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Date Posted: 08:01:38 03/26/03 Wed
Author: dqfan
Subject: Say the Words - ch.41

CHAPTER FORTY ONE


The enticing aroma of freshly brewed coffee and frying bacon lured Sophie from her deep, restful sleep. With her eyes still closed, she murmured her appreciation. "Mmmmmm….."

A cockeyed smile on his face, Peter strolled to the sofa with his hands in his pockets, his heart overflowing with love. Today was the start of a new day; and, after his conversation with Michaela, Peter felt nothing but optimism for his and Sophie's future together. Somewhat shyly, he hoped Sophie would feel the same.

"Mornin," he whispered softly, leaning to lightly brush his lips against hers.

Slowly, Sophie's eyes fluttered open and a huge smile spread across her face.

"Hey, Darlin," she greeted him with a very enthusiastic kiss.

Taken by surprise, Peter tried to enjoy the kiss fully, but his worries finally got the better of him. Reluctantly, he pulled away and traced Sophie's cheekbone gently with the back of his index finger.

"So…you're okay?" he asked quietly.

"I'm fine…" Sophie smiled lovingly, caressing his cheek in return.

"Peter, I know I owe you an explanation…" she stumbled self-consciously.

Peter placed a finger over Sophie's lips and cut her off before she could say another word. "Sssshhh…"

"You're okay?" he asked again to be sure.

With his finger stopping her, Sophie could only smile and nod.

"And we're okay?" Peter's hopeful expression begged for confirmation.

At that, Sophie's smile grew wider and she nodded more vigorously.

"Then that's all I need to know for now…" Happily, Peter removed his finger and replaced it with his lips, anxious to resume the enthusastic morning greeting Sophie had begun.

"I'm sorry about dinner last night," Sophie apologized when the kiss finally ended.

Even in her distressed state, she had noticed how much effort Peter had taken with the table…the flowers…everything.

Lazily, she stretched herself up to a sitting position on the couch. "Let me make it up to you," she suggested cheerfully.

"Soph, you don't have to…" Peter settled comfortably beside her. "It was only take-out from Rusty's," he admitted with a guilty look. Peter Scarbrow couldn't make spring rolls from scratch if his life depended on it.

Sophie smiled at Peter's sheepish confession. "Well, then, let's have dinner at Rusty's tonight, after work…my treat."

Truly, the sparkle in Sophie's eyes was all the reward Peter needed, but he could see how much it meant to her.

"Your treat, huh?" he teased seductively.

"Uh-huh…" Sophie played along.

Thoughtfully, Peter pretended to consider Sophie's offer, "I guess I could fit it into my schedule…"

Then, with a mischievous chuckle, Peter stood, grabbed Sophie by the hand, and pulled her from the sofa - straight into his arms.

Eagerly, he sought one kiss and then another, all of which Sophie returned with similar fervor. Things were becoming hot…too hot….

"Peter…" Sophie murmured, her senses stirring.

"Peter…" she breathed more urgently, trying to gain his attention.

"Peter!" she gasped with a start, finally placing her hands on either side of his head, forcing him to look directly into her eyes.

"What?" Peter's dazed expression said it all.

"Peter, the bacon's burning!" Sophie made the frightful announcement just as smoke began to fill the room.

Startled into action, Peter raced frantically toward the stove while Sophie watched bemusedly, consumed by an overwhelming attack of the giggles.

Maybe, eating out tonight wasn't such a bad idea….

^^^^^^^^^^^^

Excitedly, Sophie sat at the secluded corner table that Annie had reserved for them. Peter had promised to meet her at Rusty's by seven. It was a quiet mid-week evening with only a few of Agnes' elderly residents finishing their early bird specials. Soon, with any luck, she and Peter would have the place to themselves.

Sophie tried to appear nonchalant as Peter entered, wearing his nicest, tight-fitting, black pants and a simple white dress shirt, the top two buttons unbuttoned.

"Can I help you, Slick?" Annie gave Sophie a wink of approval as Peter approached the table.

"Yes…I was invited to dinner this evening by the most beautiful woman in town," Peter complimented Sophie grandly - to her obvious delight.

"Oh, he is slick…" Annie laughed, leaving them alone for the time being.

