  Natalie’s thoughts drifted to Nick.  He could be so sensitive and thoughtful at times; Chez Rev’s proved that.   She chuckled, but he could be as dense as a brick at others.  Despite her earlier reluctance to accept his gift, she was thoroughly enjoying the attention.  

The door opened slightly and another attendant entered the room.

“Dr. Lambert, I am Anza, your massage therapist.  Do you have any place in particular you’d like me to concentrate on today?  Any area that holds tension, any joints that bother you?”

Natalie raised her head slightly and smiled.
“Anza, please call me Natalie.  Yes, my shoulders and neck ache, and my knees and feet, also.  My work demands that I stand for long periods of time.”

“Natalie, I’ll work a little extra on those areas.  I guarantee you’ll feel much better when I am finished.”

“I hope I don’t fall asleep, I’ve been at work all night.”

“That’s perfectly acceptable.”  Anza laughed; her laugh reminded Nat of a small child’s.  “A lot of my clients sleep during their sessions.  Rest and I promise you’ll wake up refreshed and feeling a lot better.”

Anza poured the scented oil into her palm, and rubbed her hands together to warm it before beginning the massage.  She worked slowly up Nat’s spine to her shoulders and neck, kneading the muscles until they were limp.

“Oh my God, that feels marvelous!   You have wonderful hands.”  Nat’s thoughts wandered to Grace, her friendship, and unconditional loyalty.  She made a mental note to do something special for Grace.  Nat’s thoughts again returned to Nick.  Nick, thank you for today, but I wish we could be together tonight.  She hoped LaCroix wasn’t the cause of Nick’s absence.  The ancient vampire seemed determined to keep her and Nick apart.  Nat wondered if LaCroix had ever had romantic inclinations, he appeared so cold-blooded in his dealings with Nick.  She knew, without a doubt, LaCroix would kill her if he thought he could get away with it.  She was just as certain that LaCroix’s fear of losing his son was what had kept her safe.  With that final thought, her mind slowed to a crawl, her eyes closed, and sleep claimed her.  





* CHAPTER SIX *

 

Natalie awoke to find herself standing under a massive oak tree.   The tree’s lush, green foliage provided an umbrella of shade from the noonday sun.  A warm breeze caressed her face.  Billowy white clouds danced across the sky.  Confused, she slowly surveyed her surroundings.  Where was she?

“Nat, would you like a little more wine?”

Startled, she spun around.  On the grass in front of her sat Nick, dressed in blue jeans and a blue, cotton tee shirt.  The wind swept his hair away from his boyish face, and his crystal blue eye’s twinkled.  She was speechless, her mouth agape in shock and surprise.

“Nat? Are you okay?”

Natalie didn’t move, she stood frozen in place.  They appeared to be having a picnic.   But how was this possible?  She had no memory of how they’d arrived there, yet it seemed so natural, Nick sitting on the blanket in front of her.

Nick jumped to his feet, and in an instant was at her side.  His expression was one of concern and confusion.
“Okay, no more wine for you today.  I think you’ve had enough, don’t you?”  Gently he maneuvered her to the edge of the blanket, “Please, Nat, sit down.  You’re scaring me.”

Natalie’s hands captured his face.  He was her beautiful Nick, the deep blue eyes, the boyish face, and the sun glinting off his curly blonde locks.  The sun…oh my God!

“Nick, the sun!  You’re standing in the sun!”

Unnerved, Nick took a step backwards, stumbling and falling over a rock.  His butt hit the ground hard, splashing into the only mud puddle near them.  He sat there a moment, irritated.
“Nat, what the hell...”

“Nick, oh my God, Nick!  You aren’t burning!  The sun, you can tolerate the sun!”

Nick’s brow creased with deep concern.  He slowly got to his feet, brushing the mud off the seat of his jeans.  His irritation quickly dissipated as his anxiety for Nat increased.  He approached her; his hand touched her forehead, testing for fever.
 “No, you don’t feel hot.  But we’re going home now, I think you need to rest.”

