Re: A Journey Home - ch. 23(Final) -- The Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman Fan Exchange

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Date Posted: 09:51:00 03/25/03 Tue
Author: dqfan
Subject: Re: A Journey Home - ch. 23(Final)
In reply to: dqfan 's message, "Re: A Journey Home - ch. 22" on 09:46:37 03/25/03 Tue

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

"Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to Seattle. You are now free to move about the cabin. This flight will be departing for Vancouver in 45 minutes. If this is your final destination, please gather your luggage and proceed to the front of the plane as quickly as possible. Thank you for flying with us and we hope you all have a very Happy New Year."

"Yadda, yadda, yadda," Sophie sighed, snuggling against Peter in an unsuccessful attempt to nap.

"C'mon, let's go!" Peter chimed unexpectedly, jumping to his feet and pulling a totally confused Sophie right along with him.

"Peter, are you crazy? This isn't Vancouver!" Sophie tried desperately to yank Peter back down, but he was far too busy grabbing their luggage from the overhead compartments.

"We're not going to Vancouver, Little-Miss-Know-It-All," Peter taunted, enjoying the look on Sophie's face.

"At least, not today�" he riddled.

"Comin'?" His eyes sparkled deviously as he extended his hand to her.

Sophie's mouth set in a determined frown as she refused to shirk from Peter's challenge. To be perfectly honest - though she'd never give him the satisfaction of telling him - whenever Peter got that certain look in his eye�well, Sophie knew deep down, she'd be a fool to say no.

So, with a quiet chuckle, Sophie reached confidently for Peter's hand and followed him willingly off the plane, certain she would delight in whatever he had in mind.

^^^^^^^^^^^

"Peter, where are we�?" Sophie began.

"Uh-huh-huh�" Peter cut her off.

"But, why didn't you�?" Sophie tried again.

"Uh-huh-huh�" Peter refused again.

This totally unproductive exchange continued for over an hour, as Peter secured their rental car and he and Sophie headed out onto the highway.

Maintaining his cool until what had to have been Sophie's hundredth attempt to glean a clue about their destination, Peter finally lost patience�

"I just thought we deserved to spend New Year's Eve without any interruptions from Roger�or any brushes with death�or any WALPOCS!" Peter snapped, slamming his hands against the wheel in exasperation.

"Anything wrong with that?" he dared her, turning the car in the direction of Puget Sound.

Sophie zipped her lip silently. After all, why argue with such a worthy goal? This little detour was beginning to have possibilities�

Still, it was only when Peter made that final turn toward the ferry that Sophie realized just where he had to be taking her.

"Vashon Island?" she whispered, a small smile creeping over her.

"Yup," Peter answered succinctly, incredibly pleased with himself.

It was almost nine o'clock by the time they boarded the ferry. Quickly, they secured the rental car below and made their way up on to the observation deck. Wrapping themselves snugly in one of the ship's complimentary blankets, Peter and Sophie settled in for a spectacular display of city lights and a moonlit sky suspended magically over Puget Sound.

From the island dock it was only a short ride to The Vashon Inn, one of Sophie's favorite spots in the whole world. It seemed like an eternity ago that Sophie first set foot on Vashon Island. At the time, all she'd wanted was a quiet place to ride her bike and prepare for Seattle's upcoming motorcross race; but, as usual, she got a lot more than she bargained for.

In less than four days, her racing career was history and Sophie found herself returning to the island, with a broken leg - and a broken Peter in tow.

Slowly, the natural beauty of Vashon Island had renewed them both, providing them with the perfect sanctuary in which to heal. There, amidst the eagles' cries and the hypnotic sounds of the waves hitting the shore, they'd found shelter in each other's arms - a shelter that would last them a lifetime.

The inn was bathed in stillness, but the warm, inviting glow of a fire could be seen through the front glass windows as they approached. Excitedly, Sophie's step quickened as they walked up the path. It was just as she remembered it.

