Prologue.

Elizabeth lived a quiet life. One that never had her noticed, at least not until now. She will probably never understand why she was chosen out of so many. Why she was singled out. Why, will always be a constant question in her life now, but the answer is always worth the question in the end, isn't it?

The year was 1926. The day was September 9th. Elizabeth's 18th birthday. The day the rest of her life was chosen for her. The day that she will never forget. The day she met Josh. It was raining, when he showed up at her parents house that night. None of them were expecting visitors since it was considered to be to late. As she reached for the door, she was washed over with a sense of strife.

She knew as soon as she laid eyes on him, that he wasn't like anybody she has ever known in her whole life. Every part of her was urging her to close the door and walk away, yet as she looked into his dark emerald eyes, she smiled at him.

"May I come in? I apologize for interrupting your evening, but i was walking when it started to rain. Your house is the only one with the lights on." He ran his hand threw his almost black hair as if trying to prove he was soaked enough to be allowed to ask to be in a strangers house this late.

"Well, if you don't mind waiting here a moment, I will get my father to allow you inside." She couldn't help the deep blush that ran to her face as he smiled at her and leaned against the door. She felt his gaze follow her as she walked away and she knew that no matter what her father had to say she would allow him to come inside, if not only because he needed somewhere dry and warm for an hour or so. As she explained to her father about the stranger at the door, she realized the sudden urge to go back to him. She wasn't sure if she liked it or not, but decided she would think that over more in time.

"Well, if it's warmth and hot drink he needs, then by all means Lizzie, let the boy in. It wasn't polite manners to leave him waiting in this weather." Even before her father was finished she was off to the door.

"You may come in. My names Elizabeth, what is yours?" As he crossed the threshold and shut the door her heart raced and the blush that left only moments before returned. He looked at her for quite some time before answering her, seemingly amused by her blush.

"I am Josh. Very pleased to meet you ma'am." He took her hand and kissed it. As his lips left her skin she felt a disappointment in the caress' end. She led him into the parlor to sit with her father and made quick haste in saying her good nights.

Before she left the room she took one more glance back at Josh, not knowing whether she was to see this handsome stranger again. He met her gaze with a look that made her knees weak. He smiled at her reaction as she left. She didn't know why, or how, but she was certain she was going to see him again. She just had this pit feeling that she had to see him again or she would never again be happy in her quiet uneventful life...

Chapter One-1928-

The sweet smell of her mothers cooking woke her, as always. She had had the dream again. The one of Josh, of the night she had met him. 2 years ago. As she brushed her waist length auburn hair, she thought of him. His easy manner. Those dark emerald eyes. His thick dark hair, but most of all she thought of his tantalizing smile. The same smile that she has dreamed of every night since she first saw it. Just thinking about the way his lips curved up, made her smile and blush. She didn't understand why he has stayed in her thoughts after all this time. That night was the first and last time she ever saw him. Although, she has never stopped keeping an eye out for him. Waiting for his return, especially on rainy nights. She always found herself sitting by her window until late at night watching the dark, empty road. She just knows he will return. She could feel it in the pit of her stomach.

She walked down to the kitchen and her mother. "Oh, Lizzie Good morning." Her mother kissed her head as she sat down to eat. "I was just about to wake you." Elizabeth looked at her mother. Even nearing old age she was beautiful. Her auburn hair streaked with gray, in an elegant twist at the nape of her neck, her skin fair to perfectly contrast her deep ocean blue eyes. Elizabeth had gained much of her looks from her mother, especially the willowy way she was built. Although, she did inherit her fathers icy, cold blue eyes, instead of her mothers.

"No need to wake me mother," she paused and smiled as her mother turned to her. "Your food always does the trick." Elizabeth let out a chuckle as her mother just looked pleased.