Nat grabbed Nick’s hands and forcibly pulled him to her.  Uncontrollable laughter rocked her body as she hugged him.  They had beat it somehow, beat the vampire!  She couldn’t remember exactly how, but it didn’t matter!  They were together, it was daylight, and Nick wasn’t burning!

“Oh Nick!  I’ve dreamt of this moment a million times!  I can’t believe it’s finally true!  I just can’t believe it!”  

Nick watched Nat closely; genuine fear filled his body.  Was she delusional?  Maybe it was the wild mushrooms he had picked that morning.  That had to be it, she was having a reaction to the mushrooms!
“Nat, honey, I think we need to get you to a Dr. and fast.   I’m afraid you’re reacting to the wild mushrooms we had with lunch.  Sit a moment, and I’ll get everything together and we’ll walk back to the car.  You’re going to be all right, honey.  I’ll take care of you... I won’t let anything happen to you.”

Natalie sat down on the blanket, observing his every move.  Tears of joy streamed down her face.  She watched as he quickly packed the remnants of their picnic lunch.    He was beautiful in the sunlight, and they were together!  And, as unbelievable as it was, he appeared to have regained his mortality!

“Oh Nick, I am so happy I could burst!  My love, I’ve waited so long for this moment.  Pinch me!  I want to make sure this isn’t a dream!”

Nick stopped dead in his tracks.  My God, had she completely lost her mind?
“Pinch you?  Nat, screw the picnic stuff.  We’re leaving NOW!”
Nick walked to her side, and quickly helped her to stand.  His arm wrapped around her waist, they began to walk rapidly toward the Cadillac, parked just ahead of them on the country road.   Nat couldn’t take her eyes off of his face in the sun.  Her heart raced so fast she was afraid it would spring from her chest.  She’d always thought he was handsome, but God, he was beautiful in the sunlight!

 “Aha!  There you are!  So you thought you could escape my wrath!  You assumed you could steal my son away, and there would be no retribution?”

Nat’s heart leapt in her throat, the evil voice familiar and terrifying.  She pulled away from Nick and turned to see LaCroix peeking from behind a tree trunk.  
“Oh my God, Nick!  It’s LaCroix!  Run!”

Nick looked, but didn’t see anyone.  His forehead wrinkled in a frown, he grabbed her arm, preventing her from running.  His voice was firm when he finally spoke.
“Nat, what on earth?”   

Panicked, she tore away from his hold, grabbed his hand, and tried to pull him along with her.  Her feet felt as if they were weighted with lead, the air suddenly so thick she couldn’t move through it.
“Damn it, run, Nick!  We can make it to the car!  RUN!”

Nick held her tight, his hand an iron grip around her slender wrist.  
“No!  Wait a minute!  I don’t see anyone Nat, what are you raving about?”

Natalie, again, wrenched free of his grasp and took several steps backwards.  “Nick!  Damn it!  He’s...” Nat stopped.  Suddenly she realized Nick was dressed only in black silk boxers and tennis shoes.  To her embarrassment, the boxers were dotted with small red hearts.  “Nick?  What the hell?”  Her mind raced as she quickly glanced down at what she was wearing.  She hastily folded her arms across her breasts, and shielded her near naked body from his gaze.  She’d been wearing a yellow, sun dress just moments before, but now she was dressed in a sheer, red lace, teddy!  

“Nat, darling, are you all right?”  Nick looked confused and bewildered.  “Honestly, I don’t see anyone!  What are you talking about?”

Swoosh!  An arrow flew past them, missing Natalie by inches!  Nat ducked, and ran toward the trees, waving desperately at Nick to follow her.
“There, Nick!  LaCroix is there!  Damn it, Nick, MOVE!  He’s shooting arrows at us!”

“Arrows?  Nat, it’s the mushrooms.  We’re the only ones here.  Honey, I don’t see any arrows.”  
 Perplexed, Nick walked slowly toward the grove of trees where Nat was crouched.   

