Waking the Sleeping Heart

Auther note: Aaron, who is about to marry Renee, falls into a coma and wakes up ten years later. This is the story of their journeys to reawaken the love and passion they felt for each other. There is both hetero and lesbian sex.

**Chapter 1 -- Waking Up, February 2021

"Beep... beep... beep... beep..."

"Beep... beep... beep... beep..."

The sound filled the room and was really starting to annoy Aaron. He wasn't ready to get up and lay still, trying to ignore it.

"Damn, I feel stiff and sore this morning," he thought. "That hike yesterday must have been too much."

He wondered about the sound for a while, then decided it was the alarm clock. It wasn't his own alarm clock--he knew that. "I must have set the hotel alarm last night when Renee and I crawled into bed," he reasoned. He recalled they were in a hotel room, then thought, "Odd sound for an alarm."

He kept his eyes closed, refusing to open them. Opening his eyes meant getting up, and all he wanted was to drift back to sleep with Renee. "My fiancée," he thought, smiling inwardly. He remembered that yesterday she had promised to marry him.

Without looking, he reached for the bedside table. He knew exactly where to find the "sleep" button. It would buy him ten more minutes, but his hand found nothing.

Now irritated, he tried to open his eyes. They wouldn't budge--stuck shut. "This is strange," he said aloud. He lifted his hand to rub them open, and his arm felt stiff and heavy. As he rubbed his left eye, a voice interrupted him.

"Did you say something?" It was a woman, but it wasn't Renee.

"Beep... beep... beep... beep..." The sound persisted and was driving him a little crazy.

"Will someone turn off that damn alarm?" he said louder. His voice croaked oddly, and his throat hurt with the effort.

"Alarm?" the voice replied. "Mr. Fallows? You're awake!"

"Of course I'm awake. How can I sleep with that damn noise?" he croaked.

"You're awake! Oh my God, you're awake!" The voice brimmed with excitement.

He struggled to open his eyes as he heard quick footsteps and a door opening. The woman called out, as if into another room, "Mr. Fallows is awake!"

Now he started to panic. "Where am I, for Christ's sake? And where's Renee?"

With effort, he pried his eyes open slightly, and the bright light stung them. He shut them, then tried once more. He needed to understand his surroundings. Squinting, he made out vague shapes--two women approaching his bedside, dressed like nurses. He watched them warily.

One had gray hair and stood over him. Her kind face broke into a smile, and she touched his forehead. He did not resist. The cool hand soothed him.

"W-w-where... a-am I?" he stammered.

"Mr. Fallows, you're in a hospital. I'm Denise, your nurse. This is Misha, a nurse's aide." The younger one had dark skin and hair and smiled warmly.

He tried to smile back, but even his facial muscles hurt when he attempted that. "I really overdid it yesterday. But where's Renee?" he thought.

Then aloud, he said, "Hospital?"

"Yes, a hospital in Philadelphia," Denise said--her voice calm and reassuring.

"I don't understand. My fiancée and I were hiking in the hills just a minute ago--or maybe yesterday? Her name is Renee." His eyes opened more, and the light was less painful.

"Water?" His throat was so dry it hurt to speak.

Misha left and then returned with a cup. She pressed a straw to his lips, and he opened his mouth.

"Drink from the straw," she instructed.

He sipped gently, allowing the water to ease his throat.

"Why am I here? Am I hurt?" Speaking felt easier now.

"Let me get a doctor," Denise said and stepped away, returning a few minutes later.

"The doctor's coming to answer your questions," she told him.

He didn't feel injured, just exhausted. He closed his eyes and did not open them until a new voice spoke. "Mr. Fallows? Mr. Fallows, are you awake?" He opened his eyes partway and saw another gray-haired woman.

"Mr. Fallows, can you hear me? I'm Dr. Grayson. Do you remember you're in a Philadelphia hospital?"

"Yes--well, no. What happened to me?"

"You fell," she said.

"Where's Renee? Is she okay?"

The doctor looked puzzled for a moment. "Do you remember what happened to you?"

"No. Where's Renee? Was she hurt too?"

Dr. Grayson glanced at Denise, who shook her head and whispered to her.

"Mr. Fallows, there's no Renee here. You've been in a coma. Do you understand what that means?"

He nodded.

"How long?" he asked. "How long was I in a coma?"

"Ten years," she said softly.

Ten years. He closed his eyes, trying to shut everything out as he absorbed this.

"Do you understand, Mr. Fallows?"

"Yes, ten years. And Renee isn't here."

Opening his eyes again, he gazed up at the doctor, who was giving him a sympathetic look. Then she began checking his vitals--blood pressure, heart, pulse, chest, temperature. He lay there grappling with the news. It was impossible to believe. He pictured being with Renee on the hill, and in his heart, it felt like yesterday. He couldn't reconcile what the doctor said with what he was certain to be true. "How could it be ten years?" he asked himself desperately.

"What do you last remember, Mr. Fallows?" Dr. Grayson asked, searching his eyes.

"I'm getting married," he said. "Renee said she'd marry me."

"Ten years ago?" he asked himself.

"Where's Renee? Has she visited?" he asked, growing agitated.

"I've never seen a Renee. Your attorney, Carol Adams, might know."

"My attorney? Can I talk to her?"

"She'll be here soon. We've notified her you're awake. Rest now, and I'll check on you later."

The doctor left, and he closed his eyes again, shutting out what seemed to be a very unpleasant world he had woken up to.

**Chapter 2 -- The Way It Was, June 2011

The hospital room was quiet again. The annoying noise had been turned off, and in the quiet Aaron lay there trying to piece together his memories.

Fresh out of grad school, he had jumped into investment banking, then he shifted to venture capital. He worked long hours and squeezed dating into his rare gaps of leisure time. At 30, he was earning well--not rich but rising.

He had plenty of first, second, and even fourth dates, but once the novelty of him wore off, women he met drifted away. He was attractive enough to draw interest and wanted a steady relationship, something that appealed to many women. But his obsession with work left little room for someone else in his life.

A regular at the gym, he had decided to try yoga, wanting to balance out his fitness routine. The first class he found was before lunch. About twenty others attended, mostly young women, with just a few men.

"Hi," said a tall woman in a dancer's leotard. "I'm your instructor, Renee. This is a mixed class of beginners and experienced. I'll give alternate instructions for tougher moves. Okay?"

That was how he met her. She was attractive with dark hair and brown eyes. She was 21, confident, and impressive. Did he love her then? He'd later tell her he did, and maybe it was true. From the start, she captivated him, causing his body to tingle in her presence. After three weeks, he invited her to lunch after class, and she accepted.

"So, Aaron, huh? Nice name. How do you like my class?"

"I like it. It's surprisingly tough. I thought I was pretty fit, but this challenges me."

"Yeah, it demands a lot from your body and from your mind. You'll see. But don't overdo it--I don't want you to get hurt. I'd like you to stick around."

They talked about yoga, and she shared her choice to teach it. She also talked about her past as a dancer and how she had trained for the ballet stage. He thought from her graceful movements that she could have excelled. But she decided dance wasn't for her. After quitting dance, she attended college briefly. Then she got licensed to teach yoga.

"Did you dance professionally?" he asked.

"Yeah, for about a year after ballet school. It was fun, and the other dancers were great. Then I got serious about yoga and meditation, and my interest in dance just faded away. I also run a meditation class if you're interested."

"I could use that. Where I work, it's all about the 'burn rate'--how fast startups spend investor money or how fast we work ourselves into exhaustion. They force us to take vacations--a week off every four months, with no office contact, no side projects, nothing. Everyone cheats, of course."

"What do you do?"

"Venture capital. We find private companies and connect them with investors--help them grow. Sometimes we take them public. If it works, we make a lot of money, and if not, we lose."

"How much money?"

"Depends. Sometimes millions, even tens of millions or more."

"Sounds stressful. I'll stick to yoga."

He thought she might be another who saw him as someone difficult to be in a relationship with. But she liked him and tolerated his workaholism as they began dating. Then it turned serious. Over time, she eased him away from total devotion to work. She showed him what it meant to be with someone like her. She was sexy, but it wasn't just that which drew him. She filled an empty space in him, something no one else had been able to do.

They had been dating for weeks, sharing goodnight kisses, with each meeting deepening their connection. But he craved more--wanting to push the relationship to the next level.

In the car after a late dinner, he said, "I don't want this evening to end, Renee. I mean, I don't want it to ever end."

She gave him an appraising look, seeming to weigh her next step. "I don't either, Aaron."

Encouraged, he asked, "Would you like to come home with me? Or I could stay with you?"

"I'd like that, Aaron, but let's make it my place. I hope you don't mind--it's kind of a dump."

"Wherever you are, Renee, it'll be a palace."

"Hmm, that's romantic," she replied. She leaned in for a kiss. Their kisses up to that point had been nice, but this was different. Their lips lingered tenderly, and both felt it. It drew a shiver from Renee, and it brought to Aaron the promise of intimacy he had hoped for since they met.

At her apartment, Renee said, "Sorry about the mess. There's not enough room for everything to have its own place. But it's cheap and close to the studio, so I don't mind."

The small apartment was tidy but cluttered, with every surface covered by something of hers. The walls displayed personal touches--ballet photos, a shadow box with tiny slippers, dance and yoga posters. The items clashed aesthetically but seemed to fit perfectly.

"It's nice," Aaron said. "Cozy. It feels like you."

Renee smiled. "Cozy, for sure," she said with a laugh.

She kicked off her shoes and walked gracefully to the fridge in her dancer's way. She grabbed a bottle of cheap white wine, two glasses, and sat with him on a small couch with a coffee table in front.

"Thanks for inviting me in," Aaron said, then raised his glass and sipped.

"Thanks for being here," she replied, then sipped her wine and kissed his cheek.

They sat and chatted quietly for 10 or 15 minutes as intimacy grew. Then the room around them seemed to fade as their focus turned to each other. They moved closer, and their bodies gently touched.

Renee set her glass down with a faint clink, and words were no longer necessary--their gazes spoke for them. They nestled together comfortably as their bodies began to hum with unspoken need, and she gently moved her hand to rest warmly on his thigh as her head rested on his shoulder. They lingered like this, and their closeness hinted at what was to come.

"I've never met any one like you, Renee," he said as his fingers drifted idly through her hair, his lips trailing after with soft kisses, as he breathed in her scent.

"And I you," she said, as her fingers glided over his thigh--her teasing touch leaving him craving more. "But, different as we are I think we fit together, don't you?

"Yes I do," he replied thoughtfully, as time seem to slow and allowed them time to enjoy the silence and the simple contact. Neither wanted to rush and were content with relaxed delight in each other. To an outsider, they might seem dull, but beneath the calm, things were heating up.

Renee tilted her face up. Her eyes glowed with quiet desire. "Kiss me, Aaron," she said softly.

He touched her cheek with his hand and drew her close. Their lips met, and unlike their earlier tentative kisses, this one was an opening and a surrender. They pulled each other closer as the kiss became passionate and consumed them. When their lips parted, they lingered, gazing at each other, their loving eyes tracing each other's features.

Each moment brought with it something exciting about the other that was previously unnoticed. It also brought an increased longing to hold and make love with each other.

"I want you so badly, Renee. I've never wanted a woman like this. It feels wonderful just to be around you," he said in a voice both soft and hesitant. "I don't know what to say or do. I'm afraid I'll ruin this moment."

"Aaron, "she said, also hesitant, "I don't think you can do anything to ruin the moment, or to ruin us. I think we might be meant for each other." Then she paused, looking him in the eyes, and said, "Anyway, I hope we are."

Looking back at her, thinking about what she might mean, he asked quietly, "Can I touch you?" his tone carrying a sense of desire for her that made her heart flutter.

Knowing what he was asking, she nodded, her breath catching as she met his gaze, and her eyes reflecting both his need and her own. She gently took his hand--warm and steady--and pressed it to her heart. Through the fabric of her top, he felt the rhythmic quickening of her pulse and rise and fall of her breath. His fingers moved delicately, exploring her swelling contours as she leaned into his touch, her body craving the warmth of his hand.

She pulled back and smiled at him, saying, "I want to feel your hand," as she slipped her top over her head, revealing her familiar black athletic bra. He had seen her in it many times, but now the sight stirred something in him--a rush of affection, a pang of desire. He kissed her bare neck and shoulder, his breath warm against her skin, and she sighed with the tenderness of this simple act.

The air between them then sparkled with promise and growing desire, as both of their hands moved slowly, exploring each other with touches that spoke louder than words.

"You're beautiful," he said, his voice low and earnest as his fingers brushed the bottom edge of her bra. "Can I see more?"

Smiling, she pulled her bra off, and his hand found her bared breast, cupping it gently, his touch igniting a quiet fire within her. He leaned down, pressing his lips to her skin, and she let out a soft breath, her fingers lightly stroking the back of his neck while she kissed her hair.

Her hand drifted up his thigh, finding the outline of his cock through the light fabric of his pants, and delicately stroking it, her light touch sending sparks through his body. He sighed with quiet pleasure.

"This feels nice," she whispered. "Should we... take it to the bedroom?"

"I'd like that," he said, his eyes shining. He stood, offering his hand, and walked with her to the other room. As they crossed the threshold, their lips met again, with shared promise of what was to come.

In the bedroom, she said, "Now it's my turn to see you."

"I hope your not disappointed, I'm kind of an office geek, and my body rarely sees the sun."

"We'll see," she said, "but I doubt you'll disappoint. What I've seen so far is already making my panties wet."

Aaron looked at her with surprise and a smile. He did not expect such boldness, but he liked it.

She was also surprised. "Oh my God, I can't believe I just said that!" she giggled.

"I like it," he said and chuckled a little.

Then they stood before each other and undressed, anticipation rising as they saw each other for the first time. Her movements were graceful, a dancer's poise, while his were rapid, evidence of his burning need. When they slipped into the bed, their bodies came together, fitting each other so naturally that they might each have been half of the same person, now reunited.

"I've wanted this for so long," Aaron confessed, his hand marking the curve of her hip as they lay face-to-face. "To be close to you like this."

"So have I," Renee replied, her voice soft but full of feeling as her fingers brushed over his chest. Their touches were gentle, each caress a whisper, drawing them closer until their breaths mingled and their hearts beat in time with one another.