"Well, there was a young man here." At those words Elizabeth's heart raced 20 times faster. Could it be that Josh finally returned? Why wouldn't he come when she was sure to be awake? Had he been thinking of her as well? "He had said his name was, well oh my i can't remember, but a handsome boy he was." Elizabeth's heart, she feared would leap out of her chest. It had to be Josh. Had to be. Why had he waited so long to return? It didn't matter as long as it was him and he did return. "Works at the bank with your father. Very tall, blonde haired young man. Scott. That's it. A very charming young man Elizabeth. Avery good opportunity for you. I do believe he said he stopped by to ask you on a morning stroll. When i told him that you were still in bed, he said maybe i could ask you to see him at the bank when you did awake..." At those words Elizabeth tuned her mother out as she felt her heart dangerously slow. That wasn't at all what she had wanted to hear. She knew Scott was smitten with her. The whole town knew, he made it all to obvious. He was very agreeable to look at, very sweet to her, but she never blushed from one of his boyish grins. She never felt that need to see him again after he left. It wasn't his face that she dreamed of, or his name that never left her mind.

Although, Josh has never returned. Not even once. Scott, however, never left. Maybe Elizabeth's mother had a point. Maybe Elizabeth should allow Scott to call on her, after all it has been 2 years she has kept Scott waiting. 2 years she has waited for Josh's return. It was time to let go. He must not have been nothing but a mere passing stranger. In those few moments they had shared, he never indicated he was smitten with her. If he has been he would have returned. Would he not?

"So, what do you say Lizzie?" Her mother was waiting on her answer. An answer to a question she did not hear that is.

"I am sorry, i did not hear your question mother." Elizabeth blushed from her own ignorance. It was seldom that she allowed herself to get carried away with her thoughts, that is when she was not thinking of Josh she didn't.

"I asked, if you wanted me to fix your hair for you,before you went to the bank." Even as her mother asked, Elizabeth didn't like the idea. What would people think? A young girl, visiting the bank for nothing more than to see a boy. They will say she is smitten for sure. Also improper, what was her mother thinking?

"But, mother, do you think that is really proper? To visit Scott while he is at work? People will talk." And that's the last thing she wanted. To be linked to Scott. She had a much better picture of who she rather be linked to. If only she could see him again,even just a glimpse.

"Now, Elizabeth. Scott is a very nice young man. One who can take care of you. Provide for you. And he is clearly smitten. Take a chance. You may not wish for marriage today, but he is the kind of man your father and I want and approve for you to potentially marry. You are not getting any younger Lizzie. You do not wish to be alone do you?"Her mother had both hands on her hips and the annoyance looked misplaced on the normally happy face. Elizabeth knew her mother meant well, and only wanted the best for her. She was probably right. It seemed her choice's were limited. Scott or old lonely maid.

"Alright mother. I will go see Scott. If only for a brief moment." It made Elizabeth's heart kick, almost as if in protest, but her mother's smile made it worth it.

*~*~*

As Elizabeth walked to the bank, she felt like every pair of eyes were on her, even though she knew nobody was looking at her. Her mother had fixed her hair a little to tight and it had made her head begin to pound. She wore a simple and modest sun dress and her favorite white flats. However she knew people would still find something wrong with her attire. Since Scott was one of the towns wealthiest young men, he was sought after and gossiped about quite often. To often for her likes. Subconsciously that was probably why she found herself pulling away from Scott. He was too much in the light she tried to stay out of. Yet Elizabeth never understood his fascination with her. She never let on she was interested, and knew nothing more about him other than his wealth and that he worked with her father. So clearly it was frustrating that her mother was pushing her towards him. Well, she thought, even if it only pleased her mother, she would talk to Scott.

"Hi, I am here to see Scott Haring? Is he in?" I asked the front clerk politely. The man smiled at me like he knew my secret and pointed towards Scott's office door which was open. "Thank you sir." Elizabeth smiled her sweetest smile and walked away towards the office door. It seemed like suddenly out of nowhere her palms were damp and she was at a loss for what to say. What was she to say? Should she just stand here at his door and wait for him to speak first? Yes, that is exactly what she was going to do. Unfortunately it didn't take him long to notice her there.