Natalie suddenly realized that for some insane reason Nick couldn’t see or hear LaCroix.  She carefully peeked around the tree, and watched as LaCroix crept closer, loading another arrow in his bow.  She finally got a good look at him, and began to laugh hysterically.  LaCroix, the man always impeccably clothed, was dressed as cupid!   She pressed her body flat against the tree trunk, and fought hard to control her laughter.  Was she losing it or was LaCroix really dressed in a Roman toga, wearing a golden fig-leaf crown, carrying a bow, and wearing a quiver filled with heart tipped arrows?

“Nick, there is something very strange happening here.  I’m beginning to think you might be right.  I might be losing my grip on reality!”

Puzzled, Nick walked to Nat and took her gently in his arms.  “Sweetheart, take a deep breath, I think you’re hysterical, and you may be hallucinating.”

No, she wasn’t imagining it.  She knew she’d actually seen LaCroix.  Nick’s words angered her.  Irritated, Natalie pushed Nick away, “I’m not hysterical, and I didn’t imagine it!  I’m telling you I saw LaCroix, he’s dressed like cupid and he’s shooting arrows at us!”       

Nick tried not to laugh as he stepped cautiously in front of the tree.  He gazed intently into the dense forest, but was unable to see anyone.  At that moment LaCroix launched another arrow, nearly hitting Nick.  The arrow, imbedded deep in the tree trunk, quivered inches from Nick’s head.
“Whoa... I saw that one!”

Natalie looked sideways at Nick, still angry at his refusal to believe her.
“Don’t worry about it darling, it’s just a hallucination.  There is no arrow.  Actually, there are no trees either, and I’m in my office and you’re at the loft.   It’s just your imagination.”

“Don’t be sarcastic, Nat, it’s not funny at a time like this!”

“Neither is trying to drag your butt behind a tree to keep you from being impaled!”

“Someone is shooting at us!  Why?”

 “I don’t know, darling, maybe you look like a deer.”  Her sarcastic humor always surfaced when she was nervous.  “Nick, damn it, it’s LaCroix!  You know him better than I do.  Maybe he’s upset because he thinks I stole you from him!”

Nick smirked, “Honey, you can’t steal what he didn’t own, and LaCroix never owned me.”

“Tell that to him, Nick.  No, on second thought, don’t.  You don’t want to make him any more furious than he is right now.”     

“We can make it to the car if we run.  Are you up to it?”

“Nick, I’ll fly if I have to.   I just want to get out of here.”

“Ok, on the count of three, run!  I’ll get behind you in case he starts shooting again.”

“No, we run together or we don’t run at all!”  Nat stubbornly stood her ground.

“Sure, and give him twice the target?”

“Yeah, but he’ll have to choose.”

“And he’ll choose you, Nat, you know that.  I couldn’t stand it if I lost you now.”

Touched, Nat turned to Nick, taking his face in her hands.   “Honey, I am a smaller target.  Besides, we don’t have far to go.  Just have your keys ready, and be prepared to drive!”  Softly caressing his cheek she smiled, “We can do this.”

Nick gathered her in his arms and kissed her passionately.  

“I hope that wasn’t a ‘goodbye’ kiss.”

“It wasn’t, Nat, it was an ‘I love you’ kiss.”

“I love you too, Nick.  But if we don’t get moving we’re both going to find our heads stuffed and mounted, hanging on LaCroix’s wall down at the Raven.”

 Before LaCroix had a chance to fire another arrow, they ran across open ground, toward the car. As Natalie opened the car door she heard the swoosh of another arrow being released.  She turned in time to see LaCroix shoot, and begin running toward them.

“Nick!”

The arrow hit the side of Nick’s beloved Caddie, ricocheted, hit LaCroix and pinned him solidly to a tree.  LaCroix hung from the arrow as if a stake had been hammered through him, his body deathly still.

“Is he dead?”

“No, Nat, the arrow only went through his clothes.  Look there’s no blood.”

“Should we leave him hanging there?  He looks so pathetic.”

“Nat, honey, the man was trying to kill us.  Now you want to rescue him?”

Natalie began to giggle, before long she was doubled over with laughter.  LaCroix, his crown ajar, one sandal off, pinned to a tree, was too much for her to bear.  Tears flowed.  She couldn’t breathe, she was laughing so hard.

