Betsy thought Nick was all out of surprises. The house had been a dream come true. Even if the interior still resembled a construction site, with bare plasterboard and wires from the ceiling, she could already see what it could become. She could see them raising Tommy and Delilah there. It felt right. And yet, when she had expected him to lead their horses back to the waiting car, he had instead steered turned them in the opposite direction.

As they came around an outcropping of trees, she shook her head in disbelief. "You didn't."

Nick grinned, "I did."

A large white bell tent had been set up on the grass. Fairy lights had been strung around the entrance, twinkling in the rapidly darkening sky. Before it, a table had been set for two, artificial candlelight flickering within a mason jar.

Nick climbed down from his horse and turned towards her. Before she could utter a protest, he wrapped his hands around her waist, gently lifting her from the back of the gentle natured mare and set her on her feet.

"Go and wash up in the tent and then take a seat at the table." Nick instructed before leaning down to capture her lips in a brief kiss. "I'll take care of these two."

Drawing away, Nick led the horses over to a small area which has been fenced off in a make shift paddock. Turning on her heel, Betsy stepped into the bell tent and sighed happily. The tent was different but yet it felt like their first date. The horses. The tent. And yet, the people they were now were so different. They were so much more. When she had met Nick, she had been a mess. Her marriage had broken down, she had lost her son, and her hopes for a baby.

While those facts hadn't changed, Nick and his children had given her hope for the family should could still have.

Avoiding the pallet covered in plush blankets and pillows settled against the far wall, Betsy hurried over to the bowl of steaming water on the far side of the tent. Rose petals floated in the steam filled bowl giving off a gentle perfume. Battery operated lanterns hung from the ceiling, flickering as if powered by a real flame. It bathed the tent in a romantic glow.

He did good.

Using the facecloth provided, Betsy quickly cleansed away the dirt of their travels leaving her skin softly scented. Feeling refreshed, she sighed and rolled her head gently from side to side in attempt to ease the tension in her shoulders.

Warm hands settled on her shoulders, confident fingers massaging the tight muscles until they relaxed one by one. Betsy's eyes fluttered shut before she turned on her heel and stepped into Nick's arms. Her chest pressed against the firmness of his body as he held her close. There were no words. They didn't need them. Betsy sighed. Everything had been so busy. It felt like these quiet moments were too far apart.

Soon after, they both settled outside in the last glow of the day. Dinner was an uncomplicated affair of sandwiches and fresh fruit. After slicing a peach, Nick lifted a slice to her mouth. Parting her lips, Betsy accepted the fruit, her tongue darting out to savor the sweet juice clinging to her lips.

"I'm glad we did this." Betsy sighed, leaning back into the chair with a contented smile.

"We can do this anytime you want. You just need to ask."

"That sounds nice." She replied wistfully before picking up a strawberry from the platter before her. She stared down at it for a moment, turning it between her fingers. "There was actually something I wanted to talk to you about, without interruptions."

Nick's easy smile slipped away. "What is it?"

"It's nothing to worry about. I just-." Betsy paused, her throat suddenly feeling dry. "I had a visit with the specialist this week. He said there had been no change. It's silly, a part of me was almost hoping for a miracle. But he confirmed it. If I get pregnant, I won't carry to term and if I try anyway, it will likely kill me."

"Never. I love you too much to let that happen." Nick's face paled, his hand coming to rest over hers. "I'll do whatever it takes to keep you safe."

"I love you too." Betsy replied, her lips pulling up into a shaky smile. "He did say that there were other options but -."

"What is it? I'll do whatever you want."

Betsy reached out her free hand and stroked her fingers over his cheek. She swallowed past the lump in her throat. "We never really talked about it before but, did you even want more children?"

Nick shook his head. "I'm not sure I've really thought about it. With Delilah and Tommy, I haven't really had time to."

"The doctor said the only way I would have biological children would be surrogacy. He talked to me about the process of harvesting my eggs but it was all so clinical." Betsy's shook her head before peering up at him through her eyelashes. "Would you still want me if I decided not to take that option? If I - we- couldn't have children of our own?"

Nick smiled sadly and shook his head. "Do you still doubt me? I want you and I will do whatever I can to make you happy. If that means you don't want to put yourself through those procedures, I'll support your decision wholeheartedly. If you decided you wanted to give surrogacy a try, I would support you with that too. You matter to me, Betsy. I would love any children we had but if I have to say it plainly; you, Tommy, and Delilah are enough for me."

Sniffling, Betsy stared up at Nick through watery eyes. "How do you always know the right thing to say?"

"I was just born with it."

Betsy choked out a laugh, a tear spilling down her cheek. Nick climbed from his seat before pulling Betsy to her feet. Wrapping her in his arms, she leaned into his chest. A weight she hadn't even known she had been carrying was gone. A part of her would always wish for what could have been but the knowledge that she wasn't letting Nick down made the world of difference. She felt lighter. Freer.

** **

When the last trace of sun was gone, the stars shining bright above them, and the air had cooled, the pair moved back into the relative warmth of the tent. Kicking off her boots, Betsy fell back onto the pallet with a contented sigh. The cushions were soft against her back. She could happily fall asleep in moments.