"Elizabeth, it's so good to see you. You look breath taking." Scott's deep voice broke her from her thoughts. She looked at him and followed his gesture for her to sit down across from him. As she did she remembered her manners and smiled.

"Thank you Scott that is very kind of you." Elizabeth wasn't sure of what to say next. She glanced at the big clock in the bank and started to count down the minutes until she could leave without being rude. It wasn't short enough regretfully. She looked around and noticed a lot of things that must have shown his personality, little small things. One that caught her eye entirely was a small soap stone statue. "That is beautiful. What is it?" She stopped herself from reaching out and touching it and looked up at Scott and saw his brilliant smile.

"It's a turtle, see? You can hold it." He looked pleased as their hands brushed as he handed it to her. "I was sorry i missed you this morning. It was worth it though. Getting to see you now, here. My office is greatly improved with you in it Elizabeth." He spoke as she turned the turtle in her hands. She was taken aback by his words and hoped dearly that nobody overheard him say that. She placed the turtle back on his desk.

"Scott, you are really to kind. A stroll does sound lovely. Maybe tomorrow morning or the one after." She tried changing the subject, as his words did not once cause her to blush and she just wanted him to let her leave already. She was beginning to feel much more than just uncomfortable.

"Yes, although i can not do it tomorrow morning, I have a meeting, but the day after absolutely," He was interrupted by a light knock on his door. "Hello, Mr. Chisum. Come right in, Elizabeth and I were just finishing up." Elizabeth stood up and smiled at Scott. As she turned around she almost ran right into Mr. Chisum. As he caught Elizabeth her icy cold blue eyes locked with his dark emerald eyes and her heart raced instantly.

"I am so sorry ma'am. I need to be more careful." When he smiled her heart dropped. Her eyes scanned his face, then his dark thick hair. It couldn't be. Not here. Not now, in front of Scott.

"No, the fault is all mine, sir. If you will excuse me, Scott, Mr. Chisum..." Mr. Chisum removed his hand from around Elizabeth's waist, but held on to her hand. Her heart wouldn't slow down, couldn't slow down, despite Scott's being in the room. It was as if it was only the two of them.

"Please, call me Josh." He said as he lifted my hand to his lips and that amazing caress she had felt 2 years ago plagued her heart and her thoughts and her heart skipped a beat. As he lowered her hand she felt that same disappointment she felt before. "We have met before ma'am have we not? I would not forget a face as beautiful as yours, Lizzie." A sly grin passed his lips as she walked away dazed.

Why after 2 years did he come back? Chisum, Josh Chisum. He used her nickname, not even Scott uses her nickname. Oh my, Scott. All that happened in front of Scott. What must he think of her. What will everybody say now. She was there to see Scott, she made it obvious she was there to see Scott, and she ended up in Josh's arms. It was so hard not to be like that with him, when she was with him, it was as if they had known each other forever, been together forever. What was she supposed to do now? Now that he was back. Was he back for good? Or was he here just to mess with her head like he did 2 years ago. Only time will tell. She will know for certain next time she runs into Josh. Elizabeth knew for certain she would run into him and she would run into him again soon...

Chapter Two

As Elizabeth made her way home, her mind was racing with thoughts of seeing Josh again. After all this time, he was back. She walked into the door and paid her mother no attention at all as she walked to her room. She carefully let her hair down and began to brush.

"Elizabeth. You never answered me. Did you even hear me? How did it go at the bank? Well are you-"Her mother pounded her questions out while she stood at the door, but as soon as she saw the look on Elizabeth's face, she stopped as watched. Her daughter was seemingly calm and content as she brushed her hair an hummed to herself. Scott did it after all, he must have said something right to make Elizabeth so smitten she couldn't focus. It was about time the girl found reason. With Scott's family wealth, he will be able to give her everything she could ever dream of. Her mother slowly smiled to herself, wrapped in her own thoughts as well now, and closed Elizabeth's door as she left the room.