“Natalie?”

Nat bolted upright on the table, and looked around the room.  Confused, it took her a moment to realize she’d been dreaming.  

“Anza?”

“Yes, you were sleeping so soundly, I couldn’t bear to wake you.  What on earth were you laughing about?   We heard you all the way down the hall.”

“Anza, honestly, you really don’t want to know!   I was having one hell of a nightmare, and the way it ended really cracked me up!”  Nat grinned, “I think all this relaxation caused my imagination to work overtime!”  





* CHAPTER SEVEN *



Natalie sat at the dressing table staring at her reflection in the mirror.  
“My God, Aprelle, I look like a princess.”  Dressed in a strapless, floor length, burgundy velvet gown, she hardly recognized herself in the mirror.  
                                    
Aprelle smiled.  The woman sitting in front of her barely resembled the one she’d met this morning.
“You are breathtaking, Natalie.”

Natalie reached around her neck and removed the gold locket she always wore.  She grinned as she dropped it into the top of her purse.
“This sure doesn’t go with the dress.”  Nat again glanced at her reflection in the mirror.  “I would never have chosen this color.  I don’t usually wear dark, intense colors.”

Aprelle smiled appreciatively,
“The color is perfect for you, it accentuates your hair and skin.  What you need is a necklace of diamonds and rubies to set it off.”

Natalie’s smile slowly faded.
“What I need is a dinner date.   All dressed up and no where to go.”

Both women heard a soft knock at the door.  Aprelle walked to the door, acknowledged Charles, and turned to Nat.

“Natalie, dinner will be served shortly.  Charles will escort you to the private dining room.”

Natalie stood, and took one last look in the mirror.  She turned to Charles, who was now standing at her side.
“Sure, why not.  Lead the way.”

As they walked down the long hallway, Natalie couldn’t help noticing the staff’s reaction to her transformation.   She glanced at Charles, and realized he was staring at her, an odd smile on his face.
“Well Charles, are you my dinner date this evening?”

“No, ma’am, and that I deeply regret.  Permit me to say that you look exquisite.”

 Nat blushed slightly, “Thank you, Charles.  Then I’ll be dining alone?”

“Yes ma’am, we’ve prepared a gourmet meal for you, complete with a selection of wines.  Champagne will be served with your dessert.  Brandy will be available after dinner, if you so desire.”

“Thank you, Charles, but I am not much of a drinker.  It would be a pity for me to fall down and mess up this beautiful dress, wouldn’t it?”  She tried desperately to lighten her mood with humor, and for a moment, it worked.

“A tragedy, ma’am.”  He chuckled

Natalie stopped and turned to Charles.
“Charles, if I’m dining alone, can we at least be on a first name basis?  I ‘d appreciate that from all the staff.”

“If you so desire, Natalie.”

“I desire, Charles, believe me, I genuinely desire.  A girl doesn’t want to feel alone on Valentine’s Day, especially dressed like this.”

Natalie watched in amazement as the staff brought a large selection of foods to the table, each more delectable than the one before.  The atmosphere was intimately romantic; the room lit only by candlelight.  A solo violinist played softly in the background.   She politely attempted to sample the delicacies offered to her, but she couldn’t eat.  She pushed the food around her plate, taking only a few bites.  

Natalie became more depressed by the minute.  Embarrassed, she didn’t want the staff to see her like this.  They’d all been kind, accommodating, and now she didn’t think she could face them without crying.  She didn’t want anyone, especially Charles, to see her tears.  She always looked a mess when she cried, her nose turned red, and her mascara gave her raccoon eyes.  Nick’s gift had been delightful, but dressing for dinner in this beautiful gown, and eating alone, had been a stark reminder of Nick’s absence.  Her emotions were already raw from his desertion.   

“The food not to your liking, ma’am?”  

The man’s strong French accent irritated Natalie.  Just what she needed right now, another waiter with a French accent calling her ‘ma’am’!  Her emotions out of control, she didn’t turn around to face him, but kept her back squarely toward him.