"May I join you?" Peter asked chivalrously of Sophie.

Sophie bit her lip and smiled. "I think I'd like that," she nodded happily as Peter took his seat opposite her, with his back to the door.

Casually, they enjoyed each other's company - and the shrimp cocktail Annie brought to the table. As they discussed the day's events, Peter and Sophie took turns leisurely feeding each other the cold, tasty shrimp.

"So, did you see your Dad today?" Peter asked innocently enough.

Sophie's hand stopped midway to Peter's mouth, cocktail sauce dripping onto the tablecloth from the shrimp she held dangling.

"What? Oh…sorrry…" she fumbled, returning the shrimp to her dish and wiping the sauce with her napkin.

Intuitively, Peter took the napkin from her grasp and held Sophie's hand comfortingly in his own, stroking her palm with his fingertips. "Soph, did you and your father have a fight? Is that what upset you last night?"

Sophie sighed, wondering if she should tell Peter about the conversation that she had overheard between Alexander and Charles.

"I'm worried about him, Peter," she answered truthfully. "This farewell means the world to him and his commanders couldn't care less."

"Commanders?" Peter's curiosity was evident.

Sophie was about to tell Peter all about Charles when Annie stopped by with their salads, temporarily engaging them in idle chit-chat.

The cool evening breeze sent a chill up their spines as the door to Rusty's suddenly burst open and a young man, of about 29 years of age, strode through. He was over six feet tall and exceedingly well-built, with sunstreaked blond hair that haphazardly framed his handsome face and dark brown eyes. He wore a flight jacket that bore the rank of First Lieutenant and his youthful confidence filled the room the minute he entered. He was impossible to ignore - and no woman would want to.

Annie and Sophie both stopped talking and their jaws fell open in unison.

"Who is THAT?" Annie muttered under her breath.

"Wow…" Sophie seconded Annie's admiration, as Peter turned suspiciously to see who all the fuss was about.

The young man headed toward their table, a charming, boyish smile on his face. "S'cuse me, Ma'am," he addressed Annie politely. "But I'm tryin' t'find the motel in town. Road from Vancouver isn't exactly brimmin' with signs…" he commented light-heartedly.

Still bewitched, Annie whispered approvingly to Sophie, "And he's not afraid to ask for directions, either…"

Sophie held her laughter in-check as the young man waited patiently for either woman to give him a reply.

Peter rolled his eyes, feeling more and more inconsequential by the minute. The young man was standing now, directly in front of their table, towering over it - and Peter.

Uncomfortably, Peter stood, hoping to lessen the height differential but the young man still held a considerable advantage, in more ways than one.

Peter gulped and tried to hide his gnawing inferiority complex.

Clearing his throat, Peter introduced himself with the deepest voice and firmest handshake he could muster, "Peter Scarbrow…"

"First Lieutenant Josh Monroe." Easily, the young man returned Peter's handshake with an even firmer one, as Peter struggled to keep his balance.

"Pleased t'meet ya," the Lieutenant added cheerfully. As he turned to face Peter, the insignia on his jacket came fully into Sophie's view.

"You're a Snowbird!" Sophie exclaimed, recognizing the emblem immediately.

"Yes, Ma'am, and proud of it," Josh smiled, giving Sophie his undivided attention - to Peter's obvious chagrin.

"Sophie Becker…" Sophie stood, introduced herself, and offered Josh her hand.

"Not THE Sophie Becker?" Josh questioned enchantingly.

"Well, how many do you know?" Harmlessly, Sophie flirted with the dashing officer, enjoying the young man's charm.

"Just my commandin' officer's daughter…the one he never stops talkin' about…" Josh flirted right back as Peter's foot began tapping in spasms.

Crankily, he interrupted Josh and Sophie's little tete-a-tete, finding the young man's southern accent suspiciously out of place. "I thought you had to be a Canadian citizen to be a Snowbird?"

"Yes Sir, you do…" Josh replied formally, making Peter feel incredibly old by his use of the word "Sir."

"I was born and raised in Toronto but, as part of my weightlessness training, I spent three years in an exchange program down at the Johnson Space Center in Houston," Josh explained.