When his fingers touched the damp place between her thighs, it was with a tenderness that made her sigh, as her world narrowed to the warmth of his touch. She reached for his cock in return, their movements a quiet dance of give and receive.

As their closeness grew, she whispered, "I need you, Aaron. Please." Her words were a plea, raw and honest, and he nodded, his eyes shining with love.

"Always," he said, moving to join with her. He entered her slowly and their union was gentle, a merging of hearts as much as bodies, each motion weaving them tighter together.

"I've never felt this way before," he admitted, his voice breaking with the intensity of his feeling for her.

"Neither have I," she whispered back, her arms clutching him as they moved as one.

The intensity of feeling built slowly, a rising tide that carried them both. When they reached the summit of their pleasure, it was a shared release--powerful and full of love--leaving them trembling in each other's arms, their bodies entwined as they held on tight.

"I'm so glad I'm here with you, like this," she said after several minutes, her voice soft against his shoulder.

"Me too," he replied, pressing a kiss to her hair. "This... this is everything I hoped it would be."

They made love several more times that night, and in many different ways. When the morning sun greeted them through the east window, they knew everything there was to know about each other's bodies and secret places.

Their lovemaking continued for months, sometimes at his place, sometimes at hers as they fell deeply in love.

One day, Renee said, "You should know I want babies. I want to be a mother--not now, but someday."

"Is this a warning?" he asked. "Like, get out before it's too late?"

She laughed. "No, just so you're aware. Maybe you don't want kids. Or maybe you need time to warm up to the idea."

"I haven't thought much about it," he said. "I'm not against it, someday."

"Someday works," she replied.

A month later, he found a nice apartment near the studio, and Renee moved in. The place had a great kitchen, and she loved cooking vegan dishes for him and was good at it. Her food was spicy, and he liked it, but supplemented it with meat when they ate out. She didn't mind, believing she would wean him off it.

His firm mandated vacation time to prevent burnout. At the start of their first vacation together, a month after she moved in, she said, "My darling, I know you work long hours. I don't resent it. It's who you are. But during this vacation, I claim your full attention."

"Yes, ma'am," he said. He smiled. "I want nothing but to forget the office and focus on you."

She insisted she was serious. He promised to be all hers and kept that promise. Unlike colleagues who returned from vacations exhausted, he came back energized.

Their last vacation together was a week of hiking. It was in some hills west of Philadelphia. They stayed at a small hotel, and each day drove to different trails. The night before his accident, they dined nearby. He had chicken and she ate vegan, and they both drank Chardonnay.

Their hotel suite had a huge bathroom that featured a spa tub for two. Renee bought candles from the gift shop, and back in their room by 9 p. m., they were in the spa, with lights off and candles lit. They sipped wine in the cozy, romantic glow and focused only on each other.

As Aaron gazed at her, he said, "I love you, Renee. I've never felt this way about anyone."

She smiled and closed her eyes, seeming to savor his words. "I love you too, Aaron. More than anyone, except maybe Johnny Townsend from high school. You know, the football captain every girl adored. But you're a close second."

"Come on, Renee, I'm serious."

"I know, darling. I'm sorry. I love you too. It's never been like this for me. It's hard to believe, well, that we found each other."

"Yeah, I know. Anyway, I thought, you know, I thought I should tell you, in case..."

"In case what?" she asked, puzzled.

"Oh, just in case. I mean, what we have seems too perfect, you know? Well, I guess I'm kind of worrying... about nothing really. It comes from growing up an orphan maybe. Fearing being left alone again."

She reached to take his hands, saying, "I will never leave you Aaron, never."

Then they got out of the tub and crawled into bed together. They lay quiet, facing each other, wrapped in the starlight spilling through the window. In what would be their final night together, the world seemed to pause, as if it were going to grant them just a little more time.

Aaron drew close and his hand cupped her bare hip, while their bodies, luminous and alive, called out to each other. He gazed at her with a warm feeling that spread through his chest, followed by a sudden need for her that welled up in him. It was a feeling that he had to be with her that night and to remember that moment--that it was somehow special and would never come again.

As he lay there, her skin seemed to glow brighter than it ever had, even in the dim light, and her curves and secret places seemed to call more insistently to him.

"Are you sleepy?" Aaron asked.

"A little, but, well..." she replied quietly, and moved closer to him.

He leaned in and they kissed, lips meeting lips and bodies meeting bodies, while his fingers caressed the gentle rise of her breasts. His touch lingered there as he moved down to place tender kisses on their soft peaks. A sigh escaped her, and he smiled against her skin as his kisses slowly trailed downward on her body. His hands slipped beneath her to cradle her bottom then planted kisses between her thighs, pleasuring her there as his breath grew hot against her skin.

"Oh God, Aaron, don't stop. That feels heavenly."

"Heavenly for me too. I love the feel of your skin and the scent of your body."

She purred beneath his touch, her body responding to his gentle movements as he did all he could to please her. She ran her fingers through his hair as his attention to her drew sighs from her open lips.

He moved up to kiss her lips again, holding her tight as their bodies pressed closely. She felt his cock against her thigh, pulsing with desire, and eagerness to be even closer.

"I think someone wants a little attention," she laughed. "Let me see what I can do about that."

She moved down his body, kissing him lightly, and found what she was looking for. Quickly she took him into her mouth, as he groaned deep in his throat.

"Oh, that's just what I needed," he said. "Damn, but I love you."

He stroked and petted her hair as her movements, first slow then quicker, made his heart race. What he felt was more than physical--it was their hearts merging, with each kiss and each touch bringing them closer.

"Oh yes, you're so good to me," he said softly, his breath now shallow and rapid.

All of a sudden, she stopped and move up to join her lips with his. Then she panted, "I need to be closer to you now."

Knowing what she meant, he began to rise, but she placed a hand on his chest, stopping him, whispering, "Stay where you are, my love, I'll do it."

He nodded, lying back with a happy sigh as she rose above him, settling over him with a moan of pleasure as she took him inside her. She moved with grace, her eyes fluttering shut as she surrendered to the tide of sensation.

"This feels so good," she breathed, her hands resting on his chest as she found her rhythm.

His gaze locked on her, captivated by the way she glowed, while his hands rested on her hips, as if guiding her as she chased a steadily rising feeling of pleasure.

Her breath quickened, her movements growing urgent yet still tender, until she shuddered, and a soft, sweet moan slipped from her lips. After the sensations eased, she leaned forward, breathless, her forehead resting on his shoulder, as the afterglow wrapped them in its warmth.

"I adore you," she whispered, and he pulled her close, echoing her words with a kiss.

After she was quiet again, he gently guided her to rest on her knees, her body now relaxed and pliant in his hands. He moved behind her, entering into her body's warm embrace once more, his rhythm careful and steady. The air around them hummed, and their joining built a quiet fire that burned brighter with every moment.

"I could stay like this forever," he murmured, his eyes closed and hands drawing her closer. She turned her head slightly, her voice soft. "Then stay. Don't stop."

His pace quickened, as a growing need drove him faster and faster until he crested, letting out a soft cry as he spilled his release. They collapsed together, laughter mingling with their sighs, as the light from the window painted them in silver and watched over them while they slept.

In the stillness of predawn, Renee stirred, reaching for him. He woke to her touch, her warmth pressing against him and igniting a quiet spark.

"Just hold me like this," she whispered, and he wrapped his arms around her, as a gentle flame continued to burn between them.

Then their bodies merged once more, a connection unfolding with a quiet intensity. Her sighs filled the space between them, and he answered with a gentle touch, his fingers moving in her secret places. "More," she pleaded softly, and he once again entered her, moving to the rhythms of their shared breathing, their bodies trembling in unison. Together, they rode to the top of this new peak, while their love burned bright, binding them closer with every heartbeat.

That day they hiked a four-mile loop trail. Halfway along, atop a small hill, they stopped to admire the view.

"Do you know how much I love you?" he asked, taking her hands in his.

"I think I do," she replied.

"Whatever you think, it's more. I love you more than... more than... well..."

She laughed a little at his loss of words. "I know you love me, and I love you too."

"Well, so... uh... so, Renee, I love you a lot, and you love me a lot. Would you like to take that love and make a life together with it? Maybe a life involving babies? What I mean is, will you marry me?"

She froze. Then she smiled and nodded yes with happy tears, hugging and kissing him. "Yes, I will, Aaron. Oh yes, oh yes," she said as she flung her arms around his neck.

"I don't have a ring," he said. "I didn't plan this, but I've been thinking about it. I just had to ask. Will you really marry me?"

"Yes, yes! But no ring? This'll cost you when we get back--the most expensive one we can find."

"Anything you want," he replied.

They sat talking for a long time, about getting married, telling their friends, and where they might live. Then they decided to hike back, find a fancy restaurant, and celebrate. A mile from the trail's end, he tripped on a root that ran across the trail.

"I remember falling," he thought as he lay in his hospital bed, "But that's all."

**Chapter 3 -- Returning to the World, February 2021

As Aaron lay in bed, a woman entered his room who was neither a nurse nor doctor.

"Hello, Mr. Fallows. I'm Carol Adams. I'm a lawyer with the firm assigned to look after you."

"Look after me?" he asked.

"Yes, Mr. Fallows. You have no known living relatives, correct?"

"Yes, I was an orphan."

"A court-appointed receiver hired us. We manage your health and estate decisions. Do you understand?"

He nodded, then interrupted her before she could talk about anything else. "The doctor said you might know about my fiancée, Renee."

"Renee? Let me see," Carol said. She pulled a file from her bag. "Yes, Renee Walters? Is that who you mean?"

He nodded.

"Okay. Our firm interviewed her over nine years ago. That's when we took over your care. She's the one who reported your accident. She said you tripped and fell down a short hill. When you didn't wake, she called 911.

Doctors told her you were in a coma with no clear cause and that you might wake anytime. She stayed by your bed for days and returned evenings after work. She talked to you a lot while you slept. After some weeks, she visited only weekends, and after some months had passed, she stopped coming. There's nothing in the file about her being your fiancée."

He pictured her waiting, imagining her suffering. "What made her stop?" he wondered. He needed to find her.

"You mentioned my estate--what did you mean, Ms. Adams?"

"Yes," Carol said. She retrieved another file. "As of last month, your assets total $21,545,025 in treasury bonds and cash. We sold everything else six months after taking charge."

He stared, stunned. "That's a mistake. I had maybe a couple hundred thousand in investments back then. And a car. That's it."

"Right. Your last investment before we converted everything to bonds and cash was stock in WTM Bio. We sold it for $15 million."

"WTM Bio? Before the accident, a friend urged me to invest in a small biotech firm. They were working on cancer research. I trusted him, and I figured I could recover if it flopped. So I invested the minimum, $100,000."

"$21 million," he whispered. "He said they were on the verge of a breakthrough. He said, 'Get in now or forget it.' I guess he was right."

After talking more about his current situation, a nurse came in. She said she was taking him away for tests, so Carol left. She promised to return the next day so they could plan his next steps.

For a week, he focused on physical therapy, tests and exams, and meetings with Carol. She was his link to the outside world. He also had a psychologist, Rachael Sanford. Her job was to help him navigate the mental chaos of the coma and his new reality.

After a week, he moved to a rehabilitative care facility. The ambulance ride there was his first glimpse of the world in a decade.

With Carol, he began rebuilding his life. He got a cellphone, laptop, bank accounts, and credit cards and rented an apartment. Though weak and unable to walk alone, he felt there was progress.

His new apartment was 15 minutes from the facility. He leased it for a year after a virtual tour. With idle time, he thought of Renee constantly. "I have to talk to her," he told Rachael. "But I'm not ready--I can't even walk. I need to get myself back to being the man she fell in love with."

"That's a good idea," Rachael said. "Take it slow and don't reach out until you're ready. It's been ten years--a few more months won't matter."

Given his limited mobility, he needed an assistant, so he interviewed candidates from an agency. One was Dan Milton, 22, whom Aaron interviewed while lying in bed.

"Hi, Dan. I'm Aaron Fallows--call me Aaron."

"Nice to meet you, Aaron."

"You know the job. I need a live-in assistant because I have mobility issues. I need help with things I can't do. You just graduated college and seem overqualified for what I plan to pay. Why do you want this?"

"Honestly, I'm burnt out from school. I need something low-stress before grad school."

"What will you study?"

"I've been accepted to Wharton, but I deferred for a year."

"Not a bad move. I went straight from college to grad school to finance, and burnout was constant. Knowing what I do now, I might have paced myself. Anyway, I've been out of touch for ten years. Besides daily help, I'll need you to guide me through this new world. How's that sound?"

"If the pay's right, I'm in," Dan said.

"You seem smart and well-trained and could help with more than mobility, maybe other things as well. So, I'm going to offer more than I planned. If I hire you, how's $10,000 a month, plus room and board, sound to you? Remember, it's a 24/7 job. You'll live here and will always be on call."

Dan's eyes widened. "I should negotiate, but that's way more than I expected. I'll take it. When can I start?"

"Not so fast, I'm seeing some others today. I'll let you know tonight or tomorrow."

After three more interviews and a chat with Rachael, Aaron chose Dan, who immediately moved into the apartment. He arranged for furniture and everything else, with Aaron advising him via FaceTime while he shopped and met with people. He leased a BMW sedan for Aaron and purchased a mountain of computers and other technology. Then he arranged for an expert to set everything up. Dan was good with computers and was able to help.

At the facility, Aaron's physical therapy intensified, and he was exhausted by the end of each day. His muscles had atrophied, but after a week, he could pull himself up to a sitting position. By week two, he could use a walker, reach the bathroom alone, and shuffle down hallways. In week three, he walked outside, using a walker. By the end of four weeks, he switched to outpatient status. He lived at home but returned daily for therapy.

When he left, his apartment and new life were ready. Dan drove him home, and with the walker, Aaron walked into his building on his own.

**Chapter 4 -- Reaching Out to Renee, March 2021

Since waking, Aaron's thoughts rarely strayed far from Renee. "How could I not obsess over her?" he asked Rachael. "She's my world, or at least was my world. To me, we got engaged four weeks ago. I know ten years have passed, but I feel like it's only been a month. I love her as much now as then."