“Natalie, please, call me Natalie.  The food is wonderful.  I just don’t seem to be very hungry right now.”

“Is there something else I can bring you, something you might find more desirable?”

“I’m sure what I desire is not on the menu, but thank you anyway.”  She didn’t know why, but his damned French accent was annoying her.  His rapid speech and thick accent made it nearly impossible to understand what he was saying.

“I’m sure we must have something here that would please you, please feel free to ask.”

 More tears flooded Natalie’s eyes.  She grabbed her napkin, and fought desperately to gain control.  This was exactly what she hadn’t wanted the staff to witness, a lovesick woman, with a damned waterfall rushing down her cheeks.  She took a deep breath, and squeezed her eyes shut, trying to stop the tears.
“Could I have a few minutes alone, please?”

“Natalie, may I recommend the specialty of the house?  It will do wonders for your appetite.”

Natalie tried to swallow the lump that was lodged painfully in the back of her throat.  She shook her head.  She couldn’t eat another bite.  What she’d managed to get down was sitting like a huge rock in her stomach.  “No, thank you, I’m finished.  Could someone take me home please?”   Nat refused to turn around, avoiding eye contact.

“Ma’am, I must insist.  I’m sure we have anything the Dr. might wish to request.”

Natalie dried her eyes; she was quickly becoming aggravated at the waiter’s assertiveness.
“Natalie… please!  I’ve asked everyone to call me Natalie!  I told you, I don’t want anything else.   I just want to be taken home.  Thank you, it was wonderful, but I’m through.”  She didn’t turn around; she was still fighting to keep her tears in check.  She picked up her purse, and suddenly felt ashamed she had taken her emotions out on the waiter.  “Look, I’m sorry.  I am over tired and feeling a little over emotional.  It’s been a long day and I worked last night.  Please, whatever your name is, can you tell me where my car is and I’ll drive myself home.”

“Nicholas... Nicholas deBrabant Knight.” He answered, still using the thick French accent.

Natalie spun in her chair, her foot catching the table leg, sending water and wine glasses on their sides, spilling their contents.
“Nick?”

Dressed in a tuxedo, Nick stood, his arms folded in across his chest, grinning ear to ear.  In front of him he held a single white rose.  Natalie leaped from her chair and threw her arms around his neck.
“Oh Nick, it’s really you!  They said I would be dining alone, and I was feeling so...”

Nick arms instantly wrapped around her, his lips covered hers, kissing her deeply, passionately.  At first her body responded to him, but suddenly, she pushed against his chest, forcing him to release her.  She turned her back to him; anger washed through her.
“Nick, I ought to stake you, letting me sit here alone like that!  I was so miserable, all I could think about was going home and going to bed.”

Nick gently wrapped his arms around her, turning her to face him.
“Nat, I just arrived.  My plane was late.   I intended to be here to have dinner with you.”

“Well, you have some explaining to do, buster.”  Nat felt her anger begin to subside. “And, by the way, let me be the first to tell you that you make a miserable waiter.  Keep your cop job, honey.”  She fought hard to keep from grinning.  She wasn’t going to let him off the hook that easily.
 
 Nick smiled sheepishly, “Gee, thanks Nat.  Yes, I realize I do have a lot of explaining to do, and I will.  But let’s get the staff in to clean up this mess, so you and I can have a romantic Valentine’s dinner.  Nat, we need to talk, really talk.  My love, it’s overdue, and for that I apologize.  I have a few surprises for you, but I want you to enjoy your dinner first.”

Nick’s impish grin slid across his face.  “My lady, a token of my intentions.”  He presented the white rose to her, and bowed.

Natalie felt the remaining anger fade, when he looked at her the way he was now, she could deny him nothing.  She wondered if he was aware of that.  She took the rose, bringing it to her nose, and inhaled the delicate, heady scent.  Her eyes met his.
“Ok, Nick… but I warn you, I have questions, a lot of questions.”

“And they’ll be answered.  Will you have dinner with me?”   He flashed her a smile, and offered her his hand.