"Brought a lot 'a knowledge back with me…" he smiled winningly, "just didn't realize I was bringin' the accent back, too."

"It's charming, Josh," Sophie assured him quickly, putting the young man at ease.

"Hardly noticed it at all," Annie concurred immediately.

Peter felt his blood pressure rising dangerously as he snapped a breadstick in two and munched.

"So, you'll be my father's pilot?" Sophie asked with curiosity.

"It'll be my honor," Josh intoned reverently. "They don't make 'em like your Dad any more, Ma'am."

"Sophie…please call me Sophie…" she gushed, thrilled that her father would have such a loyal pilot for his last performance.

Anxious to hear all about Josh's role in the air show, Sophie made a split second decision, one that she hoped Peter would forgive.

"Why don't you join us for dinner, Josh?" Sophie invited graciously, as her eyebrows pleaded with Peter to follow her lead.

Peter's mouth dropped, stunned that Sophie would forego their romantic dinner for two.

"Well, if yer sure, Sophie." Josh looked expectantly at Peter for his approval, "Sir…?"

"Please… Call me Peter…" Peter winced, fearing a stroke if Josh called him "Sir" one more time.

Begrudgingly, Peter stared directly into Sophie's eyes and went along with her request. "And, yes, please join us…" he directed with similar courtesy.

While Josh grabbed an empty chair from a nearby table, Peter insisted on holding out Sophie's chair for her. "You'll explain later?" he whispered menacingly in her ear.

"I'll explain later," Sophie nodded grimly, knowing it had better be good…

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

"Soooo…Josh… What do you want to be when you grow up?" Peter asked petulantly.

"Beg pardon," Josh looked up quizzically from his soup.

Fiercely, Sophie delivered a sharp plunge into Peter's shin, kicking him under the table.

"Oww…I…mean…what are your plans for the future?" Peter recovered quickly as he massaged his wounded leg and shot Sophie a particularly vicious glance.

"Haven't given it much thought," Josh answered politely. "Hope I can keep doin' this as long as Commander Becker has. He's a real inspiration," Josh complimented sincerely.

"It's a shame the rest of our squadron can't make it," Josh seemed truly saddened by the lack of fanfare accorded his childhood hero.

"They're not coming?" This was the first Peter had heard of the news.

Sophie rushed to explain as briefly as possible. "No…they were called away to Ottawa for a special performance."

As Peter considered this surprising new information, he couldn't help wondering why Sophie hadn't told him of the change in plans before this.

"Real shame yer Dad won't be able to do the tandem double," Josh shook his head and devoured one of Annie's freshly baked dinner rolls.

"Audiences love it," Josh pictured the many cheering crowds he'd witnessed for Commander Becker and grinned, "Highlight o' the show…"

"I haven't seen him do that jump in years," Sophie sighed wistfully.

Then, for Peter's benefit, she added, "It's the same as a double jump, only with a partner."

Peter knew all about the double jump. Sophie had regaled him with the specifics of that particular daredevil stunt on his very first day as Alexander's apprentice-in-training. If she'd been trying to scare him out of the sport of skydiving, it almost worked!

As near as Peter could recall, the double jump was an outrageous maneuver, that started simply enough, with the diver jumping normally, his chute opening as expected. But then, to the astonishment of the crowd, the diver would use a knife to cut the lines, thereby plunging into freefall once again - much closer to the ground this time - until his reserve chute unfurled just before it was too late. In essence, the diver jumps twice in the same jump…hence, the double jump.

According to Sophie, the stunt never failed to elicit a communal sigh of relief and a gigantic roar of applause from all those who witnessed it. Frankly, Peter was very grateful he had never had the pleasure.

"That's right," Josh smiled admiringly at Sophie's knowledge of skydiving.

"Yer Dad and Lieutenant Purcell've been doing the tandem double for about a year now. Most dramatic thing I've ever seen. Two jumpers really doubles the suspense. I swear, when they reach out and cut each other's lines, you can hear a pin drop in those crowds…" Josh whistled with fresh excitement as he gave Sophie his rapt attention.

"Hear it all the way up in the cockpit, do you?" Peter's muttering was quite audible.