Elizabeth heard the soft click of her door shutting, didn't look towards it. All she wanted was to see Josh again. Ask him why he didn't return to see her, and why the bank was the first she saw him in town or at all since that first night. He had called her beautiful. He had used her nickname and it never sounded more right then when he said it. She could still feel his caress on her hand, his hand on her waist. Could still hear his voice as if he was there in her room with her. Which she had the sudden urge to have him there in her room with her to have him see her with her hair down, an the blush forming on her face from thinking about how it would feel to have him try to steal a kiss from her lips.

"But Lizzie, if you ask, i won't have to try and steal a kiss.."The words tickled her ear an at complete ease Elizabeth turned herself around hoping to see him, see the face that went with the voice, but came up empty. Her whole bedroom was empty. Her imagination then, must have been. Disappointment washed over her suddenly. What would it have been like to turn around and see his face? To have the chance to ask him to kiss her?

What was she thinking? Josh Chisum was nothing more than a stranger. Scott on the other is who she should be thinking of. Just like her mother wanted her to. After all Scott she has known, and knows exactly what to expect. He wishes to court her, and take her hand in marriage. Her parents would be thrilled. Her mother wouldn't approve of Josh, she hadn't had anything nice to say the day after that night he showed up. Although, it wasn't Scott's hazel eyes she saw when she closed hers. The eyes she saw were emerald and perfect.

She needed to clear her head before she did something stupid like went looking for those emerald eyes. A walk, that would work perfectly. She needed the air on her face. The peacefulness of being alone with her thoughts. She carefully fixed her hair back up in a loose twist, and rushed down the stairs to her mother.

"I am going for a walk mother,"Elizabeth's mother stared at her in bewilderment as her daughter's hair began to fall loosely around her face. "I will be home in time for dinner."She pressed a kiss to her cheek as she ran out the door. She slowed as she reached the sidewalk and tried her best to slow her heart and adrenaline rush. Elizabeth couldn't seem to process any thoughts as she walked more slowly down the path. She stopped when she reached her favorite spot on the woods path. It was a bit off the actual path, but completely surrounded by plants an so hidden nobody ever noticed her just sitting there.

Elizabeth didn't understand why it was that Josh would return now, and just when she decided to give Scott the chance she owed him. Scott had money to take care of her, make sure she had everything she could ever ask for. Scott was the kind of guy that she wouldn't even have to ask, he just kind of knew, or was told. She doubted Josh could be that for her. Or would even care enough to try to be that for her. As she kept comparing each of the men in her life, she found she grew angrier, and didn't understand why at all.

"I can tell you why,"She jumped startled at the voice that spoke to her. Then startled again to see josh there in front of her. "You look angry and confused Lizzie."Josh smiled that cocky grin he did the first night they had met and sat down next to Elizabeth like it was an everyday thing.

"I am not angry, or confused. You are mistaken Mr.Chisum,"Elizabeth tried so hard to make him feel like he should leave, using her clipped, even, cold tone on him. When he didn't budge but, seemed even more amused, she continued. "I am just trying to sort out my thoughts." He took her hand and studied her palm, had it close enough to his face she could feel his breath on her palm.

"Now now Lizzie, please call me Josh. You seemed so eager for conversation two years ago when we met. Why, is it that you keep avoiding me now? Just ask me what you want to ask me. I swear i won't bite."He let her hand drop to her lap as he looked into her eyes. How could he know she was thinking about him. How could he know she had wanted to talk more with him after they had met. Only one way to find out.

"Why did you never return, after that night?"After she said the words she felt a blush rush to her cheeks. He stared at her for just a moment, loving the way the color rose to her cheeks.

"I did return didn't I? I'm here now after all."Of course that's what he would say, she should have thought of that. She tried to reword her thoughts before saying them this time.

