Date: Fri, 10 Jun 2005 19:21:31 -0400 From: Kayakerfl1 Subject: Reese Part III Reese (Part III) By: Holloway Copyright: 2003 Holloway H. This is a work of fiction with an adult theme. I look forward to hearing your thoughts on the story: Frontrnrusa@netscape.net Christmas Eve broke extremely cold but sunny. The animal's water had a layer of ice covering the top of the trough. I took a small hatchet and chopped through the ice, the Pigs scrambled to explore ice I threw on the ground. My hands were freezing by the time I completed my chores and went back inside I knew the minute I opened the back door, Kerry had breakfast ready the aroma brought back memories. I sat on the bench in the mud room and removed my boots and hung my jacket up. I rubbed my hands together trying to warm up. Kerry looked over at me and smiled he came up to me and put his arms around me and held me close to him, my hands warming up in between us. He kissed me "good morning." I smiled at him. "Good morning breakfast smells great." Now he smiled, I sat down and he handed me a cup of coffee and a plate of food, I waited until he sat down then we said grace. Neither of us could believe it was Christmas Eve. I think we were both happier than we'd ever been. I know I was all I wanted to do was be held by Kerry or hold him in my arms. He looked at me. "I know what you're thinking." I laughed, "No I bet you don't." "I do! You're thinking that all you want to do is hold me in your arms or have me hold you so we're close to each other." I frowned for a moment "how'd you know that?" Now he laughed. "It's the same thing I want too." We cleaned up after breakfast, put our boots and heavy jackets on and walked along the property's fence. We were getting to know each other slowly and personally. Kerry told me about growing up, "I don't remember really that much Josh, I grew up in a boy's home, I didn't have a hard time or anything. As a matter of fact the people running the place were nice. I had a summer job when I was about 15 with a carpenter. He was only in his mid twenties, we got along really well, he taught me everything about carpentry by making me do it not watch him do it. We were working on this house and had just finished the last of the bedroom woodwork. All the other workers were gone for the day but him and me. He told me to check out the closet door, I opened it and closed it several times. He asked me to go inside and see if the door fit well by looking for light around the edges. I went in the closet and he held the door closed I tried to open the door and we were both laughing he said I'll let you out but what will you give me eventually I said anything. He opened the door, walked in and closed it behind him. We stood in the dark his hand went to my head. He was very gentle. He pulled me to him and held me close, he put his hands on my shoulders and pushed me slowly to my knees. I'd never done anything like that before. He did the same thing to me, I fell in love with him, but the summer ended and I went back to school, I never saw him again. Over the years I met guys but never anyone I cared about everything was purely physical, I really didn't want anything more until I met you, then it was like everything I had believed, thought or felt went right out the window. I thought I had acted like a fool when I first came down here and met you. Like a teenager who has a crush not only were you handsome but you were smart and gentle I felt like I had hit the jackpot." I squeezed his hand as we walked, "Kerry, this is going to sound almost crazy but, I've only been with one person; a kid I found on the street. He was broke, tried to pick me up and of course I felt sorry for him. I brought him home and cleaned him up I had no intention of doing anything with him but we did, it was my first time. We're still friends, I got him to go home and go back to school. Then I met Brad, he was the first person I'd ever been in love with he was different. He had been married and wasn't sure what he wanted all he knew was he loved me. When he died, I came back here and a part of me died. Then you came along, shook up my world, made me face life, the funny thing is I knew I loved you from the first minute we met, strange isn't that?" He smiled. "No, it isn't strange. Does it bother you that I haven't told you I love you?" "No. I figure when you feel it. You'll say it." I replied. Kerry stopped at a bend in the fence holding me at arms length, looking in my eyes "Josh, you mean everything, to me." I smiled at him, "I know, it's okay." We walked along for another hour or so before driving over to the feed store, everything was locked up tight as a barrel, we drove around town stopping in at Fred's and getting our haircut. Fred was a wealth of knowledge about what was going on in town. He knew who was doing this or that, it was interesting after all I knew all the neighbors as did Kerry, I'm sure Kerry wondered just like I did when the talk about us would begin. Kerry didn't want to go home yet, he drove all the way to downtown Houston almost two hours, I kept looking at him and he looked at me, "what, I've got something I want to do." He found a parking place and left me sitting in the truck cab while he went up around the corner, about 30 minutes