"No," Josh laughed, taking Peter's barb in good spirits. "I watch all the performances, even when I'm off duty. I'll be standin' there in the crowd just like everybody else…havin' a good time. Only I'm doin' my homework…takin' notes, jottin' down ideas, ways for improvement."

Josh's enthusiasm was infectious and Sophie leaned closer to him, hanging on his every word. It had been a long time since she'd been around someone who loved skydiving as much as she did and who knew the Snowbirds and their routines so intimately.

"Gets in your blood, doesn't it?" she smiled broadly, impressed by Josh's commitment.

"No more than you from what I hear," Josh's flattery was causing Sophie to blush quite becomingly.

"So, Lieutenant Purcell's in Ottawa, is he?" Peter interjected sharply as none-too-subtly he offered Sophie a glass of water to cool down.

With a steely look, Sophie took the hint - and a sip of the water.

"Yes, Sir…uh, I mean, Peter," Josh stumbled shyly. "He's commandin' the squadron there."

"So, is Alex planning on doing the double by himself?" Peter's question was directed to either Josh or Sophie but it was a voice from behind them that answered.

"He is…not," Alexander announced with a tinge of melancholy in his voice.

"I'm getting too old to be risking my life alone," he noted fatalistically. "If I go, I'm gonna take someone with me," Alex joked half-heartedly.

Cordially, Alexander held out his hand to Josh, who stood immediately at attention upon his commanding officer's arrival. "How are you, Josh? Good to see you again."

"Fine, Sir…Thank you, Sir…You, too, Sir…" Josh replied eagerly.

"Sit down, Son, and finish your dinner," Alex ordered with authority.

"This young man's one of the good ones, Sophie. If you haven't figured that out yet," he remarked truthfully.

"Oh, she figured…" Peter mumbled under his breath.

"Makes me proud to know Josh'll be doin' this after I'm gone," Alex smiled wanly.

Sophie listened carefully as the tone of her father's voice grew sadder still. Peter and Josh may have attributed Alex's quips to his usual wry demeanor, but not Sophie…not after yesterday. No, beneath each layer of bravado, Sophie saw just how profoundly Alex's confrontation with Charles had affected him. He seemed so disillusioned…so resigned…so…old.

The word stunned her. She tried uselessly to dismiss it, but facts were facts. Sophie looked closely at Alexander as he and Josh continued to converse. Thoughtfully, she studied the graying hairline, the laugh lines and crow's feet etched on her father's leathered skin. Though still strong and capable, he wasn't nearly the imposing figure Sophie remembered from her youth. What's more, there was an air of vulnerability in him that Sophie had never seen before. Perhaps, she had never taken the time to notice. But, she saw it now.

For possibly the first time in her life, Sophie looked into her father's eyes and saw, not the great Alexander Becker, not the omnipotent hero she'd adored as a child, but a tired, defeated, old man.

Sophie's mind set off in a thousand different directions, questions with no answers swirling around in her head. Was Alex's entire sense of self-worth wrapped up in his career? With that part of his life about to come to a close, what would he have left, really? When he looked in the mirror every morning, is that all he saw…an old man, a shadow of his former self, a "has-been?" Now, even his grand farewell was becoming less and less grand by the moment, thanks to Charles.

Sophie's sense of injustice flared. There must be something she could do…something that would allow her father his last shining moment in the sun…one that he would always remember. She had to at least try.

Slowly, the germ of an idea began forming in Sophie's brain, one that would stay with her for the rest of the evening, no matter where the dinner conversation turned.

"Soph?" Peter placed his hand on her shoulder and called her name for the second time.

"Hmmm? What?" Clearly, Sophie's thoughts were elsewhere.

"Alex and Josh are leaving…" Peter gestured to their unexpected guests, both now standing and ready to depart.

"Oh, I'm sorry…" Sophie replied, startled.

Quickly, she offered Alexander an exceptionally tender hug and kiss goodnight. A bit surprised, Alexander, nonetheless, returned her affection warmly.

Then, Sophie turned toward the young man. "It was a pleasure to meet you, Josh. I hope I'll see you again soon," she invited genially.

"Pleasure was all mine, Sophie," Josh assured her with a smile. "Peter…"

Peter gave a weak smile and a tepid salute in Josh's direction. It had been a very long night….