"I know," Rachael said. "You grasp it logically, but emotions can be slow to catch up to reality. Trauma can make the past feel present, and, emotionally, you're still there. It takes time to adjust, and some people never do. Your memories of her are fresh and may be telling you that you're still young and in love and that she is just a phone call away. But, as I get to know you, I believe you'll make the adjustment."

"When you're ready," she suggested, "maybe you can let Renee know you're back, even meet her perhaps. If she's moved on and is happy, you'll grieve, and this journey could end for you. Or maybe the old bonds between you are still there. You won't know until you reach out."

"I don't know," he said. "So much time has passed for her. That love she had for me might be buried, unreachable. Anyway, how would I do it--I mean, reach out? I can't call her with no warning. For her, I'd be like a ghost or a stranger, and she'd be shocked. That'd be her first impression of me after ten years, and might traumatize her all over again and make her run away from me as fast as she can.

"I want to ease her into this, let her adjust to me being here. Maybe she'd see I still love her, and maybe she could love me again. I want the best chance of having her back, Rachael, so I must do this right."

"I can't tell you exactly how to reach out to her, Aaron. A letter might be best though. It lets her know you are here but doesn't pressure her to respond instantly. She can read it and get over the surprise in her own way. She can take time to think and decide what to do because you won't be right in front of her."

They agreed on a letter. To send it they needed Renee's address, and Dan searched for days without luck. The only thing he found was an old high school yearbook photo. This was not going to work, so they hired Janice Matthews, from a private investigator firm. Aaron shared all he knew, and four hours later, Janice phoned with the information.

"Renee's married now, and goes by the name Renee Stone." Then Janice sent over an address and phone number and a wedding photo from a newspaper. She also gave him a recent profile picture from Facebook that featured Renee, her husband, and their son, Thomas. "Her account's private, but I can dig deeper if you want."

"No, just the contact info," Aaron said. "I'll call if I need more."

Aaron drafted a letter as his mind burned with longing. He didn't care if she had a husband. He wanted her back, and the letter he drafted implied as much. Rachael read it and shook her head.

"Aaron, you can't push her. You can't imply you want to pick up where you left off. What you had is past, and she has a new life. I don't know if she's happy in that life. As I read her expression in that photo, she may not be. That doesn't matter, though. Even if she's unhappy, there's no reason to think you can swoop in to rescue her. You need to approach this as someone concerned only for her well-being. At most, offer help and friendship."

"Just tell her that you're recovered. You can say you love her and say you understand if she can't reciprocate. Let her decide the next step. Wish her well and offer to talk if she wants. But make it clear you won't intrude in her life. You can maybe tell her that you can help her--with money or otherwise--if she needs it."

"But I'm not disinterested," he protested. "I love her too much to feel anything but a need to hold her again."

"I know, Aaron, but this isn't just about you. You want her happy, right?"

He nodded.

"That's love--wanting her to be well and wanting to help but not expecting anything in return. Even if she doesn't return to you, it's still love. If she's content without you, you'll grieve but move on. At least you might regain a friendship--who knows?"

"You're right," he said sadly.

He rewrote the letter, and Rachael approved it. They sent it, and in his heart, he knew it was out of his hands now. It was up to Renee and whatever fates guided them both.

**Chapter 5 -- Accident and What Happened Next

February 2011

Renee and Aaron were walking the trail back, hand in hand, both buzzing with joy after deciding to marry. Suddenly, Aaron tripped and fell down a short hill that led down from the trail, pulling Renee tumbling down with him. She rolled twice, scratching her knee. She was fine and sat up immediately, laughing at their clumsiness. She looked at Aaron, expecting him to join her, but he did not move.

She shook him, still laughing. "Quit playing, Aaron. Get up."

He stayed still. She shook harder, checking for blood or injury, and found nothing.

"Aaron," she said louder. Then she shouted, "Aaron!" He didn't respond.

She called 911, grateful for cell service. They guided her to check him for injury, and she found no clues to what was wrong. Thirty minutes later, EMTs arrived. They examined him, also finding nothing, then stretchered him to a meadow where a helicopter waited. It took them to the hospital where Renee gave both of their names. Then they took him away.

She waited a long time with no word, then stopped a nurse coming from where they had taken him. "Hi, I'm Renee Walters, Aaron Fallows' fiancée. Can you tell me what's happening?"

"Are you family? No? Then I can't say much," the nurse replied.

Tears welled up. "Please, he has no family--just me."

Pity softened the nurse's face. "Okay. Doctors say he's not hurt. I mean there's no bleeding or breaks, just a bump on his head. But he's in a coma."

"When will he wake?"

"I don't know. They're running tests."

"Can you tell me if anything changes?"

"I'll try."

"Can I see him?"

"Not now."

"Thank you--Cassandra," she said, reading the badge.

The nurse smiled. "Cassy, honey. Ask for Cassy if you need anything."

Hours later, Cassy returned. "No change, dear, but the doctors are done for now, and you can visit."

Cassy led her to his room, and she seated herself next to the bed. He looked normal, except for being wired to monitors. The only sound was a steady "beep... beep... beep."

"Aaron? I'm here with you, darling..." Then she broke down. She sat all alone with her worry and grief and cried.

Later, Cassy returned. "Visiting time's over, hon. Time to go home."

Renee nodded and left, fearing he would never wake. She began to worry that waiting was pointless.

For two days, nothing changed. Then they moved him to a long-term care ward with other patients. It was usually quiet and still there as Renee sat with him. Often, she was the only visitor there.

She returned to work after Cassy promised to call with updates. Evenings, she visited until forced to leave. She continued visiting all day on weekends for a month. Then she reduced it to just part-days.

The visits drained her, and she started working with a therapist to help cope with the stress. The woman warned her that she could not keep this up and was harming her health. Reluctantly, she stopped visiting, only calling Cassy to check in.

**Chapter 6 -- San Francisco, April 2013

Two years after the accident, Renee still checked in with Cassy weekly or biweekly, and it was always the same--no change. Aaron peacefully slept on. Then a friend offered her a job in San Francisco, managing a new yoga studio with potential partnership.

"You can't pass this up, Renee," her friend said. "It's a future--more than Philly offers, and you're the only one I trust to run it right."

"What about Aaron?"

"You're not visiting anymore, and your therapist said it's unhealthy to stay attached. You can call from here."

He was right. Aaron was her only tie to Philadelphia, and her Aaron was gone.

"Okay. I need a few weeks to sublet my place and move."

A year later, San Francisco life was great. The studio thrived, her pay quadrupled, and the clients were wonderful. When Cassy left her job at the hospital, Renee couldn't find someone else to check in with, so she stopped calling. Guilt lingered, but her new therapist helped her see she couldn't change Aaron's fate. She had to move forward. So, while she still treasured his memory, she let him go.

One day, at the studio's front desk, a man about 35 approached. "Hi, I'm Jacob Stone, and I'd like yoga lessons."

"I can help you, Mr. Stone--or Jacob? I'm Renee, the manager."

He gazed at her with a look she was familiar with--a man who wanted to hit on her. She learned to deflect the type, and her guard was up. He was handsome and would be about Aaron's age if he was still with her. Aaron's memory still stung, as it often did when she was reminded of him.

"Hi, Renee. Call me Jacob."

"Are you a beginner, advanced, or in between?"

"In the middle. I've done yoga for four or five years. Nothing advanced."

"You'll fit in. Here's the schedule--we'll find you a spot."

He checked his phone. "Fridays at 5 p. m. works."

"Okay," she said. She handed him a form. "I teach that class."

"I saw that. You look like a good teacher."

"Thanks. Others are better."

"Here you go," he said. He returned the filled-out form.

Friday at 5 p. m., her end-of-week class shuffled in. They were frazzled and seeking calm. She greeted Jacob as he came in with the others.

"Hello, everyone! What do we say?"

"Thank God it's Friday!" they shouted.

"Correct," she laughed. "Remember how to breathe? In and out, simple stuff. Arms up, breathe in, arms down, breathe out--slowly. Feel the tension leave?" Some smiled and nodded. They repeated this five times to warm up, then moved through the poses. They ended with a 15-minute meditation.

Afterward, the group buzzed with cheer. She was fond of many of them, and some had grown to be friends. They all thanked her, and some hugged her. Jacob lingered.

"That was one of the best sessions I've had. Thanks, Renee. Tough week--I needed this." He hugged her, which was a surprise, since newcomers rarely did. She returned the hug tentatively.

"I'm glad it helped, Jacob. See you next week."

Four weeks later, after class, he hugged her goodbye, and then he said, "I have front-row tickets to 'The Comedy Hour' tomorrow. Want to come?"

A date. The show was a hot ticket--scalpers charged $300 for regular seats, and those in the front row must have cost a fortune.

"That sounds great, Jacob, but I don't usually date clients."

"Not a date, really. I just don't want to go alone, and I like you. Show's at 9--we could grab an early dinner."

She'd dated occasionally since Aaron, and relented, saying, "Well, yes, I'll go."

"Great. I'll pick you up at 6:15."

She gave him her address and phone, and at 6:15 sharp, her bell rang. While Jacob waited, glancing around, she gathered her things.

"I've always liked this neighborhood," he said. "Great for a young single--lots of things within walking distance. No car needed."

"I like it too. But pricey for what you get," she said, eying the space. "Where do you live?"

"Saint Francis Woods. Know it?"

"I drove through once with a friend. Expensive. I've never met anyone who lived there."

"That's San Francisco--crazy prices. Everyone with money wants in."

His car was double-parked with the engine running. There was never any street parking here. She thought he was taking a risk leaving his car like that, but to her surprise, he opened the back door and got in with her. He had a driver.

Downtown, they were dropped off at a restaurant and seated instantly. She spotted vegan options on the menu and was grateful that Jacob had found a place that catered to her preferences. "Well, he's organized about wooing me, if that's what it is," she thought.

He talked a lot, but it was more personal sales pitch than conversation. "I run a tech company south of the city. We design electronics for phones, computers, stuff like that. Not a household name yet. But we're growing."

"I use my phone and computer," she laughed. "What's inside? I just assume it's magic."

"Not magic--just hard work, but we try to keep it simple for you."

"Thanks for that," she chuckled.

"Pays the bills. I heard you were a dancer--what kind?"

"Ballet. I was too tall--5'9" when the average is 5'6". Some companies might have accepted me, but I left it because I liked yoga more."

"Where'd you train?"

"Philadelphia, for ballet and yoga. Philly's not a yoga hub, but it has good teachers."

"Friends or family there?"

"Not anymore--no one close," she said.

They chatted through dinner, and he was charming, handsome, and warm. She had been love-starved for three years, and he was kind and nice, though pushy, in a smooth way. The show was hilarious and worth whatever he paid for the tickets. Afterward, he suggested drinks.

"Maybe next time," she said. "I don't drink much--it's not my thing."

"Got it. How about a trip to the wine country next time? It's more sipping than drinking."

"That might be nice. Let me think about it."

Back in her apartment, she decided to see him again. He had money--lots, she guessed--and could offer experiences beyond her reach.

They dated two months before she spent the night with him. She'd had brief flings since Aaron, but nothing lasted. Nobody was like him. She'd begun to wonder if real relationships were beyond her. She was wary of Jacob but couldn't pinpoint why. He was kind and generous with money and clearly pursuing her. But something felt off or hidden, and that feeling made her keep him at arm's length. Still, he persisted.

She had visited his luxurious home often, usually in the company of others. One night, it was just them. After a vegan dinner, they took drinks to the living room and sat chatting softly.

"How's the studio?" he asked, sounding genuinely curious.

"Good. Sorry you haven't come lately."

"Yeah, been busy--new stock issuance, investors, no time. Except for you, Renee."

"Thanks, Jacob. You make me feel important. I like that."

"You are. You can't imagine how much."

He set his glass down, the clink signaling a shift in the room. He leaned in and kissed her, savoring her lips. Then he began to caress her, each touch showing his desire. They parted, and Renee looked at him. She wondered if she wanted to be with this man, which was his obvious hope. After a short hesitation, her look let him know he could proceed. She set her glass aside, wrapped her arms around him, and their lips met again.

"Oh, Renee, I want you so much," he murmured against her cheek.

The room seemed to be tense with anticipation as Jacob leaned in, his lips brushing hers with a tender kiss. It lingered, a warm current of desire threading through it, as though he were tasting rare wine. His hands restlessly traced the curve of her waist, touching her skin with a hunger that cried out to be sated. They moved upward, pausing as they found the softness beneath her blouse, his touch now causing her flesh to shiver. She hesitated briefly, wondering whether to stop or go, then guided his hand closer, pressing it to her with a quiet resolve, her pulse quickening under his palm.

"Are you sure?" he murmured, his voice smooth, a charming smile playing on his lips. His eyes glinted with a promise of devotion, but behind that lurked a flicker of something else--possession maybe and a desire to satisfy his own craving. "You know that I might give anything to have you."

"Yes, Jacob," she whispered, her fingers trembling as they brushed along his thigh, and with a lover's care, brushing lightly over his cock, now rigid with desire. "I want this... I want you."

He grinned, dazzling and boyish--though not the smile of a lover. "You're everything I've ever wanted in a woman," he said, with practiced charm.

"How many women has he said this to?" she wondered, not really believing it, but willing to accept him as he was. Her one true love, if still alive, slept far away.

Making her choice, she said, "I know I'm not all you think I am, but I want you, and I'll try to be."

Encouraged, he eased her out of her blouse, baring her skin to him for the first time, as she lifted her arms to help. He leaned in, pressing his lips to her chest, her heartbeat a soft rhythm beneath her delicate lingerie. His lips brushed her tenderly, drawing a sigh from her as she surrendered herself to him.

"I want to see all of you," he said, his voice low and insistent, his breath warm against her. She rose and stood before him, sensuously removing the rest of her clothes with a grace that awed him, while he stripped away his own with a haste that betrayed his impatience to possess her.

Standing before her, his physique was impressive--a male animal in all his glory, ready to take a mate. He held her at arm's length, his eyes roaming over his prize, his desire for her obvious.

Now she felt a rush of doubt, her thoughts a tangle of yearning to be touched by this man and fear of what that might mean. "He's beautiful, powerful... I want him," she mused, sinking to her knees before him, preparing to begin their act of love, "but can I love him? Can he love me?"