"Why didn't you return sooner? I thought," Another blush, only deeper this time. "i thought, you wanted to see me again. The way you looked at me. But you didn't come back, not a week later, or a month, but two years later. It took you two years and I'm sure you haven't even returned for me. Probably some other reason, but why, why now? Why when i was just beginning to accept that you weren't anything, but a passing stranger,-"He cut her off with a single finger on her lips. All she could think about or even comprehend after he did that, was his finger, that one single finger. It must sound ridiculous, but his finger was her world right then in that split second.

"Now, i did want to see you again, of course i did and still do. You tend to plague my thoughts Elizabeth. It may have taken me two years, but it makes it worth it to know i have been on your mind as well," He reached for her hand again and she let him take it. "You need me Lizzie, just as much as you want me. You just need to see it as clear as I do." He pulled her up and she found herself looking up into his emerald eyes. Her heart was racing, and her stomach was flipping. Josh was going to kiss her. He was going to finally kiss her. That was the only thought in her mind as he came closer inch by inch. Smiling down at her like he knew. As his lips met hers, she actually melted and her knees buckled underneath her. She felt the pressure of his hands holding her up around her waist. She let her hands go upon themselves and travel up and around his neck, playing with the hair just above his neck. It felt like silk in her hands. His lips never let up as the time seemed to go on, he never once tried to deepen the kiss, which at the time frustrated her, and his hands never left her waist, but she could feel him everywhere.

When he finally let her go and ended the kiss, Elizabeth was breathless. Speechless even. Josh sat her back down where she was, kissed her forehead and slowly left her secret little area, left her alone. She did need him. If he could make her feel this way with just a simple kiss, she needed him more than she knew. The one thing she couldn't let herself admit was just how right he was with her wanting him just as much. She didn't fully understand what it meant to really want somebody, not in the way he meant, but she would soon enough. All she could think about doing at that very second was sitting there smiling, tracing her lips with her finger, and think about Mr. Josh Chisum and the things she knew he would bring into her life, whether she wanted them or not.

Chapter Three

Elizabeth not once stopped thinking of the way Josh's lips felt on hers. They were smooth, soft, and tasted faintly like mint. It was the most incredible kiss she ever had, the only kiss she had ever had. As she brushed her hair, she tried to remember other details, but failed once she thought back to how his hair felt in her fingers. Just like silk. It was this she was thinking of when her mother walked into her room.

"Lizzie, Scott's here,he said you made plans for a walk this morning." She studied her daughter. There was a change in her. A permanent blush almost. She almost glowed. It only enhanced her beauty that much more. She waited for Elizabeth to nod before she left and went downstairs to Scott. "She's fixing her hair and will be down shortly." She smiled at Scott and wondered what it was that he could have done or said to Elizabeth for her to be so smitten.

"Thank you ma'am. We won't be long, i only have a few minutes before i need to return to work." He paused as Elizabeth came down the stairs and he took in all of her elegant unmeditated beauty. She was the most striking woman he had ever had the pleasure of courting, and he was sure she was to be his soon.

"Sorry i kept you waiting Scott." She smiled sweetly as she looked at Scott trying to forget Josh. She owed Scott enough to at least try and focus on him. She allowed him to take her hand and loop it threw his arm as they reached the sidewalk. They walked in silence for quite some distance. It was fine with her, she figured she could focus on not thinking of Josh more that way.

"Elizabeth, you look absolutely beautiful today. It is no effort at all for you to be so breath taking." They had stopped and he swept a loose strand of hair behind her ear. She felt her heart speed slightly. How was it that Scott, could be so charming. He could take the simplest things to say and make them sound so amazing. She didn't want to be charmed though. Not by Scott, did she? Sure he was everything that she should want, everything that her mother and father wanted for her. Her heart pulled in a different direction though...

"Thank you Scott. You really are too kind to me. I am sure you know plenty of beautiful women." Even as she said the words she knew them to be plenty true and that he would deny them no matter what she said. His hand brushed her cheek and she suddenly felt like she needed to get out, or start moving again, or something she didn't want to happen was going to happen.