"Miss Becker, Mr. Scarbrow, welcome back," the weathered ex-fisherman turned innkeeper welcomed them cordially. "How's the leg, Miss Becker? No more broken bones, I hope?"

"No Gianni, just fine, thank you," Sophie replied, the slightest grin beginning to form at the corners of her mouth. She'd forgotten just how much of a soft spot she had for this dear Italian gentleman, who would make her favorite shrimp marinara any time she asked, even when it wasn't on the menu.

"Can I get you anything else?" Gianni showed them around the beautifully appointed suite with its panoramic vistas of the Seattle skyline, Puget Sound and the snowcapped Cascade Mountains, barely visible in the night sky.

Peter and Gianni shared a mysterious wink as Peter took the room key and ever so gallantly deferred Gianni's question to Sophie.

"Signorina?" Gianni charmingly asked again.

"What? Uh�oh no�thank you, Gianni�this is wonderful�" Sophie was mesmerized by the view of the twinkling city lights beyond.

Tapping nervously at his watch, Peter ushered Gianni toward the door as the innkeeper nodded conspiratorially.

"Peter, how did you manage this?" Sophie wondered as she gazed out at the spectacular view. "I thought the inn closed for the season�"

"It does," Peter replied sheepishly. "But I made it worth Gianni's while to re-open for just one night�"

"It must have cost you a fortune," Sophie moaned.

"Yeah, Dad's probably turning in his grave right now�" Peter chuckled as he came up behind her and wrapped his arms tightly around Sophie's shoulders.

"But, I bet your Mom would have loved it," Sophie predicted accurately, feeling so very close to the women in Peter's family now, thanks to Michaela's letters and their stay at the old homestead.

"She would have loved you," Peter whispered softly in her ear. Sophie leaned back into his embrace, melting at Peter's words.

Happily, she grasped his arms even more tightly around herself as she looked out at all the skyscrapers far off in the distance. "It's been a long time," she sighed.

"Why did you want to come back?" Sophie couldn't help but wonder.

"We started here once," Peter reminisced romantically. "Thought maybe it was time for a new beginning�"

Silently they looked out over the city where they first met and the island that had given them their first chance at love. Soon, each became lost in their own thoughts of the past, of all they had managed to overcome, until, finally, Peter spoke.

"I'd still be in some gutter over there if it wasn't for you," he mused softly, "I need you, Soph�"

Sophie closed her eyes, remembering vividly the brutal shape Peter was in when she found him. He was a beaten shell of a man, addicted not only to cocaine, but to his own misery as well.

The Peter that Sophie saw before her tonight - so strong, confident and happy - seemed almost like an entirely different person. If being there for him had helped to make that happen, then she would always be there for him - just as he was always there for her. Together they could face anything.

"I need you, too, Peter," Sophie admitted freely, turning to face him with love in her eyes.

Sophie's kiss was filled with a passion that Peter ached to return, but it would have to wait until later. Peter still had one more surprise up his sleeve.

"What's wrong?" Sophie whispered, feeling his lips pull back.

"Not now," he gulped, easing her away.

Sophie's hands tugged at his shirt as she lifted her full lips to him once again. She was not letting go of him that easily. "Yes, now," she insisted.

For a split second, Peter considered forsaking the rest of his New Year's Eve surprise in favor of all that Sophie was offering at the moment, but he'd gone to considerable effort orchestrating this special evening and they might never have this particular opportunity again.

So, highly reluctantly, and with unbelievable restraint, Peter pulled away one last time. "Later," he promised.

"Why?" Sophie was not happy at all.

"We have plans�" was all Peter would divulge.

"Plans? What plans? I don't want any plans�" A few decades younger and a pint-sized Sophie would have been stamping her feet in protest, Peter imagined fancifully.

Instead, he instructed her sternly, "Dinner's in an hour�we gotta get dressed," and then headed toward the shower.

"I could join you�it'd save time�" Sophie persisted temptingly.

"No." "No." "No." With each reply Peter took a moment to reconsider, inching away painfully, then, ultimately, kissing Sophie on the forehead and turning quickly before he could change his mind.