"I'm so glad you did this. It's a million times better than a restaurant." She sighed, peering up up at Nick as he stood at the edge of the pallet with a smile. "I love five star food as much as the next person but it's good to just spend time alone with you without the world watching."

Nick nodded in agreement. Then he tugged his jumper over his head, giving Betsy a brief flash of his stomach before his t-shirt beneath settled back into place. He toed off his shoes before slowly clambering on to the low bed beside her. Betsy rolled on to her side, her eyes fluttering closed as he stroked gently down the side of her face with his fingertips. "I just wanted you all to myself. I am happy to share you with my children but, occasionally, I want your complete and undivided attention."

Betsy's lips quirked up in response. Her heart however was hammering within her chest, in a way only he could evoke,"Well, you've got it."

For a few long seconds neither breathed, they simply rested on their sides with their gazes locked and unable to look away. It was intimate. Full of so much that words could never truly express. Nick picked up her her hand which had been resting between them and laid it against his chest. Her breath caught in her throat. She could feel the heat of his body. She could feel the thundering of his heart beneath her palm. And, as she breathed in through her nose, she could smell him. It was a mixture of his natural scent, his favourite aftershave, and the slight muskiness of horses. It was a scent she would never forget and would forever be tied to this moment between them.

Nick's thumb stroked the hand on the back of her hand gently, his features set into an expression of contentment. For once, all worries and concerns were gone.

"Close the tent." Betsy whispered softly, her eyes drifting briefly to the opening which allowed her to see the darkness beyond.

"We're in the middle of my land. No one will see us."

Betsy snorted and shook her head. "We weren't safe in Markos's home. I don't want to risk it now." She said calmly, her eyes drifting to the open doorway.

They had been in the home of a friend when someone had used a drone to spy on them. The photos of their first time had been in every paper and on every news website by the following morning. No matter how good Nick's lawyers were, those photos could not be taken back. Pictures of her naked body could not be unseen. It was a violation she wished to never repeat.

"Besides, I know you have security patrolling. I don't want any of them accidentally getting an eyeful."

Nick sighed loudly, "You're right."

He rolled away and hurried to the tent entrance. As he went, she was certain she heard him mutter, "No one gets to see you naked but me."

Covering her mouth to hide her smile, she watched the fabric drop over the entrance.

Sitting up, Betsy watched the muscles flex beneath his t-shirt. She caught her bottom lip between her teeth. Despite being chained to his desk more often these days, she could still see the strength of his back through the fabric. She would always love his body regardless of the fact it was softer in places these days. She would much rather he spend time with the family than dedicate every hour of his free time in the gym. Besides, Betsy thought, he was strong in all of the ways that mattered.

She released her lip with a breathy sigh. Betsy would freely admit that there was something about knowing his arms could lift her from her feet and carry her to their bedroom that sparked a flame within her.

As he turned back to face her, Betsy's fingers drifted to the bottom of her t-shirt. Then, maintaining eye contact with him, she slowly drew the fabric upwards. It tickled against her skin causing goosebumps to form. Nick's gaze was molten as he drank in her features before caressing down her body. She felt it almost as if it were his hands touching her. Her stomach pulled in as she sucked in a breath.

The world around them narrowed. In the little tent, it was just the two of them.

Then, as if the tension pulling tight within them had snapped, Nick surged towards her in three quick steps. His hand cradled her face as they fell back against the pillows, her body surrounded by his. He claimed her mouth desperately, their teeth clashing in the urgency of their kiss.

Everything in Betsy's body felt tight and hot. There were too many clothes. Far too many clothes. Her hands scrabbled for the fastening of his jeans, fumbling until the button popped free and the flies were down. Hooking her fingers under the waistband of his jeans and underwear, she tugged them down as far as she could before her hands drifted back up. He jerked against her with a groan when her fingernails bit lightly into the skin of his now exposed buttocks.

Nick pulled away, his forehead resting against hers. "If you keep that up, this will be over before you know it."

Betsy ignored his words, her hands smoothing up his body until they came to the bottom of his shirt. "This. Off. Now." She said between kisses, tugging and pulling the shirt upwards to reveal inch after inch of hot skin. Her fingers skimmed over each quivering muscle causing tremors to course through Nick's body.

Pulling away so she could watch the reveal, Betsy had to bite her lip to stop the groan from escaping her mouth. There was something incredibly erotic about undressing Nick. Though she wanted him naked five minutes ago, she also wanted to savor the reveal. Finally, he pulled away to tug the t-shirt over his head before tossing it carelessly to the side.

Her arousal intensified. With Nick, she felt parts of her awaken. Parts that had remained dormant in her previous relationship. Betsy's chest heaved up and down as Nick leaned forwards, his lips latching onto her lace covered nipple. She gasped. It was as if there were a direct line between his lips and her core.

Nick opened his eyes and peered up at her, a haze of lust clouding his vision. Her chest heaved up and down with each breath, her bra feeling more constricting as the seconds ticked by. He released her nipple, grinning wickedly before giving the same attention. It wasn't enough and yet she never wanted to him to stop.