Heat stirred in her. "He's handsome, rich, and I want him in me," she thought. She sank to her knees lavishing his cock with attention, her tongue tracing a path of pure desire along its length. Then she took him into her mouth, and her warmth sent shudders down his spine.

As she tended to him, she imagined him claiming her fully and she decided she liked the idea. As the image formed in her mind, she looked up and smiled at him and could almost hear him purr for her. She sensed then she could have some power over this otherwise powerful and handsome man, and this made her eager for him. She paced herself, being careful not to rush him.

However, his need suddenly became urgent. "Please," he rasped, his voice rough with need, "I can't wait any longer."

She nodded and allowed him to guide her to the couch, easing her onto her back. She opened her body to him, yielding to his desire as he took her, while her arms and legs wrapped around him and drew him closer. She sighed with pleasure, and she hoped their lovemaking would be slow and passionate. However, his restraint crumbled after only a few minutes, as his own need drove him hard. Too soon, his breath hitched, and she felt the shudder of his release, followed by his weight settling on top of her as he gave in to his own satisfaction.

After a moment, he shifted to sit beside her, placing a kiss on her cheek. His smile was still dazzling, all charm and perfect teeth, but his eyes were coolly distant, reflecting in them a look of triumph, not tenderness. "Sorry, Renee," he said. "You're so beautiful, sexy, I couldn't hold back. Was it good for you?"

"It was lovely, Jacob," she replied softly, masking the quiet ache that lingered within her, a yearning he hadn't touched.

They sat together, bare and silent, while he gulped down a glass of very expensive wine, and she sipped hers.

Later, in the dim glow of his bedroom, he drew her close, their kisses slow and lingering. Now he was quite tender, after his own desires were satisfied. His touch and kisses, more attentive now, and with skilled fingers and lips between her legs, he coaxed her toward a gentle wave of pleasure. He was sweet now and she moaned as the flood washed over her.

Yet as she lay beside him, her mind drifted to Aaron--his storm of passion, wild and consuming, now a distant memory that outshone the quiet echo of love that Jacob offered. Jacob's charm was a polished surface she realized, but beneath it, what was there? She did not know.

Months later, she moved into his home. They made love often, and Jacob's touch was tender at times but never matched Aaron's. She carried that comparison to her old lover into every embrace, every kiss, and every joining, always hoping for something that came close to what they had.

**Chapter 7 -- Marriage, July 2017

It was Renee's wedding day. She liked the life Jacob could give to her. She also enjoyed sex with him, at least some of the time, so that part of him was okay. And she ached for children, and needed a man who could provide for them. "Do I love him?" she wondered, as she sat, peering at the couture gown she would wear. It was hard to tell because so much of Jacob was his wealth and work.

A planner handled everything. Renee just needed to approve choices and show up. She invited a few friends, but most of the guests were from Jacob's circle. Half-dressed, a half hour before the ceremony, she sipped champagne.

"Isn't that your third glass, honey?" her mother asked. Her mom, who absolutely adored Jacob, was staying with them for a week.

"Second, I think," Renee giggled. Dating Jacob, she'd learned to drink more.

"No more, hon--you don't want to trip down the aisle."

At the altar, she stumbled over words. Maybe it was the champagne, but maybe it was her doubts. "Too late now," she thought.

She stopped drinking after the ceremony because she wanted to avoid embarrassment. The photos turned out nice, showing her looking happy and hopeful.

Ten months later, Thomas was born, and he brought her unimaginable joy.

**Chapter 8 -- Meeting Anna, September 2020

Thomas was two, life was okay, and Renee no longer worked. She didn't want to. She did yoga at the old studio but didn't teach. Jacob took them traveling all over the world when free, and they attended parties where he could show her off. Her huge closet overflowed with clothes, which she was constantly giving away after wearing them once or twice.

She showed the house to her new friend, Anna, whose jaw dropped on seeing the closet. She met Anna at her old yoga studio, where Anna was a teacher.

"I don't know what to say, Renee. It's... so much!"

Renee laughed. "I know. Part of my role is looking good, so that Jacob looks good. Sometimes I think he married me for how I'd look in expensive clothes."

"Do you love him?" Anna asked.

"I want what he provides, especially for Thomas, but honestly, I don't know. Anyway, I'm not sure he wants love from me. Admiration, respect, loyalty, yes. Love? Maybe not."

Her eyes misted, and Aaron's memory once again surfaced. "Maybe I can only love one man in my life, but he's gone," she thought. She tried to bury those thoughts, and, seeing her distress, Anna hugged her. Her friend's warmth and caring made Renee cry--there had been so little of that in her life of late. Then Anna led her to the bedroom and lay beside her, holding her. "This is the warmest touch I've had in years," Renee thought and continued to weep softly.

A week later, after yoga, Thomas was at preschool, and Anna invited Renee for lunch. They grabbed take-out salads and climbed the stairs to Anna's funky old apartment. It was a cheap place by San Francisco standards, meaning ridiculously expensive anywhere else. Still, Renee adored its old San Francisco charm--street noise, smells, nearby shops. She missed it after Saint Francis Woods, which seemed so isolated from the city's vibrant life and culture.

They ate at a small table under a bay window overlooking the street. "God, this is nice," Renee said, squeezing Anna's hand. "We should do this regularly. It's like a real vacation from home--away from the pressure."

"You miss being single, don't you?"

"I guess I do," Renee said thoughtfully. "You know, living in a place like this, seeing all kinds of different people, teaching yoga. But I wouldn't give up Thomas, not for anything. The rest of my life? I could lose a lot of it and not care."

"If you need a break from married life, I'm always here with open arms."

Driving home, Renee pondered Anna's "open arms" invitation. Was it an invitation to more than just lunch? She didn't think Anna was lesbian or bisexual, but she sensed a desire there for closeness.

The next week, they lunched near the studio and chatted over beer and sandwiches. Anna made no more suggestive remarks, but Renee remembered her words.

Thinking about sex got her talking about her bed with Jacob, which had grown tepid--just occasional sex, but no lovemaking.

She whispered to Anna as they sat there, "Last night, I wanted Jacob. He's handsome and turns me on sometimes. After putting Thomas to bed, I tried perfume, a sexy nightie, and everything else to get him in the mood. It worked, sort of. He paused business for a little foreplay, and I went down on him. I was really aroused, you know, wet, and hoped he'd reciprocate, but no luck. He just flipped me onto my knees and stuck it in me. He finished fast, then went back to what he was doing. I was just a wet hole to him."

Anna hugged her and then they finished lunch side by side. They sometimes touched and held hands while talking, and when they parted, Anna said, "Call if you need to talk--or cry on my shoulder."

Weeks later, Jacob was away, and Thomas was at his grandmother's. Renee had planned a weekend with Anna. They picnicked near Golden Gate Park's rose garden--Renee brought a gourmet hamper and wine from Jacob's cellar. After eating, they lay on the grass facing each other, hands touching.

Then they visited the De Young Museum--something Jacob would never do. In the museum, they strolled, holding hands. They were just another girl-girl couple and were remarkable in San Francisco only for their looks, not their gender. Back at Anna's by six, they cleaned up, then dined at a nearby bistro. They sat close, touching and whispering.

As the night ended, Anna's voice softened. "Renee, I don't want to upset you, and you don't have to answer. But I really want to make love with you."

Renee met her gaze, and understanding passed between them. "I know, Anna. I've felt it since the museum, and I think you know I feel the same."

Anna's eyes lit with cautious hope. "I hoped. But you're straight--well, I mean so am I, or at least..."

Renee smiled and kissed her tenderly and squeezed her hand. "It's okay."

"I've never been with a woman," Anna said quietly, "but the thought of you in bed stirs me. Guess I'm not as straight as I thought."

Anticipation surged and made them leave the restaurant before finishing. They hurried back to Anna's, and as soon as the door shut, they were in each other's arms. They kissed, passionately tasting each other's lips. They held each other close, their bodies humming with desire that they had both been unconsciously suppressing. Then Anna pulled back, breathless, and they gazed at each other.

She looked uncertain and, seeming to stall before committing herself, said, "Wine?"

Renee smiled and laughed a little. "Not right now. I just want you."

Anna's smile softened as she met Renee's gaze, now urgency replacing the hesitation she had been feeling.

"Are we really going to do this?" she quietly asked.

"You want to, don't you? Anna, I think I need you now, I need you so much," Renee said, almost pleading.

"Oh God, yes, yes!" Anna cried and flung her arms around Renee's neck, kissing her fervently.

"Oh, Anna, my love, my best friend," Renee sighed.

They moved apart a little and, hands trembling with quiet need, they began to undress each other. Each garment that slipped away revealed more of the other's beauty, and a yearning grew not just to see and touch, but for something to fill the hollow spaces within.

When they stood bare before one another, they got onto Anna's bed, with lips finding lips in a tender, searching kiss. Their hands roamed gently, with feather-light touches tracing curves and contours.

Anna's breath caught as Renee's touch found her private places, now wet and warm.

"Is this okay?" she asked. "I've never touched a woman like this."

"Oh yes," Anna replied, "touch me, kiss me. I want you to. Oh, I need you to."

"Can I really? I love you," Renee said as she moved down Anna's body, kissing breasts, her stomach, her abdomen, and finally the oh-so-delicate place between her legs.

"You're so beautiful. I can't believe we're doing this," she said, gazing up at her lover, her voice hushed with awe, as her fingers and lips brushed softly Anna's slick wet skin.

"I've wanted you for so long," Anna murmured, her eyes fluttering shut as she shivered under Renee's caresses. "Please... don't stop. I need you."

"Is this right, what I'm doing to you? I mean, I'm new at this. You can tell me what you want."

"Oh yes, keep doing that--it feels so good," Anna replied, now panting a little. "So much better than when most guys go down there. Don't stop, oooh, don't stop."

Renee looked up and saw Anna was on her elbows, watching. Renee's lips curved into a little smile. "I want to make you come," she said, her touch growing bolder yet still tender, coaxing Anna toward a trembling edge. "I want to feel you let go."

Her fingers teased her friend, sending waves of pleasure through Anna's body, until she surrendered to a sweet, shuddering peak, collapsing back on the bed.

Afterward, she lay next to Anna, kissing and caressing her. Then she asked, "Was it alright? I mean, did you like it?"

"I loved it. Are you sure you're not a lesbian? Am I going to find out there's a string of women you've been to bed with?" Anna replied, laughing.

"Of course not, though I guess maybe I'm a lesbian now."

"Maybe we both are," Anna said with a puzzled look. "Hmm, I don't know, but we are definitely bi."

"Oh yes, definitely bi."

"Now it's my turn," Anna said, with a lusty look that made Renee giggle.

She scooted down between her friend's legs, and pleasured her, no longer shy or doubtful about what they were doing. Renee lay back, eyes closed and completely trusted her lover. She gave herself up to the beautiful sensations that rippled through her body, while a warm feeling of love filled her, and brought light to the dark hollows that no one since Aaron could touch.

The sensations intensified under Anna's loving touch and finally peaked as she let out a shaking cry of ecstasy.

When Renee caught her breath, she turned her focus to Anna, who was again beside her. Their lips met again, gently, careful not to break the fragile bubble that enclosed them and shut out the rest of the world. There was a quiet joy in the love that was blooming between them--two souls finding in each other what they had needed for so long.

Later, they sat with wine, the air in the apartment lighter around them. "To us," Renee said with a laugh, raising her glass.

Anna grinned, clinking her glass against Renee's. "Yes, to us. This... it's been so long since I've felt this alive."

Renee's smile faltered, her voice dropping. "Me too, not since Aaron. After him, with Jacob and the others... it was never right. I'd forgotten what this could be--until you."

Anna reached for her hand, squeezing gently. "I know. I feel... not alone anymore."

They drew close, their kisses soft and intimate. Trusting. The rest of that night, they didn't seek more than the comfort of each other's arms, curling up with snacks and a movie, content in the simple closeness.

They spent the next day inseparable, wrapped in each other's lives, their connection deepening with every moment. They never left the apartment and were never far from each other's arms. That night, they made love again until the next morning, which came too soon. Tearfully, they said goodbye, because Jacob was returning and Renee had to fetch Thomas. With a final, lingering kiss, they vowed to hold onto the magic they'd found, a lifeline against the troubles and loneliness they both knew too well.

**Chapter 9 -- It All Falls Apart, January 2021

Anna and Renee had been lovers for a year. Renee craved the sexual fulfillment and also depended on Anna for intimacy and emotional support, which she couldn't get at home. Her emotional and sexual connection with Anna sustained her through cold nights and lonely days, and their deepening relationship allowed her to bear life with Jacob. He provided what she needed to care for her son, and so she had to stay in this marriage, but sharing Renee with Jacob often upset Anna. She accepted it but hoped Renee would one day be hers alone.

They worried about discovery, though Renee wasn't sure Jacob would care as long as she was discreet. She feared, though, that he might kick her out and take Thomas. So they were careful, with no PDA, hoping they could get away with being lovers.

"Do you think Jacob's having you followed? I mean, do you think he might actually know about us?" Anna asked.

"No clue. You remember I hired someone--a PI--a few months ago and found out that he's sleeping with other women. In a divorce, we'd both have mud to throw at each other. But his money and connections would beat anything I had," Renee said ruefully. "My only leverage is he'd want to keep things quiet so as not to hurt his company."

"So, you're worried?"

"Of course. Jacob's tough. Still, I look good on his arm, and maybe that's all that matters to him. As long as I don't advertise our relationship and as long as I keep sleeping with him, maybe he'll let us be."

"Why does he still want sex with you if he's got others?" Anna asked.

"He thinks he owns me. Sex is a way of marking his territory," Renee said. "Five minutes between my legs plants his flag. Hope that doesn't gross you out, but that's how I see it."

"I try not to think about it," Anna said sadly. "He wants so little of you. I mean, if I can't have at least an hour with your beautiful body, I feel cheated."

Renee kissed her. "Well, I've got an hour now--let's not talk. Love me."

They undressed, hugged, kissed, then spent the hour adoring each other--skin, lips, breasts, thighs. They lost themselves in love and sensation and forgot about everything else.

After dressing, Renee fixed her makeup, made sure her clothes and hair were perfect, and left to meet Jacob for their annual family photo--the one Aaron would soon see from Facebook.