"I'll walk you to the door," he offered politely, leading the two men safely out of Rusty's. With a final goodbye, he closed the door behind them. "Night…"

Peter looked at his watch. It was almost midnight. Five hours after his and Sophie's romantic evening was to begin and, only now, did they have the restaurant to themselves.

Sophie was standing pensively by the counter, her back towards Peter as he approached.

"Alone at last," he whispered in her ear, coming up behind her.

"Hmmm? What?" Sophie was a million miles away, lost in the logistics and ramifications of her gestating idea.

"Is that all you can say, tonight?" Peter teased lightly, surprised by her lack of enthusiasm. Maybe Josh was more of a threat than he thought?

Frustrated, Peter leaned against the counter and snapped his fingers in front of Sophie's face.

"Come on, Soph, Fly-boy's gone, snap out of it!" he begged, with great drama.

The sides of Sophie's mouth turned upwards in a small smile and she shook her head with amusement at Peter's desperate plea.

"Fly-boy?" she questioned with a chuckle, repeating Peter's derogatory appellation for Josh.

"Fly-boy. Boy-toy. Same thing," Peter grumbled, hoping to milk some sympathy for his extremely wounded pride.

Sophie smiled broadly now at the amazing fragility of Peter's male ego. Comfortingly, she patted his chest for additional reassurance.

"I'm not thinking about Josh, Sparky, honest…" she smirked, knowing the use of her pet name for Peter never failed to soothe him.

Peter grinned and shrugged. "So, then, where'd we lose you?" he asked, curiously, "Alexander's air raid over Afghanistan or Josh's underwater adventures in the Gulf of Mexico?"

"Oh, I don't know…" she hedged with a sigh, sinking onto one of the barstools. "I guess I've had a lot on my mind…"

"I'm a good listener…" Gently, Peter ran the back of his hand up and down Sophie's bare arm, encouraging her to continue.

"Peter…when did you first realize your father was old?" Sophie's question caught Peter totally off-guard but he thought a moment and then answered as honestly as he could.

"I s'pose it was in New York…the day after Chloe told me he'd lost everything. I met him on a bench near Central Park… I was so mad at him…I was all set to confront him but he was trying so hard to act like nothing was wrong…"

Peter's voice drifted slightly but he continued his memory of that day. "Then…I don't know why…I started picturing all the good times we'd had together in that park. I saw myself as a boy…Dad as a powerful, successful businessman…"

"But when I took a good look at him, he didn't look like that successful businessman any more. He just looked…old," Peter recalled sadly.

With her elbow on the counter, Sophie had rested her chin on her hand, mesmerized by Peter's every word. The situations were amazingly parallel and she was awed by Peter's unfailing sensitivity and by his compassion. They were two of the things she loved most about him.

With quiet admiration she finished Peter's story, "And so, you didn't tell him…"

"No…" Peter answered softly with a shy shake of his head. "I didn't tell him…"

Sophie slid silently off the barstool and into Peter's unsuspecting arms. Lovingly, she wrapped her hands at the base of his neck, massaging it rhythmically.

"Thank you," she whispered, and then proceeded to cover his lips with hers for a deeply passionate embrace.

When the kiss finally ended, Peter lifted his head with a confused grin on his face, "What was that for?" he asked breathlessly.

Gently, Sophie outlined Peter's lips with her fingertips. They were still warm from the kiss and she paused irresistibly to savor the heat. Nearly exhausted by her whirlwind emotions of late, tears began to well in Sophie's eyes. She loved him more with every passing day…hour…minute.

"For always being there when I need you…" she answered him, in a voice overcome with gratitude, love, and, most especially - longing.

Peter remained perfectly still, displaying almost Herculean restraint, as his lips throbbed beneath her tender touch. Anxiously, he waited for Sophie to dictate their next move.

If she stood there for even one more second, Sophie knew she'd change her mind about waiting until their wedding night. Delicately, she lifted her fingers from Peter's lips. Then, without another word, she retreated for the sanctuary of her upstairs bedroom. She had a lot to think about.

As for Peter…

Well, he'd been given his answer for the night.

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