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

"Whatever you're planning tonight, Mountain Man, better be very good!" Sophie ranted to herself above the sound of Peter's shower as she rummaged madly through her suitcase for something to wear. Unfortunately, she hadn't brought much with her to Colorado Springs.

Discouraged, Sophie could find only the black dress that she'd worn the night she overheard Peter on the phone with Chloe.

"I don't think so�" Sophie muttered, refusing to start her New Year in that ill-fated outfit.

With all her clothes spread out on the bed, Sophie had to think fast. This was obviously going to require some creativity�

Moments later, Sophie's face glowed with anticipation as she smiled, "This'll work just fine�"

Although, with the mysterious way Peter was acting tonight, Sophie wouldn't have put it past him to be wearing a tux, miraculously, somehow, just to impress her. So, when Peter emerged from the bathroom, wearing his casual black jeans and toussling his hair towel dry, she was immensely relieved to see she'd made the right choice.

Stubbornly, Sophie refused to allow her eyes to linger on his broad, bare chest, deciding, begrudgingly, to humor Peter and await his surprise. Just as studiously, Peter avoided Sophie's gaze, fearful that the slightest hint of longing in her eyes would vaporize his resolve. Awkwardly, they crossed paths at the bathroom threshold, each careful to make no body contact whatsoever as Sophie took her turn inside.

^^^^^^^^^^^

She wasn't exactly ready in an hour but then what woman would be? Anxiously, Sophie considered her makeshift design. Not too bad, even if she did say so herself. She'd started with a simple black bodysuit - tight-fitting and just revealing enough, with its scoop neck and thin straps. Then, to wear over it, she found an oversized, all-purpose, multicolored, silk wrap, which she tied into a skirt that moved when she twirled and showed quite a bit of leg in the process. It was comfortable and fun, simple yet sexy - and most of all, Peter would probably love it.

Sophie took one last look at herself in the mirror, her hair loose, her heels not-too-high, and her only jewelry her incredible emerald engagement ring. Surely, she was ready for whatever Peter had in store. But, then again, maybe not�

Suddenly, Sophie heard an awful racket coming from the main suite: the clanking of wheels, banging of pots and pans, dishes and glassware in peril for their very existence. Sophie's eyes glanced toward the clock by the bathroom sink. It was a little after eleven. Too early for New Year's revelries and besides, if Peter thought inviting a bunch of strangers to join them was his idea of a romantic evening, Sophie was going to have a very serious discussion with him - now!

Hearing the bathroom door creak open, Peter frantically finished buttoning his blue shirt and shoved Gianni unceremoniously away from the stereo and out the door.

"Go, go, go!" he hissed.

Instantly, Peter turned, dazzling Sophie with his brilliant smile.

Sophie stood stunned for a moment, taking in the astonishing sight before her. The room was aglow in candlelight, decorated with all the flourishes of an old style Italian bistro. The tablecloth was checkered, red and white, and Sinatra was playing softly in the background.

It was all highly authentic�except for the white chef's apron Peter had tied hastily about his waist, hoping to impress Sophie with all his hard work.

Sophie's giggles filled the room. "Peter�what are you wearing?"

"What? Can't a man cook a special dinner for his fiancee?" he asked innocently.

"Peter, you can't cook�" Sophie's glee was unmistakable as she cheerfully listed Peter's culinary disasters. "The cake, the bread�remember?"

Mercilessly, Sophie lifted a breadstick from the table and tapped it lightly against the wood, checking to see if it was edible.

"Not buyin' any of this, huh?" Peter pouted appealingly.

Sophie just shook her head and munched happily on the breadstick, taking another look around the beautifully decorated room.

"Oooh, Gianni made his shrimp marinara," Sophie squealed, peeking into the serving dish.

"I stirred," Peter whined truthfully.

"I can see that," Sophie smiled, noticing a small bit of marinara sauce that had made its way onto Peter's chin.

"It's delicious," she purred, kissing it off him and reaching around his waist to untie the apron.