**Chapter 10 -- The Letter, February 2021

Renee signed for a letter, not bothering to note the sender. She got such mail occasionally. It was later in the day that she opened it.

***

Dearest Renee,

It is Aaron. I have been asleep for ten years, but now I am awake...

***

She sank onto the couch, stunned, and wept. She couldn't read on. Aaron, alive and awake after all this time? She had once thought of him daily, now rarely, because it hurt too much to remember him. Part of her had stayed with him as he slept, trapped in an endless dream of his falling down the hill.

She wept as she recalled her sorrow, anger, and hopeless waiting--memories she had tried to bury. Half an hour passed as the remembered sorrow overwhelmed her. Finally, she was finally able to staunch the tears and pick the letter up again.

***

Dearest Renee,

It is Aaron. I have been asleep for ten years. Now I am awake. I woke five weeks ago and have been working to heal myself all that time. I hired someone to find you so I could send this letter.

The last thing I remember is the afternoon before I fell. That memory is fresh for me, though it must be old and perhaps dead to you. I am sorry I left you. I know you suffered. I believe that you loved me then as much as I still love you now.

I was told you stayed by my bedside as I slept, and I am grateful. I am sorry for your anguish and hope you have healed. I hope you have built a good life.

My love for you is as fresh as that last day. I want you to know that, but I do not expect you to feel the same. I only hope that someday we can be friends again.

I also want to tell you I have a fair amount of money now. I will tell you how I acquired it someday if you want. It is an interesting story. If you need anything--money, help, or whatever--please let me know. I am here for you. No strings attached. I feel I owe you for all the grief I caused by leaving.

I want nothing except to know you will let me help if you need it. I want to contribute to your well-being. I will not disrupt your life. Think of me as your guardian angel.

With all my love,

Aaron

Philadelphia

Phone () -

***

She stared at the letter, then read it twice more. She was glad he was alive, but the old anger flared--at the accident, the lost years, the hopelessness as she had waited, the loss when she had given up.

"When did I give up?" she wondered. "San Francisco? When I couldn't check on him anymore? When I fell in love with Anna?" No answer came.

"Why tell me now? He waited five weeks--why bother? Did he want me back? That's not going to happen. The Renee he knew is gone. Do I need anything? Damn right--the life I lost, the ten years I could have been loving him, having kids with him." No one can return that to me.

"He loves me, he says. That's not true. He loves her, the woman who waited, the one I buried along with my love for him."

She took the letter to her bedroom and placed it on her pillow. She cried as old fear and sorrow again resurfaced. She pitied him but could not recall her past feelings or even his face. Unsure what to do, she avoided thinking about it and focused on Thomas and her life now.

She stashed the letter away. She could not deal with it. She could not add Aaron to the crowd vying for her attention. "I need to see Anna," she thought.

Renee drove to the yoga studio and found Anna leading an advanced group. She whispered that she needed to talk and then walked down the block to get coffee. By the time she returned, Anna had finished and was sitting behind the front desk. Renee joined her in another chair.

"I received a letter today from Aaron," Renee said.

"What? You mean your Aaron from Philadelphia?" Anna replied. "I don't understand. He's dead. You said he was dead."

"I know. He was as good as dead, and I didn't want to... I guess it was easier to think of him that way. He was in a hospital for ten years, in a coma. For two years after the accident, I visited him or checked on him, waiting for something to happen, either way. Then I left to come here. So it was simpler to think of him as gone."

Anna looked at her, worried and a little angry. "I don't understand. He just sent you a letter?"

Renee nodded and handed it to her. As Anna read, her face shifted from surprise to anger, then to sadness.

"What are you going to do, Renee?" Anna asked. "Do you still love him?"

"Love him? How could I love him? I don't even know him anymore. And even if he's the same as he was, I've changed. Too much life has passed between then and now--I barely remember him."

Renee watched Anna's face and saw she wasn't satisfied. Anna said, "I wish you could say you'll throw the letter away and have nothing to do with him, but I guess you can't."

"I wish I could too," Renee replied, shaking her head. "He's a complication I don't need right now. But it'd be cruel to ignore him. He wants to be friends--long-distance friends, hopefully. Maybe that could work. But Anna, I have you, and I don't need him. With all my heart and soul, I love you."

They talked more, and after a couple of hours, they kissed goodbye. Renee had to get back because Jacob was home that evening. She'd have preferred staying in Anna's bed, but that was impossible. She left the letter with Anna to ensure Jacob wouldn't see it.

That night, in her own bedroom--she and Jacob no longer shared a bed--Renee tried to recall Aaron. She strained to picture his face but couldn't. Searching Facebook, she found him as he had been back then--tall, thin, with a shadow of a beard.

She tried linking this image to a memory, but only fragments remained--disconnected threads in her mind. "I must have some memory of him, whole and alive as I knew him," she thought. "But if I do, it's buried deep."

She searched for a memory of their lovemaking, of how he'd made her feel. There was always a vague feeling of how it used to be with him, something always there to compare to Jacob's oafish fumbling, pawing, and grunting. She knew it had been wonderful, but nothing specific surfaced. She could not bring up a vision of why it had been so good. She had a sense that something was there but was hidden beneath layers of time and grief.

"Maybe I should call him," she mused, "just to hear his voice." Temptation tugged at her, but fear of entanglement with this stranger--this ghost--held her back. "Why didn't he send a photo or a video?" she asked the silent room. "Maybe he's so changed after ten years in a coma that he's afraid his image would scare me. I could write and ask for one." She considered it, then decided against it. "Best not to get involved."

A thought struck her. "I have money--well, Jacob has money, lots of it. Could this be a scam? Maybe Aaron's dead, and this is a long con to get something from me. How would I know? As long as I don't trust them, I'll be fine. Cons only work if the mark trusts the con artist."

"But what harm would asking for a picture do? Of course, anyone could send me one of Aaron. How would I tell? Maybe only a phone call would be safe--I'd recognize his voice or remember enough of our past to test him."

"There I go again, thinking of getting involved," she scolded herself. "I need to let this go. I'm obsessed. I'll take a sleeping pill to knock me out, then send a nice letter acknowledging him, wishing him well, and thanking him for reaching out. That's enough."

She took a pill, which let her sleep, though it would leave her groggy in the morning as she got Thomas ready for preschool.

That same night, Anna lay awake, worrying. "This is crazy," she muttered. "Almost from the day we met, she told me about her coma boyfriend--the whole story: the guilt, the self-pity, sitting by his bedside until he died. She said he died. Maybe she thinks she should've stayed with him. She said they loved each other and planned to marry. Maybe she didn't want me to see her as a bad person. What would I have done in her place? Stayed? I don't know."

"But she lied about it. Did she still have feelings for him while waiting? At first, sure--she sat with him, kept checking on him. Maybe she told me he was dead so I wouldn't think she was still attached."

"Well, it worked," Anna thought. "I love her, everything about her. If I could get her to divorce that jerk of a husband and take some of his money, it'd be just her and me. I can't give her a kid, but she's got Thomas. And there's always a sperm donor if she wants another. I just don't want this Philly guy messing with her."

"But she loves me," Anna reassured herself. "She said so. Every time we're together, she tells me, and I believe her."

***

Two weeks had passed since Aaron sent the letter. He knew she had received it--she had signed for it. He had hoped it would remind her of what they had once and what might still be possible. He had expected a reply within days.

"What's happening?" he asked Rachael. "What should I do?"

"You need to wait," Rachael advised. "She has a complicated life, and it might take time for her to figure out where you fit in. If, as you believe, her old love for you lingers, she'll make room for you--but it may not be soon. She has your number and knows how you feel. It's her choice now."

Aaron wondered if there was more he could do to prompt a call. He longed to hear her voice and hold her again. His strength was returning, and in some ways, he felt normal. "I'm ready to resume my life... with her," he told himself.

"Aaron," Rachael said, "I know you feel there's something in her that still remembers and loves you. I can't say you're wrong. We know so little about the bonds we form. We've talked enough that I believe you really sense this connection. But you need faith and patience--faith that it'll move her to reach out, and patience to wait until she's ready."

**Chapter 11 -- Renee In Trouble

A week later, Anna watched Renee sleep beside her, frantic at seeing her like this. The bruises on Renee's face were darkening, uglier now. Anna considered calling the police, but it would be useless--Jacob Stone would never face consequences, and Renee would not accuse him.

Each time Renee had to submit to her husband, she had told Anna about it. Jacob had his lovers--young women eager for his wealth--but that didn't matter. She was his wife, his property, and when he wanted her, he expected her to comply. There had been no affection, but at least he was quick. As Renee put it, it was just a hound marking his territory.

Lately, though, she had been saying no--pleading illness or making other excuses. He would get angry but let it slide. The previous night, however, she was already in bed when he came in, undressed, and climbed in beside her. She said she could not have sex because of her period, but he ignored her, lifted her nightgown, and mounted her despite her protests. When she kept resisting, he struck her--hard, twice--then took what he came for and left. That morning, he warned, "You won't refuse me again, understand?"

Renee was waiting at Anna's apartment when she got home, with Thomas at his grandmother's for the weekend. They drank, and Renee sobbed out her story before falling asleep. Anna felt helpless. Renee had rich friends she could stay with, but they would not help her leave Jacob--they were mainly his allies. Except for Anna, who had little to offer, Renee's social circle was Jacob's creation. And she would never leave without Thomas, whom Jacob would never relinquish.

Renee stirred in her sleep, and Anna stroked her hair. In his letter, Aaron had mentioned money he could offer. How much, Anna wondered? Renee had not wanted to involve him, but it would take a lot for her and Thomas to get free from Jacob.

"I wonder if he could really help," Anna murmured to herself, glancing at the letter. Aaron had written--and Renee confirmed--that he had loved her. "But what about Renee and me? Would he take her from me?" If he did, Anna foresaw only despair. She could not lose her. "But if we do nothing, and she keeps enduring him? He might hurt her more. What if Jacob knows about us? What would he do to her? If I call Aaron, I might lose her. If I don't, I might lose her anyway. Am I screwed either way?"

She loved Renee too much to let her be hurt again. Picking up the phone, she dialed the number.

In Philadelphia, Aaron's cell rang at 2 a. m. Only people he had given the number to would call. It was a 415 area code--San Francisco Bay Area. It had to be her. He stared at it, letting it ring a few times, then answered.

"Hello?"

"Hello, I'm calling for Aaron Fallows."

It didn't sound like Renee.

"I'm Aaron."

"Mr. Fallows, this is Anna Marks, Renee's..." She paused, and he heard a sob. "... sorry, Renee's friend. You sent her a letter..."

"Why isn't Renee calling?" he wondered, starting to panic. "Is Renee there? Can I talk to her?"

"Yes--no--but... Renee's asleep. She doesn't know I'm calling. She didn't want to call you. But Mr. Fallows, you said you could help her. Is that true?"

"Yes, of course, whatever she needs. Is she in trouble?"

"I think... yes, trouble. She needs money and a place to go, to hide. Do you have money? She might need a lot."

"Yes, I have enough. Just tell me what's wrong."

"I can't right now. I just needed to know if you could help. I'll try to call tomorrow. Mr. Fallows, I'm afraid. He's watching her all the time."

"Who's watching?"

"Her husband, Jacob Stone. He has people following her, and I have to get her away from him! Somewhere safe. I'll call tomorrow. Mr. Fallows, he hurt her, and I'm afraid he'll hurt her again."

The line went dead. Aaron redialed, and Anna answered.

"Tomorrow, Mr. Fallows, I'll call tomorrow."

He called again.

"Mr. Fallows, I..."

"Wait! I can't fly, but my assistant, Dan Milton, will be there tomorrow to help. Call me at noon, whatever happens."

"O... OK, I'll call at noon."

"Where's Renee now?" he asked.

"She's in my apartment."

"OK, give me the address. I want to send people there now to guard her. Is that OK?"

"Is that necessary?" Anna asked.

"Yes, I think so. You never know what people with money might do. I can probably have my people there in an hour."

Anna was beginning to trust this serious man, and she wanted Renee safe. "Well, OK. Tell them to say you sent them." Then she gave him the address.

The call ended.

"Dan," Aaron shouted, "get up, now! You're going to San Francisco."

His next call was to Janice. Now he had a real job for her team.

Just over an hour later, a man and a woman knocked on Anna's door.

"Hi, Anna? I'm Buck, and this is Wendy. Mr. Fallows sent us to look after you. Can we come in?"

She nodded, and they entered. Renee was awake by then. Anna had told her about calling Aaron and the people he was sending. Renee was upset at first, but when Anna explained why she did it, she agreed it was a good idea.

Wendy said she'd stay inside with them while Buck scouted the neighborhood, checking for anyone watching or following Renee.

**Chapter 12 - Rescue

Anna went to work as usual the next day, while Buck watched to see if Anna was followed. She wasn't. Just before 2 p. m., she walked into the bar at the Hyatt, looking for Dan Milton. She'd called Aaron at noon as promised, and he had told her to meet Dan at the Hyatt Regency bar at 2. She had taken an Uber from the studio, carrying a picture of Dan that Aaron had sent her. She spotted him immediately, sitting at a small table, and went to join him.

"Are you Anna Marks?"

"Yes, and you're Dan? Why couldn't Mr. Fallows come?"

"Mr. Fallows has been ill and isn't cleared to fly. He might join us here by car. He thought you might wonder who I am, be a little suspicious, so I'll call him for a face-to-face."

Dan dialed, and soon Aaron's face appeared on the screen. Anna had seen a photo of him from Renee, but on the screen, he looked older and thinner, though still recognizable.

"Hello Mr. Fallows."

Dan turned off the video and handed her the phone for privacy.

"Hello, Anna. Call me Aaron. Does Renee know you're here?"

"Yes, I told her last night after I called you. She was mad at first, but I said we needed your help, and she agreed it might be her only way out. I hope you can help. You should know that she trusts you, so I trust you."

"Can you tell me what's going on?"

"Her husband has a lot of money and has turned mean. He wants to own her, control her, but he doesn't love her."

She told him the story, and though she could not see his face, she heard him weep at times. He told her not to worry and that he had people who could help.