"Elizabeth, i know it may seem sudden, but you already know how i feel about you. I want to have your hand. I want to know I'm the only man on your thoughts." As Scott made his speech Elizabeth wanted to tell him he would never be the only man on her mind. He may be there briefly, but he will never be the only one for her. Maybe she couldn't explain it correctly, but no matter what she was thinking of, or what she was doing, it seemed Josh was always there.

"Scott,-" She lost all her words as Scott cupped her face and seemed to be coming towards her. She went absolutely still, not knowing what else to do. She didn't want him to kiss her. Didn't want him to think it was what she wanted. What had she done to make him think that was at all what she wanted from him. Maybe she should stop him. Oh, how she wished that Josh would show up at that exact second and stop Scott before his lips could reach hers. Stop him from touching the lips that belonged to Josh already.

"Excuse me, you're Scott Haring correct? My banker?" He is heaven sent. How did he know? Josh saved her. Josh kept her his, for now. Scott seemed to be very irritated as he dropped his hands and saw the relief wash over Elizabeth at the interruption. As he turned and saw Mr. Chisum, he quickly dropped his sour attitude. He didn't want to be on his wrong side. Even if Mr. Chisum did take away his chance to finally have a small taste of Elizabeth.

"Uh, yes sir. That is me. What can i do for you?" Scott tried his best to stay sounding as upbeat as he could. He let his hands drop to his pockets and stepped away from Elizabeth. Not wanting to seem unprofessional to his biggest client yet.

Elizabeth felt nothing but relief as Scott stepped away from her. She sent Josh a smile and when he returned it and winked at her she felt the fast approaching blush from her toes up to her cheeks. He couldn't have come at a better time.

"Well, they sent me out to find you, you are needed at the bank. They didn't say why or what for, just that you are needed," Josh seemed so at ease and not at all angry that he had just witnessed Scott almost kissing me. Perhaps it was because he saw that i didn't want him to kiss me. Josh ran a hand threw his hair before he continued. "As for Lizzie, don't worry, i will see to it that she gets home in one piece, you should hurry along though, don't want to keep them waiting on you sir." Josh smiled as Scott merely nodded and walked away towards the bank. Once Scott was out of sight Josh took my hand and began leading me towards the woods path and finally to my secret area.

"I want to thank you. I didn't know what to say or do to stop him from proceeding and kissing me, but i assure you i did not want him to kiss me, i haven't been able to stop thinking of you. Haven't been able to stop thinking of your ki,-" He silenced her again with just a single finger and pulled her to the ground next to him. He was smiling as he watched her. He had never before seen a woman that with just a single touch could be undone. He felt the power he had over her, and liked it. He knew he was what she thought of. Knew that she had been dreaming of him and have been dreaming of the kiss they shared. God knows he had been. He just knew that once she knew the truth about him, she would run right into that undeserving Scott Haring's arms. He wanted to remember her this way. All undone and wind blown and beautiful.

"I like this spot. And not only just because this is where we shared that kiss. The same kiss that has overcome my thoughts as well, Lizzie," Her heart skipped a beat as he began to trace her lips, and run a finger down her neck to her collarbone and back up to her lips. "You really must know that i want you. I need you Elizabeth. I can't explain it, not now anyway, but you are the only light in my world. The only reason i have had for changing. I want you to know that." His words sent chills down her spine. There was a certain way he had spoken the words that she believed him. She knew with everything that she had that he meant every word he had said.

"I don't know what to say Josh. I really don't." And she didn't it was like with him touching her, he took away her ability to talk, or think. As he traced his finger over her skin leaving a tingling trail behind, that was all she had the ability to think about or to want.

"well, why don't you just try to tell me what you want, what you are thinking about Lizzie." As he said it he leaned in closer to her until they were no more than an inch away from each other and all her eyes could focus on were his eyes.

