Trevor's name flashing on the cell surprised Roman. He'd been in Afghanistan for a little over a year and had only visited the states twice on leave from his medical missionary works. They would have a lot to catch up on.

"Trevor."

"Good to hear your voice, Roman. The airlines scheduled us for a layover in New York and I hoped to see you, but the airports closed. They flew us into Boston instead."

Nerves danced across his back. He'd just talked to Ava on yesterday and she hadn't mentioned him coming home. Now she would think that he was responsible for his quick return. He tapped his desk with the tips of his fingers wondering if he should warn Trevor of the tiny surprise package waiting for him. After much deliberation the answer was no, Zara was enough to deal with.

"Yeah, we're in a blizzard for a few days. Zara's here."

"Snowed in with you?"

"Yep."

Trevor roared with laughter. It took him a while to come back to the phone composed. Trevor's involvement in the drama between Zara and Roman was ongoing. If it wasn't Ava asking his opinion on what advice to give to Zara, it was Roman making a call trying to figure out what his next step should be. To know that the two of them were now under one roof was heaven. "So, it's finally happening. Good for you."

"Thanks, Trevor. We're making progress."

"Sorry that I wasn't able to hang out with you for a minute in New York."

"We'll fly you guys down soon. Zara would love to see..." Roman caught himself before he was able to say the last word that would blow everything. He made a quick change. "...to see the two of you again. We'll make a weekend of it."

"That sounds perfect."

"Great. And Trevor, I'm working on another assignment," he said, thinking about Ethan G. "I might need your help with the case."

"Yeah, no problem. I'm sure that I can get extra leave for special ops. They know that's what I do."

"Thanks, man."

***

This had been the first full day that Roman spent in his office. There was still a lot to do with his organization despite the snowstorm. Most of his time he spent video conferencing his staff. Zara brought him lunch earlier in the day, so they had a little time together. Now, it was the end of the day and his heart longed for her presence. He couldn't wait to hold her. Even though she was only a flight of stairs away, the distance in his heart seemed like an eternity.

He turned off the computer, put his files away, and then walked downstairs. The sight left him grinning. Heavy scented balsam candles laid upon tabletops, the mantle, and spread around the fireplace. The flickering glow of fire and candlelight cast soft shadows around the room. The red fleece blanket laid in front of the fire, along with a sprig of mistletoe. Soft Christmas music blended with the crackling fire in the hearth. Roman chuckled, as utter joy filled his heart.

Scanning the room, Zara wasn't there. He stepped into the kitchen, dinner simmered on the stove. Raising the lid, the smell of his favorite dish, Brunswick stew, wafted in the air. It was a southern recipe that reminded him of home in the Georgia mountains. Alongside the pot was a pan of fresh-buttered cornbread, slathered in honey. Slicing a small piece, he savored it. Roman didn't want to interrupt the romantic evening that Zara planned. So he went to another bathroom to freshen up before dinner.

***

Zara stood in the bathroom mirror - nervous. A pile of nightgowns lay at her feet. She'd tossed one after the other, not wanting to look like she'd gone to a lumberjack convention as Roman had teased about. She laughed for a moment thinking of his response. But not as 'dolled up' as she was the night before. "Shoot! I've never given a crap about lingerie. Why did I put those darn candles out?"

The war between what she wanted and her mother's words raged. That snarling voice filled her mind – you're too big, watch your weight, you're a pig. Worst of all, who's going to want you looking like that. The only 'who' that she ever wanted, was Roman. All she heard from her mother's squawking was Roman's not going to want you looking like that. She spent her whole life believing her mother's poison instead of Roman's kindness and devotion. Zara took a deep breath. I can do this. I can do this.

Zara reached down in her suitcase and pulled out one more gown. This will work. Eyeing the red-lace gown, which stopped mid-length of her leg. She held it up against her body before putting it on. Perfect. Zara slipped the gown on. It didn't make her feel too exposed; it fit her curves and was just lacy enough to look sexy. Lifting the other gowns off the floor she stuffed them back in her suitcase.

Zara applied a light coat of makeup – lining her eyes, and applying a smoky shadow. She dabbed a bit of plum rouge for her cheeks and a matching shade of lipstick. Brushing her hair gave it lift and bounce. After clipping on a pair of hoop earrings, she stepped in front of the mirror again, nodding in approval. Taking a deep breath, she mustered all her courage.