later he returned, he had a gift in his hand, he put it in his jacket pocket never saying a word. The day was over Kerry looked at me "do you trust me?" I looked up at him, "do you have to ask?" He shook his head, "come on, were going to have a drink at a special bar, I've been there with other people. I want to go with you, only to show you off, so I better not see you looking around." I smiled at him and shook my head. It was dark outside by the time we arrived, the parking lot packed. Kerry fixed my hair with his fingers, the minute we walked through the door he took my hand. We left our jackets at the door and went straight through to the bathroom where we straightened up a bit. He took my hand and led me to the bar I noticed quiet a few people looking at Kerry it made me feel unsure of myself and proud at the same time. He ordered a beer for us and just as he turned around a young guy walked over and asked to dance, I didn't say a word. Kerry looked at the kid telling him, "My old man here might get mad." I shook my head, "no. You go ahead." Kerry frowned at me and walked away with the kid. I moved up on one of the stools and watched them dance. I felt someone brush up against my arm, I turned around a guy near my age was sitting down, he smiled at me, "Hi, I'm Michael." I put my hand out to shake his, "I'm Josh." We had just started to talk when Kerry came over his dance not finished, I could see in his face how uncertain he was of me. He stood next to me and kissed the top of my head so Michael could see, then he extended his hand to Michael, "hi, I'm Kerry." They shook hands, "Michael." I could sense the jealousy in Kerry and I soon told Kerry it was time to go, once back in the truck I looked at him, "you were jealous." His face was angry, "damn right I was that kid was hitting on you and I was standing right next to you." "I get it you can dance with someone else but I can't talk to anyone else." He smiled, "I guess we won't be going there again." We both fell out laughing, and talking about everything we saw at the bar. It was still early when we got home and it felt good to be in the warmth of our house. We grabbed a quick bite to eat then we walked upstairs. I undressed and crawled in between the sheets, it felt cool, and refreshing on my body, I grabbed a pillow. A few minutes later Kerry came in the room and slid in beside me. He turned the light on beside the bed and looked at me he had something to say. I looked at his face. He was very handsome. "Josh, I know this is old fashion because it isn't the first time I've had sex, but this will be the first time I've had sex with someone I love, the way I love you. If we make love then we're a couple, a family, and we'll never touch anyone else." I held his hand, "Kerry, I only love and want you." The tenderness and gentleness he showed that night made me love him more. In the morning he looked over at me, "no one has ever or can ever make me feel the way you did last night." I smiled at him he looked mischievous and moved under the covers. After a while he lay with his head on my chest, my fingers playing with his hair, "Josh, being in love is the greatest thing that's ever happened to me, I don't know how I've lived all these years. I want to tell you I love you a million times and I want to make you so happy you'll never want another person ever." I stroked his hair and face gently, "Kerry, we were meant for each other don't you ever forget the love I feel for you." I drifted off to sleep too exhausted to remain awake, during the night I woke with a start, Kerry was still asleep on my chest his arms holding me, I closed my eyes and fell quickly asleep. Christmas morning, I woke well after 9am. Getting out of bed without waking Kerry, I put the coffee on then went out and fed the animals. The aroma of coffee filled the air the moment I walked in the house, I went upstairs quietly, Kerry was sound asleep I stood in the doorway and looked at him. I was almost 29 and he was almost 40, he looked as young as I did, the important thing in my mind was I loved him and for the rest of his and my life I'd take care of him no matter what. As I watched him, my chest swelled with pride, I was happy and content. Pulling the bathroom door closed behind me quietly, I managed to shower and shave. I walked in the bedroom dressed in tan slacks and a blue long sleeve shirt and loafers. Kerry was sitting up in bed and he let out a whistle, "wow! You look great." I walked over and took his face in between my hands and kissed him gently. He smiled, "thank you for letting me sleep in." "Merry Christmas and thank you for making me happy." Kerry ran his fingers through my hair and kissed me, "I'm going to clean up and then we can open presents." I saw the little mischievous boy in his eyes. That first morning's cup of coffee was delicious, I sat at the dining room window and looked out over the land, Brad was here with me, his ashes a part of the land and Kerry upstairs, a new beginning in my life. I closed my eyes and thanked God for the blessings he had bestowed and the love he gave me with each breath I took. I prayed for him to watch over Kerry, keeping him safe and happy. Kerry finally came downstairs. He had on tan slacks and a blue long sleeve shirt. I