"If you want," he said, "they can help you, Renee, and her son get to a safe place, hidden from her husband while you all figure out what's next. I say 'you and Renee' because you'd likely need to go too. My people have confirmed she's being followed, and her husband probably knows all about you. He could use you to pressure her to return. If he's as you say, he wouldn't hesitate."

"How long was Renee planning to stay with you?"

"Just until tomorrow afternoon."

"And her son--where is he?"

"At his grandmother's. She's picking him up tomorrow morning."

"Wait a second," he said, and she could hear him talking quietly to someone else.

Then he said, "OK, my people say that's perfect. Do you want them to help?"

"Yes, we do."

"Fine, give me back to Dan. Goodbye, and don't worry. We'll... I'll get you out of this."

Back at the apartment, Anna told Renee about the call.

"Does he seem OK, Anna?" Renee asked. "You don't think they're just going to kidnap us and demand a ransom from Jacob?"

"I wondered that too, but the man I spoke to really looked like Aaron. Here, Dan recorded a short clip of the FaceTime call."

She showed Renee a thirty-second video of Aaron saying hello. Renee watched it several times, tears welling up. "Yes, that's Aaron. He'd never hurt me. God, he's aged--he's been through a lot--but it's him."

"And Renee, I heard him crying. With the letter and everything, it feels real, and he wants to help us. And I believe he can."

"He was always so smart and capable," Renee said.

They agreed to go ahead with whatever plan Aaron had in mind. Anna texted Dan that they were ready for instructions.

He sent detailed plans for the next day. Buck had noted that the people Jacob had following Renee were professionals, but at best the "B-Team," so it should go smoothly.

The next morning, they picked up Thomas from his grandmother's, then took a picture of how they were all dressed and sent it to Dan. They were told that Thomas had to wear a hat that covered part of his face.

They drove downtown and parked at Union Square, then entered the department store across the street and went to the women's section. Following instructions, they picked some items to try on, and all three went into a dressing room. A woman was waiting there with new coats and wigs, and a new hat for Thomas. They swapped quickly, and the woman took their old coats and Thomas's hat away, telling them to wait.

"There's a man following you," she said. "Our operatives will wear your coats and all, and wigs to look like you both and your son. We recruited a small person, not a child, to play the role of your son. They'll leave the store first. We'll distract the man, so he has to chase our people to catch up. When I knock three times, exit and get into the white BMW out front."

Soon, they heard a commotion and shouting, and a minute or so later, three knocks. They left the store, climbed into the BMW, and drove north across the Golden Gate Bridge.

Buck, their guard from the night before, was driving and wore an earpiece. "Everything's going as planned," he said cheerfully. "One of our people is in a car behind us--no sign of the opposition."

"Opposition?" Renee thought. "Who is this guy?"

A phone rang. Buck glanced at it and handed it to Renee. "It's Mr. Fallows. Go ahead."

"Aaron? Is that really you?" she said, half-disbelieving. She saw his face on FaceTime--older, marked by pain, and weeping. "Aaron?"

"Yes, Renee, it's me."

They stared at each other a while as Anna distracted Thomas, pointing out sailboats on the bay as they passed by Sausalito.

"I can't believe it," Renee said, weeping. "After all this time... Are we really safe? I've been scared of Jacob for so long."

"You're safe. The people I hired are experts, and they're the good guys."

"Where are we going?"

"To a nice, quiet place in Mendocino. You'll need to lie low for a while until we sort things out. I've got lawyers in San Francisco working on it already, so I hope we can settle with your husband quickly. If you let me, I can help set you, Thomas, and Anna up for the future."

"Will I see you?"

"I can't fly, but if you want, I can get there in a week or so."

"I need to think about it, Aaron. I don't know yet."

"I understand. We'll talk later, once you're settled and rested. Your new lawyer will call this phone for information. If you're going to rid yourself of that man, you'll want to hit him fast and hard before he can organize."

"OK, I love you, Aaron."

"I love you too, Renee. I always will."

Her "I love you" hit Anna hard. "What did she mean?" she wondered. "She said she didn't know how she felt, and she told me she loved me. Maybe it was an old reflex from her past with him."

As Anna listened, Renee answered the call from the lawyer--a woman based on the name--and spoke for a long time. She detailed her marriage, Jacob's behavior, and what he might do. It sounded like a battle was brewing, and Anna tuned it out after a while, since she already knew most of it. But toward the end of the call, she heard Renee say, "Yes, I do want to file for divorce." This made Anna smile.

Thomas fell asleep against his mom, and Anna sat with her thoughts. "What have I done? Have I handed Renee to Aaron? He seems like a good man, and even handsome, despite his illness. But where do I fit? Does Renee really love me?"

Renee handed Anna the phone because the lawyer wanted her account, including what she knew and what she might testify to. The questions were endless, and Anna was glad it was a woman, since her trust in men was nonexistent by then. The lawyer sounded kind but tough, fully in control. "Good," Anna thought. "That's what we need."

With Thomas asleep and Anna on the phone, Renee reflected. She had said, "I love you" to Aaron without meaning to--it just slipped out. "Poor Anna, what will she think? When we get to wherever we're going, I need to show her she's the one I love. Her self-image is so fragile sometimes." Anna could be confident elsewhere, but with Renee, she often wavered. "I haven't exactly inspired confidence," Renee admitted to herself. "With a near-dead-then-resurrected boyfriend and a monstrous husband, I struggle to trust and give my heart fully. I love Anna, and she needs to believe that."

She wanted to hold Anna and convince her of her love. She was grateful Anna had called Aaron, possibly saving her life. Renee had wanted to call but could not--it had been too much. Everything had been too much.

Anna finished with the lawyer and looked at her. "Some tough lawyer," she said, smiling.

"Yeah, good! I hope she's as good as she sounds. I want to skewer that jerk husband of mine!" Renee replied.

They laughed, relieved to feel in good hands, free of Jacob, and no longer fearing abduction.

"Anna," Renee said, "I told Aaron I loved him, and I don't know why. But you know I love you more than anything."

"I know," Anna replied, but with a touch of sadness.

Renee looked at her with compassion for the hurt she must be feeling. "Once we're there, we'll talk, OK? Talk, sleep, rest, and figure out what to do."

***

Three hours after the little group left the store and entered the BMW, Jacob Stone got an urgent call from one of the detectives hired to follow Renee.

"What the fuck do you want? More money?" Jacob yelled into the phone. He was having a bad day, and the entire office was avoiding him.

"Sir," said the man, whose name was Bryan, "uh, sir, uh, we can't find your wife. We... we lost sight of her shopping downtown. We tried your house, Anna's apartment, your mother's, the yoga studio, places where she likes to eat. We called both her and Anna. Nothing."

"So?" said Jacob, "why is that my problem? Do your job. Keep looking!"

"Yeah, we will. But that's the thing. I think she doesn't want to be found."

"What's that mean?" Jacob asked, now subdued. Concerned.

"See, sir, my man was following her on foot, downtown. He had her, Anna, and your son in sight. They all went into a store to shop, and he watched them go into a dressing room. Then, as they came out of the dressing room and headed to the exit, he bumped into some woman, or she bumped into him--I don't know--and then she starts yelling that he tried to steal her purse. He saw Renee and them walk away, and he tried to follow. But the woman had hold of his arm, still yelling at him, and there were a couple of salespeople calling for security. Anyway, he finally got himself loose and ran to catch up with them. They turned a corner, behind a rack of clothes. When he got to where they had turned, they were gone.

He checked all over the store and asked people. Nothing. Then he went to the street and saw a woman begging for money. He gave her five bucks and asked if she had seen two women and a boy come out. She said yes, and then he gave her another five to get her to tell him that they had come hurrying out of the door and then got into the back of a big white car, which immediately drove away."

"Fuck!" was all Jacob said. "Your guy is fired. Now, what're you going to do?"

"Well, we'll keep looking, but she had help, probably professional help. If we find her, great. But I think you'll hear from her first."

"Get to it, then. I want her and my son back!" Then he hung up the phone.

**Chapter 13 -- Sanctuary

Hours later, they arrived at a big house overlooking the ocean, south of the town of Mendocino. They had stopped at a shopping center for an hour, buying clothes, toiletries, toys for Thomas, and other essentials for two weeks, as Buck suggested. They also grabbed takeout for that night and the next morning.

Thomas was cranky, and they got him inside, heated a burger, fries, and pie, and fed him, then settled him on the living room rug with a toy. Anna, Renee, and Buck ate and chatted. The women drank wine, but Buck, on duty, had a Coke. Then there was a knock that startled Anna and Renee.

"No worries, ladies," Buck said. "It's just Wendy."

"Hello again," Wendy said. "Glad the plan worked. Those guys following you were amateurs."

She continued, "Buck and I will protect you here. Stay close to the house, and you should be fine."

Renee frowned. "Do we really need protection? What do you think my husband will do?"

"We don't know, ma'am. He's rich, and rich men may do almost anything, as long as they are willing to pay, and it can't be traced back to them. You're leaving him, taking his son, and filing for divorce, so he'll be furious. We're pretty sure he doesn't know where you are, so stay low, and he shouldn't be able to find you all. But if he does, we're here."

"You seem military, Wendy, the way you talk and all," Renee said.

"Yes, ma'am, special forces. Buck and I served together, so we often pair up on jobs like this."

"Thank you, Aaron," Renee whispered to herself. A weight lifted.

"I'll watch the place while Buck rests," Wendy said, then left.

***

Finally alone in the bedroom, with Thomas asleep next door, they listened to his breathing through a baby monitor. Everything seemed fine, and after a fearful and exhausting three days, they were ready to shut out the world for a while.

The bedroom should have been a quiet sanctuary from their troubles, as it always had been since they first became lovers. However, even in the dimly lit room, Renee's bruises stood out vividly on her face, a reminder of what was still out there.

Also, tension lingered from Renee's offhand "I love you" to Aaron in the car, which had stung Anna, leaving her doubtful. This was at least something Renee could try to fix. Now, in the silver moonlight streaming through the ocean-view window, Renee vowed to heal that hurt with every touch and kiss, proving her heart was Anna's alone.

She stepped close to Anna, her gaze tender, and cradled Anna's face.

"Have I told you I love you?" she said.

"Yes, many times," replied Anna, smiling.

Renee smiled back, saying, "I can never say it enough, my love. I adore you."

Renee drew Anna close, holding her gently as their lips met in a soft, lingering kiss. She poured every ounce of love into her caresses, hoping to make up for the pain she caused and take away from Anna any lingering doubts. Anna willingly melted into her, seeking comfort and certainty, as if to silence any suspicions of Renee leaving her.

"Anna," Renee murmured against her hair, "you're everything to me, don't you know that? No one can take your place."

Anna's eyes, shiny with unshed tears, gazed at Renee. "I love you, Renee, only you," she whispered back, "and I only need to know that you love me back," her voice shaking with vulnerability.

They kissed again, deeper now and slower, both unwilling to pull away, for fear that the winds that howled around them would blow them apart. At the same time, as they held each other tight, heat began to rise in both of them, and it urged them to seek solace in lovemaking.

Renee's hands moved to Anna's blouse and unbuttoned it slowly, revealing the well-known planes, curves, and hollows beneath. The blouse slipped away, followed by the bra, allowing Renee to lay delicate kisses on her lover's neck, shoulders, and breasts, drawing happy sighs from Anna.

"You have all of my love," she whispered, as garment after garment fell away. Her hands rested lightly on Anna's skin, tracing her contours with practiced devotion. Together, they shed the rest of their clothes, peeling away all of the layers that separated them. Then they held each other close, skin-to-skin, as their bodies came alive to each other.

Renee guided Anna to the bed and laid her onto the sheets. "So beautiful, so sexy," she said softly, standing by the bed and gazing down at her. While adoring the sight of her lover, she leaned down to kiss her forehead and then her lips. Then she lay beside her and caressed her body, her embrace tender yet urgent, as a quiet hunger grew in her.

Renee's lips brushed across Anna's skin, and each kiss was a testament to her love. Anna responded, with her fingers threading through Renee's hair, and her breath quickening as she surrendered to the moment.

"I'll always choose you," Renee whispered--and the truth of her words was in a voice that was thick with emotion.

Anna lay quiet as Renee kissed her and then reached between her legs to use her fingers as well as her lips to make love to her. After a while, Anna's breath grew unsteady, her body trembling next to Renee. "I love you," she whispered, her words breaking into soft little cries as waves of feeling flowed through her, leaving her breathless and warm. After, they held each other, sharing the stillness of the night. Renee smiled to herself, her heart swelling with the sure knowledge that everything was right between them and that they were safe, far away from Jacob.

Before falling asleep, Renee whispered, "Anna, I love you."

"I know," Anna whispered, nestling into Renee's arms.

They fell asleep clinging to each other, with the night wrapping around them, and Renee knowing that their love was still strong.

Before dawn, Renee rose to go to the bathroom, and Anna admired her lover's graceful silhouette as she passed before the window. When she came back, Anna got up to join her by the window, and they kissed, standing and gazing at the dark sea. Then Anna yawned, and they returned to bed, sleeping like nothing outside that room could touch them.

**Chapter 14 -- Seeing Aaron Again

"Should we invite Aaron to join us?" Renee asked Anna the next morning. Buck had stocked the kitchen, and she was making pancakes, eggs, and coffee for everyone.

"Is that what you want?" Anna replied, concerned. "I'd say no, because I'm selfish and want to keep you for myself. But he's back in your life, our lives, in a big way and has done so much for us already."

"Maybe we can all be friends--you, me, and Aaron," Renee suggested.

"Like, doing threesomes?" Anna teased with a laugh.

"No, don't be silly. I don't know how it will work with my old boyfriend around. He doesn't know I've changed, but it won't take long before he learns I'm someone else now. I mean, the woman he loved is gone, and being near me might help him realize that--give him closure. He's handsome and apparently rich--he'll find someone else soon."

She said this trying to sound positive, though there was so much uncertainty--how he would feel, how she would feel, how Anna would feel. She worried about her relationship with Anna. Still, she added, "We owe him so much, and he wants to see me. He's alone in this new world, and I don't want him to be lonely."