"I am thinking i like the way my skin tingles when you touch it. And i want to feel, what i felt when you kissed me." She barely finished her sentence before Josh kissed her again. It started out as sweet as it was the first time, but it changed as she tangled her fingers in his hair and he deepened the kiss. There was something in the way he kissed Elizabeth that had her wanting to take a breath even as she thought this he let his lips leave hers and trail down her neck, causing her to take a sharp breath. She knew it was wrong, she knew she should stop him, but she didn't want him to. She felt that same need inside her as he did inside him. She felt that same insane wanting as he did. Did that make this right? Did that make it ok to let him bring his lips back to hers and lay her back on the soft grass. Should she really be pulling him even closer to her, needing to feel him everywhere. Needing to have the weight and pressure of his body on hers. When she thought she just might explode with the needs and wants she had, he pushed up and off her and was on his feet pacing before she could even process him gone.

"I'm so sorry Lizzie. I shouldn't have kissed you like that. I have no right. I just can't explain it. I forget everything when i kiss you, forget what i am, what i can do to you. You deserve so much better, you deserve Scott Haring, not me, that's why i waited two years Elizabeth, don't you see? You can't ever be happy with me like you can be with him. But i can't bare to think of you being with anybody else but me. Don't you understand? Can't you hear what i am saying? Can't you see that we can't happen, we just cant Lizzie, i am so sorry. I need to go." He was gone faster than she thought possible, leaving her nothing but the memory of his kiss and the way he felt on her, and his words. What did he mean he forgets what he is. What is he besides a man? And it could happen she would see to it that it will happen. She will not settle for Scott Haring, when she could have what she felt with Josh for a lifetime.

As she rose from the soft grass and carefully brushed her dress off and righted her hair she walked towards her house, needing the solitude of her bedroom more than she ever has before. To really be alone and think about everything that Josh had said, and what he could possibly have meant by them. He couldn't mean he wasn't going to see her again after today. He wouldn't just up and leave again, not after kissing her that way. Not after awakening these feelings inside her. These needs and wants of equal strength. She had to see him again. She just had to, she didn't want a lifetime without him. Couldn't have a lifetime without him.

As Josh paced back and forth in the woods he thought of the look on Elizabeth's face when he shot away from her. Then he thought of the feel of her gentle hands pulling him down closer to her, feeling her rapid heart beat against his chest. He thought of the taste of her on his lips. The smooth soft perfect skin under his lips as he kissed her neck. What would she think, if she knew the truth of him. She'd think he was a monster no doubt. He thought of himself as a monster, threw and threw, but she awakened something inside of him two years ago when he saw her face. Something he thought dead forever. Something that had brought him back to her after vowing not to go back. He felt alive when he was near her. Felt like he could almost fall in love with her, but she needed somebody better for her. Someone who will love her all her years and all the years after. Someone who wasn't a monster.

Chapter Four

Elizabeth was determined to see Josh again, she didn't care what he had said, or meant by it. She never felt this, this weird sensation he brought to her when they were together. Everyday for the past week she went to her spot in the woods, wistfully wanting him to appear like he always did when she thought of him. Every day she sat there and he didn't appear, made her that much more determined to see him again. Josh couldn't just leave, not after the way he kissed her. Not after she could finally admit that she wanted him as much as she needed him. He made her feel, completely new, like before she wasn't really living at all. She didn't want to lose that. She was dangerously close to losing it, considering Scott asked for her hand the day before. She could still remember wishing as he asked it was Josh. Elizabeth had told him to let her take a day to think it threw.

She didn't want to marry Scott Haring. She didn't want to be Elizabeth Haring. She wanted to be Elizabeth Chisum. She wanted to hear Josh say the words that Scott said. Wanted Josh to admit to her and everyone how he felt. She knew he must feel the same way as her, or her wouldn't have said the things he had, or done the things he'd done. If only he'd just appear. Just for a minute so she could ask him, ask him if he truly wanted her, or if she should just remain with Scott. As it was her mother was extremely happy when she heard Scott proposed. Her mother put her down when she found out Elizabeth had not said yes on the spot, but how could she. How could she look into Scott's eyes wishing they were Josh's emerald eyes, and say yes to him? It wouldn't be right. The only way she could say yes to him was if Josh were to tell her he didn't want her. Even if he did, she wouldn't believed him, not after the way he kissed her. It made her shiver thinking about it.