whistled at him, "Marine, come here." He walked over smiling, bent down and kissed me, "Merry Christmas, to this Marine's love of his life." I looked in his eyes and felt everything he was feeling. He got a cup of coffee placing the cup on the coffee table then he reached in his pocket, and pulled out the gift-wrapped box he had purchased in Houston, "for you." He handed me the gift and watched as I tore the paper off and opened the small black case. Inside the box was a simple white gold band with several small diamonds. He smiled at me, taking the ring from the box and holding it in his hand. He knelt in front of me, "Josh, I love you without reservation or doubt, I know this is rushing things but I can't stem the way I feel about you. I'm in love with you and want you to become my partner, mate, for the rest of our lives." I looked at him, and felt every emotion flooding my mind, "Kerry, you are so special to me. I love you and will for the rest of our lives." Kerry's eyes were filled with emotion I put my arms around his neck and kissed him. We held each other for a few moments, before I jumped up and yelled, "it's your turn to open a gift." I bought him a watch, he opened it carefully he was surprised when he saw it. I set the date and time for him then put the watch on his wrist he kissed me. Once all the gifts had been opened. I got the camera and took pictures of everything for our photo album Kerry smiled holding me tightly as we both reflected on today the Birth of our Savior and the birth of a new life for the two of us. We worked hard in the kitchen getting dinner ready, setting the table and picking at this and that as our hunger got the better of us. Around 3pm, the phone rang. Father Broughton the Episcopal Priest called about a young boy dying of Leukemia at the hospital. He wanted me to see the boy right away. His parents had asked the Father to call me. I told Kerry the story, he smiled, "its Christmas lets go then we can come back and eat." Kerry drove. We stopped by the parish and picked up Father Broughton. I knew the Father noticed the closeness the two of us felt. He was hospitable and said nothing negative, asking us to attend services this evening. Kerry accepted Father's invitation promising we would both be there. Kerry parked close to the front of the hospital, we walked in and Father led us to the second floor room where the boy lay dying surrounded by his family. When his parents saw the Priest, they rushed up to him, "Father, he's worse by the minute please don't let him die on Christmas." I felt sorry for Father he looked at everyone "Only God will decide the hour of our death." I walked into the room where the boy lay, his body was emaciated from his disease, his 11-year-old head bald only a few wisps of what was once blonde hair, his eyes swollen, blackened and shut, the skin covering his body was taut with bruises everywhere. Before I lay my hands on the boy I told Father and Kerry, what I had never told another soul, I told them about that night in Vietnam, I saw the look on their faces when I finished the story, neither of them said anything in reply. Gently I stroked the boy's forehead, he was hot to the touch, I sat on the bed next to him and put my hand flat against the skin of his chest. I watched as my hand glowed steadily brighter, I felt the sudden jolts as before, I also felt sick to my stomach, but it passed as suddenly as it appeared. I watched as the swelling slowly went away and color began to return to his face, the bruising faded. "Liam, can you hear me?" The boy's eyes fluttered as he tried to look at me. I moved my hand to his forehead and once again the glow warmed my hand and spread whatever God had intended into this small boy. "Liam, do you hear me?" He opened his eyes this time I knew it was taking all his strength, "Josh, I love you thank you for saving me." I bent over and slowly pulled him in my arms and held him tightly I looked over at Kerry and saw tears streaking his face, even Father Broughton's face showed amazement. Several times as I held him, I felt the familiar jolts pass through my body. Once the glow stopped I knew there would be nothing more I could do, only God would know what he had destined for this child. I kissed Liam on the forehead Liam hugged my neck and began to cry. Father, called for his mother, she ran in the room, she looked at her child who was now awake and began to cry, "it's a miracle." She held her son tightly in her arms. Father Broughton, Kerry and I left the room unnoticed, I was certain Liam would live to a very old age. Father Broughton looked at me, "when you told me the story, I had to admit I didn't believe you, I thought maybe it was the loss of blood making you see things. I'm sorry for doubting you." Father, was invited to Christmas dinner after we agreed to let him bring two young Priests that had nowhere else to go, promising he'd be on time at 4pm. After dropping Father off Kerry looked at me, "you'll never know how proud and how much I love you." I looked at the ring on my finger, "Kerry, I love you, I can't say it enough." Kerry laughed, "that's okay with me." We worked hard in the kitchen getting everything ready then Kerry did a once around the house to make sure nothing was out of place. I