Natalie returned his smile, and took his hand.  Nick escorted her back to the table, pulled out the chair, and offered her a seat.  She remained quiet as the staff finished clearing the table.  The waiters smiled at her, as they quickly left the room.

Nat was suddenly uncomfortable, and she wasn’t sure why.  The room’s silence didn’t help to ease her growing anxiety.  She wasn’t sure what Nick wanted to discuss, but she hoped they would finally be able to talk openly about their relationship.

“Natalie, you look beautiful tonight.  The gown fits you exactly as I had imagined.”

She took a deep breath; relieved the silence had been broken.  “I’m glad you approve of the finished product.”  She couldn’t help but giggle.  Nick responded with his own chuckle.  “Nick, seriously... thank you for today, it was wonderful.”  She glanced down at her dress, and back up at him.  “The gown is beautiful.”  She gave him a nervous smile, reached in her purse, and handed him the black velvet box.
“It’s not what I wanted to give you, Nick, but until I can, I hope this will help.  Happy Valentine’s Day.”

Nick looked puzzled and reached for the box.  He opened it, a slow smile crept across his face, “Nat, I love it!  You’ve given me a sunrise!”  Nick placed the watch on his wrist and fastened it securely.  The face of the watch, a celestial design, moved from sunset to sunrise with the passing hours. “Nat, it’s the perfect gift, thank you!”  His eyes locked with hers, his hand reached across the table and gently took her hand in his.  Gently placing a soft kiss in the palm of her hand, his eyes again met hers.  “Shall we start this night off the correct way?”  On cue the violist began to play.  Nick reached in his pocket and placed the red velvet box on the table in front of Natalie.

“Happy Valentine’s Day, Nat.  I hope it’s the first of many.”

Natalie’s eyes grew wide with excitement.  Reaching for the box, she slowly opened it.
“Oh my God, Nick!”  The figure eight pendant, encrusted with diamonds and rubies was the most beautiful thing she had ever seen.  “It’s wonderful!  Where did you find it?”

Nick stood and walked behind her, his hands briefly caressed her shoulders.   He took the necklace from her hand, placed it around her neck, and fastened the clasp.  He lowered his face, pressing his cheek to hers.  “I designed it and had it made especially for you.  It’s the symbol for eternity, Nat.  That’s how much time I would wish for us... eternity.”  His voice was soft and sensuous, filled with promise.  

“I will never take it off.”  Her fingers trembled as they tenderly enfolded the pendant.  “Does it really mean eternity?”

Nick kneeled down in front of her, forcing her to look at him.  He smiled, and softly caressed her cheek.  “Yes, the symbol does represent eternity, as does this white rose.  I hope you’ll accept these, and my love, for eternity.”

Silence filled the room.  The truth was in his eyes, the love, the devotion, and the promise of eternity with him.  This was what she’d been waiting for, what she’d dreamed of since the day she’d first met him.   Her voice faltered, all she could do was wrap her arms around his neck and hold him tighter than she ever had before.

“Is that a yes, Nat?”  Nick chuckled.

Natalie whispered in his ear, her voice husky with emotion. “Eternity, Nick, won’t be long enough for us.”



********* The End *********


Forever Knight, Valentine's Day Challenge Rules:

1. The story must be set on or around Valentine's Day, but doesn't
necessarily have to utilize the episode 'Be My Valentine'. It does,
however, have to have Nick/Nat ultimately end up together in some way.

2. It must contain a box of 'conversation hearts' used to spell out a
message. Also, a box of chocolates to Natalie, but NOT from Nick,
should make an appearance somewhere in the story.

3. It must contain LaCroix in a 'Cupid's' outfit. Yes, that's
right, the Roman toga, golden fig leaf crown, heart-tipped arrows and
all! I'll leave it to you to fight him into it!

4. EITHER Nick in black silk boxers with red or pink hearts all over
them, Natalie in some sort of red lingerie, OR Nick and Natalie
showing up at a party with both of them wearing red silk shirts and
black trousers/skirt (they have to match each other).

5. A special Valentine's Day card and diamond jewelry must be
given. I'll let you decide who it's from and who it's to, but try
to be creative!