Tonight was her night to move beyond fear. "I'm going to spend the rest of my life making up to you, Roe. God, thank you for giving me another chance."

She strode to the bedroom door, when she opened it, Roman was already there, sitting on the blanket. His eyes met hers and he smiled. Zara's heart beat through her chest. He stood up and walked towards her, seeing that she had taken a few steps and could move no further.

"You look absolutely incredible, and the room is amazing."

Oh my God.

He slipped his elbow under hers and headed to the kitchen table when she stopped him. Nerves raged in her stomach. "I won't be able to eat."

"Thank you for the wonderful meal that you prepared. Then what would you like to do?"

Roman longed for this moment all his life. Zara could do whatever she wanted or did not want. This was her moment to step past fear and rejection. He would love her forever for trying.

"Could we just sit down?"

"Where?"

"On the blanket."

Zara's legs were like jelly. She pushed back thoughts of those girls laughing at her at Roman's 18th birthday party. Her mother's words tried to slither into her mind and she shoved them back and locked them away. Nothing was going to stop her from going through with this. She leaned against Roman as he escorted her across the room. They made it to the blanket and Zara sat down, leaning against a set of pillows on the floor.

"I'll be right back," Roman said.

He went into the kitchen and turned off the pot. Then he knew that he had to find a distraction to calm her down. He loved the courage it took for Zara to create an ambient mood, and to go out of her way to present herself in such beauty. It was like watching a red rose unfold. He would do his best to make her comfortable. A perfect thought came to mind. Zara loved nail polish and he knew where she stashed it.

Upon return, he sat down on the blanket holding up a bottle of bronze nail polish. Zara laughed, as he lifted her foot and applied the first coating to her toenails. That's all he needed was a laugh to calm her down. Soon she was completely relaxed lying across the blanket. Roman took his time applying the glittery substance with care, blowing gently across each toe until they dried.

"I love you, Zara. And what you've done tonight makes me feel so special."

He slipped his hands around her foot, placing skilled pressure on the meridians. Zara's hands clutched the blanket, and he watched intently as her eyes closed from pleasure. He took his sweet time elevating the sensations from the ball of her heel to the tip of her freshly painted toenails. Long strokes molded over pressure points until she moaned.

"I've never felt anything like this."

"Oh...it gets better," he whispered.

His hands slipped up and down her ankles, then to the calves of her legs in long circular sweeps. Heavy strokes shot fire through Zara. His mouth replaced the work of his hand, as it inched up her legs.

"Roe," she whispered.

"Do you want me to stop? This is all for you, treasure."

She could only shake her head, the answer he hoped she'd give.

Zara's back arched as he slid the gown up her thighs, placing his hips between them. He rocked slowly against her, aware of everything – erratic pulse, shallow breaths. He lingered there, rocking hard. Feeling her desperately push back against him to relieve the growing fever in her core. Her head thrashed against the blanket, she mumbled something inaudible.

Roman inched the gown higher. "Black French lace – beautiful, Zara." He gripped her hips pulling her closer intensifying her pleasure. The feel of her arms locking around his back excited him more. Roman pressed harder against her, feeling her legs part further. Giving him even more access. Zara's moans danced in his ears.

Caught in a beautiful moment he stretched time until she felt satisfied. The beating of her heart against his chest and the sound of her breathing let him know that her cup was tipping. His hand slipped under the lace, working magic. She clutched his back, as shock waves spasmed across her body.

"Oh, God," she breathed. "Roman, God, Roman."

He smiled, then inched the gown higher.

"No," she panted, slipping her hand down.

"Okay, treasure," he kissed the top of the lace.

"Yes."

He chuckled, as joy bubbled up. Getting this far was tantamount to reaching the zenith of Mt. Everest. Roman kissed across her face. "Which one is it? No or yes. This is the best day of my life and I want to see you."

Her eyes drifted open. "Really? I have a pouch, I have rolls, my arms are not toned and I'll never be skinny..."

"Tell me something that I don't already know, treasure." He stroked her hair, looking deep into her eyes. "I've been trying to tell you all my life that you are beautiful to me. And you're the only woman that I want. I have gone through hell just to have this moment. But this is your night. Do whatever you want."

Tears streamed down her face. "You're the love of my life."

"I know," he whispered, stroking her face. His heart filled with so much love at this moment that it felt as if it would explode. "Yes, or no, treasure, because I'm good with whatever you decide. I've loved every inch of this. And I'll keep doing it for as long as it takes."