watched him with a smile on my face. He was funny, charming and very loving. He saw my smiling face and he broke into a big grin, he ran over and kissed me just in time for the doorbell. Father Broughton and two of his fellow Priest smiled as I opened the door, I ushered them into the warmth of the house. Everyone removed their coats, putting them on pegs in the mud room. Father, smiled, "everything looks and smells great." "All thanks to Kerry, he's a great cook." Father, turned, "Josh, I'd like to introduce Peter and Jacob two new Priests." I quickly shook their hands and showed them to the sofa. Kerry walked in just as everyone sat down, I quickly introduced everyone. "Father what will you have to drink?" "Josh, drop the Father and call me Bill. If you have wine, I'll have a glass." I smiled, "all right Bill, Peter and Jacob what would you like to drink?" They both piped up right away, "Josh, do you have beer?" Their expression made me laugh, "yes plenty of beer." I saw the look on Father's face when I said, plenty. As I walked in the kitchen, Kerry was standing by the window staring out into space, he didn't notice I was in the kitchen. I walked up behind him, "penny for your thoughts." He turned around he put his hand to my face and kissed me gently, "I never thought I'd ever find love, I can't tell you how I feel." I kissed his hand, "we have drink orders." He laughed, "oh! So now I'm the bartender and the cook?" "Yes sir both," I replied. We fixed drinks, I carried the tray and Kerry followed carrying a tray of Hors d'oeuvres. The company was delightful, we all talked about everything until Kerry called us to the dining room table. I was amazed by how beautifully he had done everything. Father, sat at one end of the table and Kerry asked me to sit at the other end. Father said Grace, and we all filled our plates, some more than once. After dinner Peter and Jacob asked to watch the game, Kerry took them into the den, while Bill and I cleared the table and cleaned up. I washed and Bill dried, "Josh, tell me about your gift." "Bill, it doesn't always work, I can't help someone whose time has come or someone who has already died. I can talk to them briefly but only very briefly." Bill looked at me, "you've been given a wonderful gift by God." I nodded my head, "I know I have to make sure it stays a gift, please do not say anything to anyone." "Josh as you wish." Bill and I finished cleaning up then joined the guys in the den they were cheering their teams on. Bill looked at me, I walked into the other room and he followed, I put my jacket on and asked him to take a walk. We fed the animals then walked out into the fields. "Bill you're aware that Kerry and I are a couple." Bill smiled, "yes, I figured it out. I believe love is the most important part of a relationship. I don't think it matters who the people are, at least that's what I believe." We walked on until the weather was too cold for either of us to stay outside. We returned in time to hear the three of them discussing the reason for their team's loss. We all sat down to dessert and coffee, Bill looked at his watch and reminded his two young protégées services were in two hours. They took their leave and I sat with Kerry in my arms in the den looking at the Christmas tree with him. We were happy everything had turned out perfect, I kissed the side of his head, I loved his scent he snuggled up next to me and dozed until it was time for Church. We arrived barely in time and got seated just as the service began, we received looks from all three Priests. Fathers' sermon was on gifts God gives to each of us. I looked at Kerry and knew he was a gift I had needed for so long, his eyes said everything to me when he looked in my eyes. After services we drove home, locked up and went to bed, what a wonderful first Christmas together. New Years - Early in the morning we opened the feed store and as had been the case in the past we had farmers waiting to make their purchases in the dark and get back home to the fields as quickly as possible. Between Kerry and myself we had a routine of opening up that only took about a half an hour. Kerry put all the displays of feed on pallets and each morning he used a small forklift to move them in place and same in the afternoon when we got ready to close. For the last two years I had gotten use to eating fast food for lunch, I stayed busy enough at work and home you couldn't tell I ate at all. Kerry wanted to make sure we were both healthy so he began fixing our lunches on Sunday, freezing them for the week and heating them up in the Microwave. He paid a fortune for the new oven and it was almost as big as a regular oven but cooked in only minutes. I had to admit to him that I enjoyed the lunches he made, or maybe it was the fact that we sat together eating, talking about crops or the house, and maybe it was everything good in my life that was making me enjoy life now. Planting seasons jumped out at us enough rain and sunshine promised a great planting season. Each morning from February on we were packed, opening an hour earlier and stocking more types of seed than in years before, Kerry's doing and a good one. We were turning a good profit and building a strong customer base by listening to our neighbors and trying