"Thank you," she whispered, allowing him a small speck of culinary pride.

"Have I told you how amazing you look tonight?" Peter asked, his eyes traveling from the slit in her skirt up to the cool soft skin of her bare shoulders.

"Not yet," Sophie smiled mischievously, keeping to herself just how "amazing" her impromptu creation really was.

"May I have this dance?" Peter asked, his voice deep and inviting.

"Don't you feel the least bit guilty that we aren't back at Horizon preparing for the new semester?" Sophie teased, half-heartedly.

"Nope, got it covered," Peter answered slyly.

Sophie raised her eyebrow, waiting for his reply.

"First assignment - the lost art of letter writing�" Peter beamed, exceedingly pleased with himself.

"Thought of that all by yourself, did you?" Sophie taunted.

"I have ideas�lots of ideas�" Peter chided, still smarting from Sophie's presidential coup as he slid his hands over the silk fabric around her hips.

"That's what I'm afraid of�" Sophie laughed.

"So, may I please have this dance, Sophie Becker," Peter asked again, afraid to look at his watch but sure it must be getting close to midnight.

"Sinatra, huh," Sophie grinned as she glanced toward the stereo, the soft background music beginning to sway her.

"Gianni says the women love it�" Peter grinned impishly, holding out his hand.

Slowly, they began their dance, the passionate lyrics and hypnotic melody reaching their hearts, drawing them in�

Longer than ever is a long, long time
But far beyond forever, you'll be mine�

More than you'll ever know
My lips long to kiss you so�

My life shall be in your keeping
Waking, sleeping, laughing , weeping�

Surreptitiously, Peter maneuvered their dance toward the window, while, with each soulful chorus, he could feel Sophie's arms tighten more securely around his waist, in keeping with the music.

"Guess Gianni was right�" Peter chuckled softly, entwining his hands upward in the silky smoothness of her hair.

Decidedly not in the mood to protest, Sophie ignored Peter's quip and just snuggled more tightly, refusing to spoil a minute of their dance.

Peter could feel his heart begin to race. If Sophie snuggled one inch closer, he was going to throw his surprise right out the window�Whose stupid idea was this anyway? After all, they didn't need�

The first blast startled them both, with Peter taking a quick step back to glance at his watch, just to be sure. Then, rapidly, the booms began to fill the air - and the night sky. Fireworks of every color, shape and size were bursting over the Seattle skyline, one after another, as quickly as each charge could be lit.

From their cozy hideaway on Vashon Island, Peter and Sophie could see it all, with a perfect, unobstructed view of a city ablaze with excitement and hope for the New Year. Spectacularly, it seemed as if they were the only two people in the world and this dazzling celebration was for them alone.

"You planned this whole thing?" Sophie whispered incredulously, completely entranced. "Seattle, the island, fireworks�"

"How'd I do?" Peter's eyes twinkled almost as brightly as the display outside their window.

For a moment, Sophie looked as if she might cry; and, as she bit her lip to keep it from trembling, a small sigh escaped her. Awestruck, she just kept glancing from Peter to the fireworks and back again.

"Soph, say something�" Peter was getting nervous.

Suddenly, an irridescent smile lit Sophie's face and Peter's worries instantly evaporated.

She moved deliberately�seductively�toward him, closing the space between them as Peter watched expectantly, swallowing hard, attempting to maintain control. Slowly, Sophie wrapped her arms around him, entwining her fingers tantalizingly in the hair at the base of his neck. With a devilish grin, she leaned herself fully against him and began brushing her lips lightly back and forth across his earlobe.

Peter moaned deeply, dizzy with a desire that had been building all evening. The luminous display above the Seattle skyline paled woefully now in comparison to the explosion of affection he and Sophie were experiencing at that moment.

The last thing Peter remembered hearing that night, as he became increasingly oblivious to anything beyond their mutual and overriding passion, was Sophie's gentle voice, stirring him, whispering softly against his ear, over and over�"I appreciate your enthusiasm."

He'd definitely have to read that letter again when they got home�

THE END

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