They stepped onto the deck with their coffee. It was cold, so they wore coats, but the sea breeze lifted their spirits. They watched a two-masted boat sail close to shore and waved. Later, with Thomas, they walked the beach, with Buck trailing behind. Thomas wanted to swim, and although the water was cold, they let him wade briefly before he hopped back onto the sand, his little body shivering. They wished they'd brought bread for the seagulls.

In the late afternoon, Renee called Aaron. They were awkward and spoke only briefly, her asking if he would visit Mendocino. He said yes, nervous but unable to resist seeing her, even if it might break his heart.

Dan arranged for a luxury camper and driver from Philadelphia. In it, Aaron could move around and rest when needed. The week-long trip was filled with cards, movies, social media, reading, and scenery. Aaron rested often on the comfortable bed.

On the seventh evening, they reached the Mendocino house. Aaron was rested but nervous about seeing Renee again and meeting Anna. Renee had filled his thoughts for weeks, and he longed to touch her but was scared about how she would react. He kept reminding himself to hold back, not to rush her or scare her off. He was certain that her love for him would awaken, but if it was going to happen, it would do so in its own way and at its own pace.

He knocked, and Buck opened the door. Aaron shook his hand. "Hello, Buck. Thank you for taking care of us."

"My job, Mr. Fallows, and I'm happy to do it."

Aaron saw Renee standing back, tears in her eyes. He walked to her, and she took his hands. He was composed at first, then also weeping. She hugged him lightly, gazing into the eyes that had not changed. Anna held back, waiting, wondering, but then he approached, and he hugged her as well.

"I'm so glad you came, Aaron," Renee said. "We owe you so much."

"You don't owe me anything," he replied. "I'm the one who left you, remember?"

They sat and talked, with Renee and Anna sitting on a couch facing him, holding hands, Anna seeming to need to show they were a couple. Aaron fought tears seeing the two women together and realized this wasn't the same Renee he'd planned to marry. He tried to accept it, but it hurt.

As Aaron sat there, he felt the weight of the ten years apart that filled the space between them. He knew he could not recover those years and the life they could have lived. He accepted the fact. He only cared about whether a part of the old connection remained. As he looked at Renee, his gaze held love, while hers was filled with doubt and Anna's with fear of what might unfold.

He briefly shared his awakening, discovering his wealth, and rehab. He said he had no plans beyond ensuring Renee, Thomas, and Anna were safe from Jacob.

"Then," he mused, "I have no idea. Probably go back to work, or... well, I don't know."

Anna, listening, was apprehensive, especially about his "I don't know."

Renee recounted her life--sitting vigil over Aaron, moving to San Francisco, the sorrow of leaving him. She skimmed over meeting and marrying Jacob but spoke at length about Thomas and her bond with Anna--setting clear boundaries for Aaron.

"My marriage to Jacob has been crumbling almost from the beginning," she said. "I stayed for Thomas, and Jacob kept me for appearances. He has plenty of women, but I seem to fit the image he wants. It was lonely, and I needed someone, then I met Anna."

Anna smiled and squeezed Renee's hand tighter.

"That was three years ago," Renee continued. "We became close friends, and I felt less alone." She paused, looking at Aaron. "And for the last year, we've been lovers."

Aaron wasn't shocked, but sadness crept in. She'd said it plainly, making sure there was no doubt, and Anna's look was triumphant.

Renee chuckled. "I never saw myself as a lesbian before Anna."

"Neither did I," Anna said. "I never loved anyone else--only you."

They described their life together and her own with Jacob. Her tone when describing her married life was one of both resignation and defiance. Her marriage was a compromise for stability, but Jacob treated her like property, especially lately.

"It was a deal I could handle until it turned dangerous," Renee said. "I don't know what's shifted in Jacob's life, but now I feel unsafe near him."

Aaron listened, trying to see into this woman who still held his heart. He sought any sign of her feelings for him but knew he had to let things unfold. If she still loved him, it might surface. At that moment, he was willing to accept any part of her.

He stood. "It's been a long trip, and I need sleep. I'm glad I could help, Renee, and great to meet you, Anna."

They hugged him, wished him good night, and he went to his room. He slept better than he had in weeks.

After he left, Renee and Anna checked on Thomas, then went to bed. "What do you think?" Renee asked.

"I don't know," Anna said. "He doesn't seem to act like he loves you."

"How could he act any different, with you holding my hand in a death grip the whole time?" Renee teased.

"Well, he had to know we're together. You didn't want me to?"

"Of course I did. It was sweet. But you don't need to worry about me running to him."

"I know. I just get scared sometimes."

To prove her love again, Renee undressed Anna and spent an hour kissing and making love quietly until they fell into a satisfied sleep.

**Chapter 15 -- Going After Jacob

Renee's lawyers served Jacob with divorce papers at his office the day after the rescue. The filing cited his adultery, spousal abuse, rape, and threats, seeking full custody of Thomas and $10 million. A preliminary hearing occurred the next week, with Renee appearing virtually from Mendocino. Her remote presence in the courtroom was approved by the judge, who was informed by her lawyers that she was hiding from Jacob, fearing for her life due to his abuse. The hearing was short, with the judge urging settlement.

Janice Matthews' team had gathered enough on Jacob for the filing and initial evidence. They were still digging deeper.

Her firm used AI to legally amass information about Jacob from public sources--social media, golf club sites, conference pages, newspapers, journals, and the like. The AI engine collected photos of him and writings by and about him, then expanded to his associates, cross-referencing for relevance. It built a detailed timeline of his years with Renee, fully referenced.

They were particularly looking for evidence of adultery, and for old girlfriend who could supply it. For instance, a golf club photo might show Jacob with a woman whose social media hinted at a relationship. If she later posted about being dumped, the AI checked to see if Jacob's pictures vanished from her account. This uncovered three such women, plus other damaging details of his activities. Their plan was to use this information in court and to provide stories for the press.

After the hearing, a local paper ran a story with some of Janice's findings, teasing more to come. It featured an interview with a woman Jacob had an affair with for two years before dumping her. She provided proof of the affair and Jacob's treatment of her to Janice, in exchange for payment and with the hope of revenge.

When not working with investigators, Aaron spent a few hours each day on an exercise program created by the rehab facility. Dan bought computer gear, a satellite internet link, and communication tools, setting up a network in the house. Using this, Aaron could work virtually with his trainer in Philadelphia, growing stronger daily. He could also have therapy sessions with Rachael online.

With time and connectivity, Aaron went back to venture capital--his passion. He didn't need money but craved the challenge. He wondered if Janice's AI could target investment opportunities, identifying promising companies, especially those eyed by big investors, to better use his capital and support Renee's family.

The idea worked. Janice's AI gave Aaron a lead on a Massachusetts biotech seeking seed money for Parkinson's research. He contacted the president, who was stunned by Aaron's knowledge of the company, sourced from public data. Aaron shared his venture capital background and secured a $500,000 stake in the company and a consulting agreement. This was the first of many deals, some of which he was sure would pay off.

He tracked Jacob's public company. After the first story came out, its stock dipped but recovered. Aaron bet more stories would pressure Jacob to settle.

After three weeks in Mendocino, Janice had uncovered more dirt on Jacob. A second story ran about another vengeful ex, with salacious details and proof, which Aaron willingly paid for. The company's stock fell again, this time staying down.

**Chapter 16 - Betrayal

When Dan first met Anna, she was scared, and he felt protective. His focus then was on the mission, not her beauty. But on the long trip from Philadelphia, her face and voice haunted him. He asked Aaron about her, but he knew nothing more than Dan did. Dan couldn't shake the image of her and fantasized about them together.

In Mendocino, he lived in town but spent days at the house with Aaron, the women, Thomas, and the guards. It was a spacious house, but they often crossed paths. Anna was friendlier to him than to Aaron, and they talked.

"Well, I guess you know Renee and I are together," she said over mid-morning coffee on the balcony, watching the ocean and beachgoers, a week after he arrived in Mendocino.

"It's funny--I never liked women that way, then I met Renee. I griped about the men I dated, she griped about her husband. Soon, she was my best friend. One day, at my apartment, we kissed. We'd had wine, but that wasn't why. We were lonely and wanted each other. And we kept wanting each other."

She seemed open but a bit puzzled. "What do you think?" she asked.

"You love who you love," Dan said. "Not profound, but maybe a relationship doesn't need more reason."

"You're right. Renee and I talk about it. It's not ideal if I want babies--and I do, someday--but we work for each other. We fill each other's needs."

The depth of sharing surprised him, considering they barely knew each other. But their odd situation--cooped up, waiting for Renee's crisis to resolve--created a bond between them.

They began to take short walks on the beach, always in sight of the house and guards. His fantasies grew vivid, and he guarded his words to avoid creeping her out, reminding himself they were just friends.

He wasn't unattractive, and women had called him good-looking, though nerdy. In college, he'd had hookups but no knack for lasting relationships.

The bond between them grew, as well as sexual tension that was getting stronger. Five weeks after his arrival in Mendocino she still loved Renee. But Dan--she couldn't stop thinking about him. Young, good looking, smart, and he seemed to like her too. She and Renee had great sex, but one night during their lovemaking, Dan crept into her mind. Afterwards, she felt so guilty she could not sleep.

One day, during a walk along the beach, she nearly took his hand, pulling back at the last second, scolding herself, "What am I doing? I'm with Renee."

They kept spending time together, talking, eating, drinking coffee, and hanging out with each other. She knew she felt something for him and feared what that might do to Renee. Did Renee see it?

Renee did see it. It wasn't overt, and sex with Anna was as good as ever, but it was happening. "How come it doesn't bother me very much?" she wondered.

In town for supplies, a few days after the near hand-holding, they stopped to eat. Sitting close, he took her hand, and she let him. She felt his energy, looked at him expectantly, and he kissed her. She kissed back.

"Dan, I'm with Renee. We shouldn't."

"I know. Sorry, but..."

She kissed him again, guilt flooding over her, but the kiss lingered.

"We need to talk, Dan. I don't know what's happening."

"Why not my room? Just to talk privately."

She laughed. "Your room, just to talk? You're kidding."

"Sorry. Don't you want to?"

She sipped coffee, thinking, and discovered she wanted Dan--more than any man before. Before Renee, men had disappointed her. In fact, she and Renee were both disappointed in men and needed more. So she and Renee, both lonely, became lovers. But while generous with her affection and her body, Renee always held back part of her love.

Watching her with Aaron daily, Anna wondered if that part of her had been waiting for him. Renee seemed happy near him. Anna didn't want to betray her, but maybe Renee would be fine without her. And she wanted Dan badly.

"OK, your room sounds good," she admitted.

In Dan's apartment, the air hummed with unspoken longing. The moment the door clicked shut, they went to each other, drawn by an unstoppable pull. Their lips met in a kiss that held the desire that had been building for more than a month. It was soft at first, then deepened as barriers between them fell one by one.

"We shouldn't be doing this," she said, as she clung to his neck. "Renee... I can't bear to hurt her."

"I know, but Anna, I love you, and I think you love me."

She pulled away and looked at his face. She could see the love in his eyes and how he wanted her in every way a man could have a woman. Then she looked inside and found his love mirrored in her.

"Oh Dan, Dan, I do love you." She kissed him again and allowed him to undress her, while she fumbled gently with his clothes, letting the garments pile up on the floor until both stood bare before each other, vulnerable and trembling with anticipation.

They pressed close, her warmth against his chest, his fingers tracing the delicate curve of her spine, the gentle rise of her hips, the swell of her bottom. She rested her hands on his chest, feeling the steady thump of his heart beneath her palms, a rhythm that seemed to echo her own.

"I've wanted this," she whispered, her voice barely audible, as if the words might break the spell.

"Me too," Dan murmured, his hands finding her face, cradling it as he kissed her again, slower this time, lost in her.

The world narrowed to just them, the heat of their closeness, the tenderness of each touch, and the desire that bound them together.

They fell into the bed, wrapping themselves in each other, sharing the same breath, the same heartbeats, the same need. His fingers brushed along her skin, coaxing soft sighs from her lips, while her touch lingered on him, painting his skin with her love.

"You're beautiful," he said, his voice filled with awe.

"So are you, my love," she replied, her eyes shining and wet with tears of joy.

"Anna," he breathed, "may I?" She nodded, her hands guiding him, welcoming him. He entered her gently, and they held each other tightly, as if they were one. Their lovemaking was urgent yet tender, desire tempered by love. When he shuddered against her, she felt the weight of his release like a gift and a baring of his soul.

Quietly, she combed his hair with her fingers and whispered, "Don't stop. I never want to stop making love with you."

He looked at her, eyes full of her, nodded, and his lips traced a path down her body until they found her most precious place. His was now an act of devotion, almost worship, as her hands twisted in the sheets as waves of pleasure built within her, and when she finally crested, it was with a soft cry and a heart laid bare to him.

They lay there for a moment, catching their breath, until he turned to her, his voice rough with affection. "Again?"

She reached for him, finding him ready, and smiled. "Yes," she said softly, pulling him close. This time, it was a slower dance. Their rhythm was languid, and time seemed to stretch, wrapping them in a cocoon of shared feelings and unspoken promises.

Afterward, still catching their breaths, they lay together, lips touching gently.

"I need to tell Renee," Anna said. "I betrayed her with you. I don't regret it, and I want to do it again, but I love her and won't hurt her. If that means staying with her, I will. Dan, I'm serious--I owe her so much."

"OK, Anna, I love you. Believe that. If I must share you with Renee, I will. But you know Aaron loves her desperately. If we can reunite them..."

**Chapter 17 - Attack

Jacob was sitting across his desk from Bryan, the lead private detective he was using to find Renee and his son and get them back. He had a restraining order that was supposed to keep him away from her, but he did not care. She had been gone for weeks with no clue as to her location.

"OK, Bryan, what's so urgent you needed to talk to me in person? And wait a minute. Did you find out where the hell she got the cash to pay for these attorneys? They're the best in the city, hell, the best in the state. And what's with these newspaper stories about me? She must have found somebody good to dig that stuff up."

"We don't know, sir. We've got theories we're following up on, but no, nothing so far."

Jacob looked at him, angry and disappointed. "So what do you need to talk to me about?"

Bryan smiled and said, "We found her and your son."

Surprised, Jacob said, "You did? When? Do you have her?"

