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  Trudy felt it important to help her mother out, and since she couldn't talk to her mother she went to talk to Mr. Harvey.

  "Mr. Harvey, I came here to talk to you about my mother. I know you two went out to look at Christmas lights. And she told me she isn't in to necking with anyone again. But, I want you to understand something. It isn't you," She told him.

  "It isn't?"

  "No, it's her fear of losing again. That's what's wrong with her. I don't know how to tell you to handle it, but I wanted to tell you so you understood."

  "I'm glad you came and talked to me about her. You know I've liked her for some time now. It took all my courage to get up the nerve to ask her out. But I’m sorry I scared her off. I just thought naturally since she's a mature woman kissing wouldn't scare her away. But I didn't understand why she rejected me. Now I do. Now I know what to do."

  "You do?" Trudy looked shocked.

  "Sure, gotta handle her with care is all. She's still a fragile person. But maybe if she's exposed to me a while, she'll get better. I think it's worth a try. Thank you so much for taking the time to stop by and tell me." He told her.

  "You're welcome, and good luck."

  "Thanks, I'll need it." He chuckled to himself.

  While she was in town, she stopped and got the Halliburton baby a gift. And three days later her and her mother went out to their place.

  Janet Halliburton was surprised to see them but delighted too. She was a sweet young woman and her baby was precious.

  Trudy wanted to hold her so she let her and Trudy kissed her head and smiled, "She's beautiful. You are so lucky."

  "Thank you. I want to thank you for not holding a grudge about the accident. My husband felt so bad about it."

  "No need, you were the one in danger that night." Trudy laughed. "I'm just glad it turned out as good as it did."

  They talked and took turns with the baby and then went home.

  "Wasn't that the sweetest baby you've ever seen?" Trudy asked her.

  "Well, no, you were the sweetest but she was a doll." Her mother chuckled.

  "Mother, when I have children will you be happy?"

  "Of course I will. I'll spoil them, I can tell you."

  Trudy laughed.

  Someone knocked on their door and Trudy answered it. "Mr. Harvey, come on in."

  "Thanks, is your mother home?"

  "Yes, she's in the kitchen." Trudy directed him.

  Trudy gave them some privacy and hoped her mother would be more amendable.

  At least Mr. Harvey was persistent. She liked that.

  On Valentine's Day Mark came early that Saturday wanting to make a day of it. When she got in the truck with him he threw his arms around her and kissed her for all he was worth.

  "Wow, you must have missed me." She laughed.

  "Absolutely, and I'm going to make up for it. I'm going to wine and dine you and take you to my lair and have my way with you…maybe several times. And I may never let you go."

  She giggled and snuggled into him.

  "But first I've got to take you somewhere and you may or may not like it."

  "Oh, where?" She asked curiously.

  "I'm going to get you on the pill and then we can relax and enjoy our times together without worrying about getting pregnant before we're ready." He told her watching her facial expression.

  "I guess as my husband you have the legal right to see to this for me. Thanks. I think that is sensible. I want children, but I want to enjoy this time with you now and you are so right. I don't want to worry about getting pregnant and having to explain to our parents that we are already married. You are very wise. So who's the doctor you are taking me to."

  "I'm glad we agree. It's Dr. Knowles and he's really a good doctor. I've done research on him. He's been in business for fifteen years and specializes in relaxation therapy for his patience to keep them calm and feeling well all through their pregnancies."

  "Wonderful."

  Two hours later they were sitting at a restaurant and talking about how healthy he told her she was and how when she was ready for children he'd take her off the pill and get her physically ready for motherhood as best he could. "I really like him. I like his relaxation technique too, that's kind of new isn't it?"

  "Yeah, not many practice it yet." Mark smiled.

  "Now, we can indulge without hesitation." He smiled.

  She snickered. "I'm glad. Mom is still trying to get used to the idea of dating again. I didn't want to have to spring a pregnancy thing on her right now. And you are right, we need to wait until you've at least got your practice started."

  "And you know what, I've decided after studying about the doctor and what he is into I want to be a gynecologist."

  "Really?"

  "Yeah, before I wasn't sure. But I made up my mind to it. I love babies and bringing them into the world must be so rewarding." Mark told her.

  "I hope I don't become a jealous wife, with you seeing all those young expectant mothers." She laughed.

  "I'd never leave you, baby. Not for anything or anyone. You're stuck with me."

  "Good, because I love you endlessly."

  When they finished and left she looked at him, "It's still pretty early, what are we going to do now?"

  "Well, your decadent husband, wants to rent a movie, pop some popcorn and make out, at his place."

  "Your parents' house?" She freaked.

  "They's out of town this weekend."

  "Really?" She stared into his mischievous face. "What are we waiting for. Let's go then…" She smiled.

  He cuddled her to him in the truck and they went to his house. "Trudy Collins, will you make love with your husband tonight."

  "I love hearing my new name on your lips. I'd be delighted to. Don't speed, but let's hurry." She giggled.

  She knew their life together wouldn't always be easy, but she knew their love was strong enough to bear a lot of things. The accident had made them realize that life was precious and they should live every moment as though it were their last. She wouldn't be afraid of losing Mark, like she lost her father, because she knew life came full circle and they would have their time together, no matter how long, to make a good life together. She hoped her mother had realized that too by now and that she and Mr. Harvey might make some beautiful music together, like her and Mark did.

  The End

  About the Author

  Rita has lots of books for your enjoyment. Rita has spent her life writing stories that come into her head. She loves writing, and spreading romance around the world.

  She's a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She lost her soul mate back in 2006, but she keeps on writing.

  Whether it is contemporary or western, or even historical, Rita loves to write romances. She's tried her hand at writing western thrillers and she writes children's books too.

  Rita's Other Works

  Off Limits

  Don't Break My Heart

  Temptation

  Paroled on Love

  Surprise Under the Mistletoe

  (more to come)