to have what it was they wanted. The other side of the coin, we were so busy we seldom had time for lunch or dinner and usually fell in to bed dead tired after we took care of our farm each day. We planted on the weekends after the feed store closed when we should have been resting but neither of us had that nature. Kerry was looking a little ragged, he was getting over the last remnants of the flu and I wanted him to stay home until it was gone. I could take care of the store and the farm without his help until he was better. He refused to let me open up alone, on Friday morning we had just put the displays out when he called out to me, I ran to the storage room thinking by the tone of his voice he'd hurt his back. When I reached him, he was sitting on several sacks of seed, he was wheezing and could barely stand. I helped him to the office and had him lay down on the couch. Doctor Stephens wasn't in yet but I left a message with his answering service and he called about five minutes later. I told him what was going on with Kerry he said he'd stop by the office on his way to the clinic. Within the hour Doctor Stephens was examining Kerry, I stood in the corner watching. I was scared, scared to the point of shaking that something might be wrong, I wanted to die while I was waiting for word. His examination complete he looked at both of us, "exhaustion, you're both exhausted, I can see it in both of your faces. Kerry, you're 40, I know you're in great shape but keep going at this speed and you'll burn out quickly. And you Josh, I've told you a million times to slow down, your body can't take this punishment with the damage it sustained in the past." We both nodded our heads, he wrote Kerry a prescription and told him to go home to bed for five days, Kerry started to complain but the doctor wouldn't even hear it. He told me to hire more help and to do it right away. I shook his hand thanking him he winked at me, "take care of each other." I smiled at him as he walked to his car. Kerry got pushed out of the office and into his truck the minute the doctor left. He tried to argue with me but I wouldn't hear it. Within the hour I called the house, he answered after five rings, he'd been asleep from the medicine but was feeling better. The talk at the feed store was about Doc's visit, everyone wanted to know what was wrong and I told everyone nothing but the flu. Before the end of the day I put help wanted up in the window, we'd need part time help every morning from five until 10. Closing up after the onslaught today was too much I was exhausted, but the minute I got home I fed the animals and completed the chores. The house was dark, I turned some lights on then walked upstairs, Kerry was sound a sleep. I kissed the side of his face, walked back downstairs and fixed dinner, I took him his on a tray. Sitting the tray on the bedside table I woke him gently, the minute he saw me he began to cry, it scared the hell out of me I'd never seen him this way, I sat on the bed and held him until he calmed down. "What's wrong Kerry?" He hugged me tighter, his head resting against my chest he didn't look up at me, "I'm getting older, and I'm scared for the first time in my life, I'm scared I might lose you." I kissed the top of his head and stroked the side of his face, "Kerry you and I are always going to be a couple, always." He eventually ate everything on the tray and then went back to sleep, I figured the pills Doc had given him were making him feel vulnerable he'd never have to worry about me loving him, that wasn't even possible. With the kitchen cleaned and everything else readied the downstairs lights were turned off and I walked upstairs stripped and stood in the shower for well over half an hour until I relaxed. Drying off I looked at myself in the mirror at 30 I couldn't see any changes in my appearance other than the large arms and big legs from all the work at the feed store. I noticed I could use a haircut. I was looking a little shaggy. The bed felt comfortable, Kerry rolled over into my arms, I buried my face in his hair I breathed in his scent and quickly fell asleep. The alarm screamed at 3:30am, I reached to slap the button before Kerry woke up, but I made more noise than the alarm, almost knocking the lamp over. Kerry started to get out of bed, I looked at him, "you get out of bed and you're fired." I didn't even crack a smile "go back to bed now." He looked at me, "you're killing yourself working alone and you want me to get more rest?" I looked at him, "Kerry, please do this for me worrying about your health is more exhausting for me than lifting sacks of seed. Once you're over the flu, I won't say a word I promise but I love you so much it scares me when you're sick." He hugged me, "I love you so much." Work wasn't as busy as I had suspected, the day went by quickly and Kerry called several times, the medicine was doing its job, he was feeling better. Once again I got home after closing up the store at the end of the day, this time the house had lights on the animals and chores had been done, dinner was cooking I could smell it when I opened the door. I found Kerry in the kitchen wearing a sweatshirt and blue jeans. He looked as handsome as I'd ever seen him, he ushered me upstairs to get cleaned