"We confirmed it yesterday. She's living just south of the town of Mendocino. And no, we don't have her. She appears to be guarded night and day, and she never leaves the property."

Excited, Jacob asked, "So how did you find her, and what's the plan?"

"We put out feelers, sir, to people we know. With photos, what we know about her habits, and all. We searched social media, all that. Nothing. Then, sort of by chance, one of our guys was bullshitting with a friend of his who works for the police in Mendocino. I mean, this was a one-in-a-million break. He was talking about this mysterious bunch in a big house on the coast with 24/7 security. Their security people reached out to the police captain, you know, to let him know they were there and that they were providing security for someone. They wanted to make sure the police were aware of them in case of trouble."

"So the captain wants to know who they are guarding. They wouldn't give names but said it was two women and a small boy. I asked him for the address of the place, but he said he couldn't give it to me. Still, it sounded promising, and I had some guys check it out. They roamed the coast for a few days and, sure enough, there was a big house overlooking the ocean with what looked to be professional security outside."

"We poked around quietly and finally found them. Your wife, Anna, and your son were walking along the beach, close to the house."

"Good work, Bryan, good work. You've earned a bonus. So what's the plan?"

"Well, we can't just walk up to the house, knock on the door, and say, 'Come with us.' Not with the security."

"Yeah, probably not," agreed Jacob. "Can you go up there, let 'em know we're onto them, and maybe scare her into coming back?"

"Don't think so. Her security people don't seem like regular mall cops. They have a serious look about them."

"So what then?"

"Depends on how bad you want her back. I have men who can take care of the guards. Then it's just grab them and go. It will cost you, though. That's why I wanted a personal meeting. This can't get out of this room. You pay me half a million up front, and I'll go get her. Once I deliver her and your son to you, another half a million."

"Do you want to know how I plan to do it?" Bryan asked.

"No, but let me think about it."

A day later, Jacob gave the go-ahead and wired the money to Bryan.

***

Buck and Wendy guarded the house 24/7, alternating three-hour shifts. One patrolled while the other rested. They had collar mics that they used if they needed each other, plus a line to the police.

It was 1 a. m., and Wendy was outside. Buck dozed on the couch when she called, "Buck! Get out here--hostiles! One down, he says two more are out there!"

Ten seconds later, Buck was out, crouching as he moved to a prearranged spot.

Wendy had taken down a camo-clad man with a Glock using her baton, then threatened him with her sidearm. He'd confessed to two accomplices before she knocked him out with a taser.

"Roger that. What's your 20?" Buck asked.

"Area 7. We'll do search pattern 1."

"Roger."

They swept the perimeter, each knowing where the other was supposed to be while they silently moved through the darkness. Wendy moved right, then right again. Nothing.

Then, "Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!"

"Buck, sitrep?"

"Two down, both on the ground. One still moving. Area 3."

She rushed over to where she knew he would be. Buck held his gun on a man clutching a wounded shoulder. Another lay nearby, his body still, and blood pouring from his chest. She dragged her own captive over, and they zip-tied the two living attackers together.

Wendy called the sheriff, quickly explaining what had happened and their need for two ambulances. Then from the house came a scream-- "Aaron's hurt! Call an ambulance, Aaron's hurt!"

"Make that three ambulances, ASAP," said Wendy. She left Buck to tend to their prisoners while she ran into the house, grabbed her big first aid kit, and went to see what medical attention she could give to Aaron.

***

"Beep... beep... beep..."

"Beep... beep... beep..."

Aaron woke in a hospital bed to a familiar sound, briefly thinking he was back in Philadelphia, emerging from his coma. But no, he'd come to California.

"Beep... beep... beep..."

The bright light stung his eyes when he opened them, he felt woozy, and his shoulder hurt. Everything was blurry at first, but then he saw Renee beside him, looking anxious.

"What happened?" he slurred, sounding drunk. He recalled loud noises outside from the night before, then nothing.

"Oh, Aaron, you're awake," Renee said, squeezing his hand. "God, I was scared. I thought I'd lost you again. How do you feel? The doctor says you'll be fine."

"My shoulder hurts. What happened? Are you OK? Is everyone else OK?"

"Everyone's fine except you. You were shot in the shoulder last night."

"Shot? Who shot me?"

"Three men. Wendy and Buck stopped them. Two were shot, and one died. They had pictures of me and Thomas. Janice thinks it was a kidnapping attempt, likely ordered by Jacob. She's working with the police, giving them everything we have on him."

"Tell Wendy and Buck they're getting big bonuses when I'm up. When can I leave?"

"Tomorrow or the next day. Oh, Aaron, I was terrified when they took you away. I can't forget the last time. I don't want to lose you again."

"Don't worry, I won't leave again."

A few days later, the police had firmed up what had happened and gotten evidence of Jacob's involvement. One surviving attacker, a scared young man looking for a lighter sentence, confessed and was cooperating. He provided a lot of information that implicated Jacob. The police shared the information with Janice's team, and Dan contacted the lawyers as soon as it looked like there was enough evidence to arrest Jacob.

With the police report and confession in hand, the lawyers warned the board chair of Jacob's company that the next day's headlines would feature the attempted kidnapping. The full board got a detailed report on Jacob, which also included what Janice's team knew and suspected.

The board fired Jacob immediately, pending review, to distance the company from him when the news broke. The stock would dip but should rebound once investors saw Jacob's era was over.

Police arrested Jacob for conspiracy in the kidnapping attempt.

A day later, his lawyers, with him out on bail but homebound, accepted Renee's original divorce terms. He signed the agreement and paid the $10 million, got no visitation rights, and was subject to a permanent restraining order barring him from getting close to Renee, Thomas, or her family.

**Chapter 18 -- Losing Anna

With papers signed, Renee felt safe enough to leave Mendocino. From Jacob's $10 million, she gave Anna $1 million for her help. They should've been happy, but both sat on the bed, crying.

"I don't know how it happened," Anna said, "but Renee, I love you more than anything. But the day before the shooting, Dan and I kissed. We were talking, and it just happened. Then... then we had sex."

Renee wasn't surprised. She'd watched them grow closer over the past weeks, sometimes excluding her. Their lovemaking had changed, and she'd suspected something but wasn't jealous.

She and Aaron had also grown closer, sitting on the beach, bundled in coats, close to each other, touching for warmth. She thought of him often, even while kissing Anna. Old memories of him sharpened.

"We were kissing," Anna continued, "and then went to his room and made love. We just did it. Can you forgive me? It wasn't his fault. I wanted him to take me, love me."

Renee gazed at her with the soft eyes of someone who cared for her deeply. "Do you love him, Anna? Do you want him again?"

Anna wept quietly, eyes closed, then looked at her. "Yes, I want him. I don't know if I love him, but I want him so much!"

"And he wants you?"

"He says he loves me. Since the day we met, he has loved me. How's that possible?"

"Do you want to go with him when he leaves? With the money, you two can go anywhere."

"I'm sorry, Renee, but I think I do. But I won't leave you. I love you too much. Maybe we three can be together--you, me, and Dan? He says he doesn't mind."

Renee held her, considering. She loved Anna but felt less need for her now. "It sounds like he's smitten if he'd share you with me," she said with a small laugh. "But you don't have to choose. Go with him, my love, but visit me sometimes. Call me often. I'll always love you, even if not as a lover."

"But Renee, we've been so much to each other. What will you do?"

"Anna, I have something to admit too. I think I have feelings for Aaron. I don't know yet, but the shooting, sitting by his bed again--it felt like I never left him. Something woke up in me."

Anna stopped crying, understanding in her eyes, and nodded. "Aaron loves you, and over these last weeks, I have seen you together and how you look at him. And I have seen love in your eyes."

A week later, Dan and Anna left for Palo Alto to set up Aaron's budiness office there. Dan would continue working for Aaron, and after Wharton, would join him in venture capital.

**Chapter 19 -- Finding Themselves

The guards departed with bonuses, leaving Aaron, Thomas, and Renee alone in the house. Aaron's shoulder was bandaged but healing well.

"Aaron," Renee said after the last goodbyes, "I don't want to leave. Mendocino feels like home. It's like a haven you made for me. I might enroll Thomas in preschool here. Maybe start a yoga studio. What do you think?"

"It's wonderful here," Aaron replied. "A bit cold sometimes, but perfect for rebuilding after all you've been through."

"And you? Moving to Palo Alto?"

"No, I don't need to be there for business. I'll find a place here, so I can be near when you or Thomas need me."

"I'd like that," she said. "I'd have begged you to stay." It was late. They shared wine.

After settling Thomas for the night, they stood in the living room, looking at the sea through the big window. She moved closer to him, kissed his sad face softly, and said, "Thank you, Aaron, for loving me, protecting me, waiting for me."

She'd let Anna go, wanting her happiness, but with Aaron near, she needed Anna less. Things were different now, not like during the dark days of her marriage. She still loved Anna, but maybe their bond stemmed from mutual need.

She'd once told Anna she couldn't love a man, meaning Jacob. Was it true? And had she guarded her love for Aaron, unable to give it fully to Anna either? Was that why she could so easily let her go? Did she still love the man next her? Si many questions.

Aaron gazed at her, waiting, as she looked back at him, indecision painting her face. But there was something else in her eyes as well, and it was what he had been patiently waiting for. Then, as if a light had been switched on, the indecision was gone, and she put her arms around his neck and kissed him. He kissed her back, and the veil of years that lay between them fell away.

"Aaron, I think I still love you. That's why I let Anna go--because I have you back. It's so confusing, but I know in my heart it's real

He studied her lovely face in the moonlight, seeing lines of sadness there, and wondered if he had put them there. He saw happiness too and knew that was Thomas's gift.

Ten years of loss and longing lay between them as she looked at him, her eyes catching the light of the moon. He leaned in, their lips meeting again--soft, then hungry, trying to reclaim that lost time.

"Will you make love to me, Aaron?" she whispered. "It's been so long--I've needed you so much."

Sadness left his eyes, replaced by joy. "I never stopped loving you, Renee. Never."

His arms pulled her close, kissing her, awakening old memories. She tugged off his shirt, gliding over his skin with her fingers. Then they kissed again while undressing each other, as joy welled up in them both.

Motherhood had softened Renee's body and made her breasts fuller--so different from the woman who was barely out of her teens. Likewise, his wasn't the young man's body she remembered.

"Oh, Aaron, it's been so long. I want you so much."

"My precious, I caused you such pain. I didn't mean to, and I'll never hurt you again. I don't want to leave you, ever. I need you with me, always."

His hands traced the curve of her back, soft and warm, before resting gently at her hips. She smiled softly, her fingers touching his chest, feeling the gentle beat of his heart.

"It's been so long, Aaron. Do you think we remember how to do this?"

"I remember every second of every time we made love, Renee."

They moved to the couch, a quiet intimacy settling over them. Her lips lightly grazed his neck and collarbone, with kisses that spoke of rediscovered love, and she whispered, "You're everything to me. Never go away again."

He sighed, overwhelmed by the force of his love for her and the knowledge that she loved him too.

He eased her back against the cushions, his lips brushing her sensitive skin, as her fingers played in his hair, which was longer than it used to be.

"I've never felt so loved," she whispered.

"Neither have I, my darling, neither have I."

The sound of the ocean drifted through the room, a gentle rhythm that matched the rise and fall of their breathing. Their touches and caresses awoke in them old feelings, nearly forgotten, of intimacy and desire.

Soon their shared emotions demanded more, and when he joined with her, it was an intense union that seemed to want to recapture all that they had lost. She held him close, her fingers digging into his shoulders as the warmth of completion washed over her, followed soon by his own.

Later, they sat together, sipping wine in the quiet darkness of the room. She nestled into him, her head resting against his shoulder.

"I want to stay like this forever," she said, her voice soft and contented.

He kissed her hair. "Forever doesn't seem long enough."

They lingered on the couch, finishing their wine and wrapped in each other's arms. Then they drifted upstairs. Renee checked on Thomas, and then they both went into her bedroom, where they found each other again.

It was like an unseen force drawing them together, with kisses deep and slow and endless, and heat rising in them once more.

"You make me feel alive again," he said, need for her glowing in his eyes.

"And you make me complete again," she said as her own eyes shimmered with reborn desire.

She nudged him onto his back, then languidly climbed on top of him. Their lovemaking was very slow, her gentle eyes locked on his, silently promising to never be apart and never stop loving him.

"I'll always be with you," she said softly, her voice a melody in the night.

He reached up, cradling her face as he matched her rhythm. "And I'll never go away again."

The moonlight bathed her in its glow and made her seem a creature of dreams, while night slipped by unnoticed. The rest of the world faded, leaving only the small space they shared. They moved together, lost in each other, and at last, she trembled above him, her breath catching as she whispered, "Aaron, oh Aaron." He held her tight as his own pleasure flowed through him.

Afterward, they lay, bodies entwined, exhausted with spent passion. They did not speak because words were no longer necessary. He pressed a kiss to her hair as sleep claimed them both, their souls merging in the afterglow.

Over coffee the next morning, Renee said, "I don't want you to find your own place. Live with me. Marry me. Our love was lost for so many years, and finding it again last night... I can't describe how it felt. I want to wake with you every morning, see you every day. I want you to be Thomas's father, and I want us to fill this house with more children, yours and mine."

"From the day I met you that's all I ever wanted, Renee. Even as I slept all those years, I wanted to be with you, and I never left you. My heart never lost sight of you no matter what you did or where you were."

"I think I know that," she said, uncovering a truth she somehow knew. "My heart told me you were with me, watching over me, but I didn't want to believe it. I was afraid, and the pain of losing you... I couldn't bear it. So, I ran--first to San Francisco, then to Jacob, and finally to Anna. Running and running but never escaping. You were always there with me."

Aaron listened, feeling the pain in her from all the loneliness and grief that she carried for so long. He wished he could wipe away the memory of all that. The best he could do was make her as happy as he could from then on.

"You don't have to run anymore. I'm right here, and I promise to always be here," he said softly as he held her tight. "I will marry you, live with you, and love you. I'll be a father to Thomas, and as many others as you want."

They went out to sit on the back deck with their coffee, bundled against the cool sea breeze. They sipped from the steaming cups and silently gazed at the seagulls swooping over the waves. They were whole again. Two halves, long broken and separated, once again joined.