He lifted his head too quickly, his lips puffy and bruised. Betsy reached out and caressed them with her fingers but Nick nipped at her finger tip before sucking the digit into his mouth. One hard suck. She inhaled sharply as her body shuddered against his. Who knew that her fingertips would be an erogenous zone? Her body felt hot - too hot.

Tightening her stomach muscles, she lifted her body closer to his for just a moment to fumble for the clasp on her bra. There was a brief moment of bliss as the fabric fell away, Nick's hands swiftly replacing the cups as he cradled her breasts, his thumbs swirling rubbing against her sensitised nipples.

Betsy swallowed, threw her head back and thrust her chest forwards. She had never felt this needy. His lips kissed their way across her cheek. Then they were moving down the column of her neck. She tilted her head to the side, one hand on the back of his head to keep him there. Sensation began to overwhelm her. The heat. The feeling of his hands. He was everywhere and yet, it was not enough. Betsy arched her back, her hips rocking against his impatiently. She was desperate for more.

Nick pulled away and, for several long painful seconds, he just looked into her eyes. With every lump, bump, and imperfection exposed to his gaze, she would previously have felt uncomfortable. Yet, under his stare she was safe. She was cherished.

"Beautiful." Nick murmured, his eyes roving up and down her form. After a brief pause, he leaned over the side of the bed and came back with a string of foil packets "I came prepared."

Betsy chuckled and wiggled her right arm. "Me too."

Nick leaned forward and gave her a kiss but still tore off a foil packet before tossing the rest aside. "You can tell me about that later but your safety remains my priority."

Betsy melted just a little bit at his words. A pregnancy was a risk she just could not and would not take. Her hand reached up to caress his face. He tore at the foil packet, quickly sheathing himself in latex. At the same time, he turned his face and pressing a kiss to the palm of her hand.

Betsy groaned aloud in frustration. Her body felt as if it hand been wound tight and now she had been left at the precipice without reaching the release she needed. Craved. "Nick, enough teasing."

Nick need no further encouragement. He leaned forwards and captured her lips in his. His hands struggled with the buttons on her jeans and within moments she felt cool air brushing against her skin. She shivered.

His jeans were still around his knees as covered her. His hands moved down the valley of her stomach. His fingertips taking a moment to caress over her C-section scar. It was once something that brought her incredible shame and sadness. Nick had changed that with every loving touch and kiss. She moaned loudly at the gentle touch.

"Nick," She whined desperately. "I need more."

And then his hands were moving lower. Betsy's eyes rolled back into her head with only the lightest of touches. Her breath caught in her throat and her entire body shivered as she lingered on the edge. He had barely touched her and yet she was so close. It wouldn't take much. She could feel it. Her hips lifted of their own accord grinding against his hand in desperation.

Nick cussed in her ear as he removed his hand. "I need to go fast this time."

Betsy groaned. "Nick, I love you. But please stop talking and shag me already."

She felt a blush forming on her cheeks at her crassness even as Nick's mouth claimed hers. He lifted her legs and settled them around his hips. And then he was there.

As they finally joined together, Betsy felt at peace. Nick set a bruising pace that had her biting into his shoulder even as she lifted her hips to meet his. Desperation clung to the both of them as they frantically tried to reach completion.

Her hands touched.

Her mouth tasted.

Her heart hammered so loudly within her chest she was sure Nick could hear it too.

All the while, everything within her wound tighter and tighter. Forcing her eyes open, her breath stuttered within her chest. The fire within his stare burned into her. It forced her closer and closer to the pinnacle they had been searching for.

Nick's hand reached between them, his fingers brushing against the bundle of nerves. Her body went taught as her orgasm rolled through her. A scream was wrenched from her lips as she raked her short fingernails down Nick's back. His body continued to thrust as his body shuddered above her, determined to make the bliss last just a little longer.

He gave a few short sharp thrusts before stilling, sending aftershocks cascading through her. She sank back into the cushions bonelessly, her body shivering as smaller waves of pleasure coursed through her veins.

As if his arms could no longer hold him, Nick collapsed on top of her. With his head pillowed by her chest, they both panted as they attempted to regain their breath. After a minute, Nick chuckled. Lifting his eyes to meet hers, a boyish twinkle sparkled within his stare. "That was just-."

Betsy allowed her eyes to flutter shut and gave a content sigh. "I know."

Nick heaved a sigh of his own and rolled off of her. She lazily watched as he climbed off of the pallet, staggering awkwardly as he kicked off his jeans before waddling off to the corner to dispose of the condom.

Cold filled his wake. Betsy shivered as the sweat on her skin rapidly cooled. Yet, all too quickly he was back. Sliding one arm under her legs and another behind her shoulders, he lifted her gently and tucked her beneath the covers.

Relaxed and content, Betsy rested her head against his chest after he slid in beside her. Betsy fell asleep swiftly to the feel of his heart beating beneath her cheek. She was safe. She was loved. She was home.