up. The shower made me feel better, Kerry was waiting for me in the bedroom when I came out of the shower, he called me over, I sat on the bed, he pushed me backwards and helped me relax, I drifted off to sleep. Kerry, woke me around 7:30 for dinner, I smiled at him "you can relax me anytime." He got a little grin on his face, "I will." By the end of the week he was in good health and back at work. Several people had shown interest in the help-wanted sign. I left the hiring up to Kerry, he interviewed the applicants and three weeks later we had two young college students working each morning before classes, Kerry and I were able to work with the customers while the boys did the heavy lifting and loading. We were beginning to have a life again. Kerry's fortieth birthday was only a week away, he felt really self-conscious and I didn't intend to make a big deal other than a couple gifts, a cake and dinner for the two of us. On the morning of his birthday I gave him a card, he smiled and kissed me. After work we went home and changed clothes and then drove into town and had dinner, when we got back to the farm I put his cake on the table with his final present. I lit the candles he made a wish and blew them out, and opened his present. He looked at me, "you can't do this." I"I'm an adult I can do what I please." "Josh, no it's too much." "Kerry, you say you love me, everything I have is ours, if I'm wrong tell me now." He walked over, "I've been so scared of getting older until this minute I love you." I picked up the new deed to the store making him half owners and putting it in our safe. It made me feel good to know he didn't have to worry about his age with me. Jed and Tom worked out well, both were always on time, worked hard, and when it was slow they both hit their books. The store's accountant came by prior to the end of the fiscal year he had great news profits were soaring. Kerry and I agreed that was in big part to the help of the boys, we decided to give them both a bonus of $500, we knew they could use it. The boy's were excited when we told them they had bonus checks waiting at the end of the day. We overheard them talking, they thought it was probably 50 bucks which excited them to no end. As we were closing, I handed the boy's envelops, the boy's tore the envelope open their mouths dropped, they thanked us saying how much this would help with school. We thanked them in turn and headed home, we laughed once we were in the truck, at the excitement the money had caused. Kerry wanted to get away, just the two of us to somewhere we'd never been before. I wanted to go to China, he thought I was crazy he wanted to go to Russia so we compromised and went to Bermuda. Kerry had a Marine buddy who owned a Travel Agency, he called him and had all the arrangements made. Tom and Jed volunteered to take care of the store for the week we were gone, but only after we promised T-shirts. On a rainy Thursday Morning we drove to the airport in Houston flew to North Carolina and after a connecting flight we landed in Bermuda. We were expected and a car drove us to the small bungalow we had rented for the week. The bungalow sat high on a small ledge leading directly to the water, the view was wonderful and the breeze off the water energized us. We looked at each other and smiled like little children. We changed into shorts and began sight seeing, we stopped and ate in Saint George's Square, before shopping and more sightseeing returning back to the bungalow in time to dress for dinner. A car picked us up and drove us to one of the large hotels where we had a wonderful dinner before spending some time gambling, neither of us was good at gambling and grumbled at parting with our money in this fashion. We were fortunate to get a taxi back to our bungalow early the taxi driver mentioned several places to visit we figured since we were together he had assumed what clubs we would like. We changed clothes while he waited, then drove us to a club, the place was nice and full of American Sailors but not packed. We got a table and had a few beers talked with several people before we both tired and headed home. I looked at Kerry and could tell he was still too excited to sleep, as was I, we put on trunks and headed down to the beach. The water was warm like bath water I waded out up to my waist and sat down. Kerry followed me and sat behind me and I leaned into him. He massaged my shoulders, then I turned around and put my arms around his neck and kissed him deeply, he looked at me seriously, "did you find any of the people at the bar interesting tonight?" I looked in his eyes, I hated the question but I could understand him asking, "yes I did. He's right here in my arms, you." We played submarine for a while before moving back to the beach we were very secluded. I sat down on my towel leaning back we made love to each other on the beach, falling in love all over again. Our vacation was wonderful during the days we shopped, went sightseeing or just enjoyed renting Mopeds. At night we ate together then spent our time on the private beach below our bungalow. As the week came to an end, I noticed how tanned Kerry had become in the short time when he came out of the shower, he looked at me and smiled, I love being in love."