Josh slowly paced in his small living room, very carefully going over the pro's and con's of meeting Elizabeth in their spot. He wanted badly to go to her, ask her to runaway with him. He was no fool, he knew her mother would never approve of him, he had known it two years ago when he entered there house. She didn't trust him, her mother knew there was something, off, about him. Of course she was right, but it frustrated him to know Elizabeth's mother would rather see her with a mere simple minded man that would never truly love Elizabeth like he could and does, than with him. He knew that if he went to Elizabeth that she would do anything to be with him, to be with him. He carefully listened in to Elizabeth's thoughts, focusing hard on how she felt.

Elizabeth stood up and began pacing. She just wanted to see him, she wanted him to hold her and tell her he loved her. She wanted the truth. Wanted him to come to her. Josh could have already left town, again. Maybe she should go find Scott and tell him how she felt. Let him know she felt this way for another man. Maybe then he would withdraw his proposal, any sane man would. Scott will never be Josh Chisum. No man will ever compare to him. Elizabeth knew that her heart would always belong to him, no matter if he was hers or anothers. She would much rather him be hers and only hers, but it doesn't always happen that way. Maybe she isn't meant to be happy. If she was then Josh would be here now, declaring the love for her that she saw in his eyes. Saying everything, but nothing to try and convince her to have him and not Scott. Maybe she just isn't what he thought she would be. He probably thought she'd be different more like a woman he wants, whatever that was.

Josh punched his wall in frustration. He couldn't let her think that way. Couldn't let her tell Scott she would marry him. She was right, he should declare his love for her. He should tell her exactly how he feels and no less than that. He wanted to see in her eyes exactly what he felt. He wanted to see her blush and smile when he smiles at her. Wants her to want him. And Elizabeth does want him, but she doesn't know. If she knew she wouldn't. They all turn away when they find out. She wouldn't be any different. Although, he never felt this tug and pull with any of the others, not like this with Elizabeth. It truly amazed him. To feel connected to her almost. Like she was the only person with him, even when she's miles away. He left her once, ran away from this once. He didn't want to make the same mistake twice. Didn't want to know she was even trying to be happy with anybody other than him. He would have her, all of her, he was determined to beat the odds. He opened his door and began walking as fast as he could without anybody noticing him. He was going to see her. Going to their place and was going to declare how he felt and hope that she really felt the same.

As Elizabeth was beginning to leave Josh appeared in the entryway. She couldn't help the smile and blush as she saw him, or the way her heart began to race thinking of the last time they had been here together. "Josh, i hoped i would see you." She walked to him boldly and grabbed his hand to pull him in deeper where nobody could hear them. "I am so glad to see you. I have missed you." She smiled as he interlaced their fingers and kissed the back of her hand as they sat down.

"I know Lizzie. I have missed you too, more than you know. I have been trying so hard to stay away from you, but i don't want to anymore. It's too hard. I'm simply drawn to you." Josh looked down at their hands and smiled to himself. She was perfect. She wouldn't run away from him, no matter what he told her. He loved her. Elizabeth would be his.

"Scott asked for my hand. I don't want to be his bride though Josh, i want to be-," Elizabeth stopped herself before she said something that might scare him away, he just got here, she wanted it to last. "Well, i just don't want to be his. I don't want to belong to him. Where have you been Josh? Why haven't you come back to me here? Was it the kiss, if it wasn't good for you i am sorry i am not experienced with that at all and i wasn't su-." Josh stopped her rambling by kissing her. He let it stay sweet and gentle, easy. Running his hands up to her neck, keeping her where she was. When he pulled away she stayed silent and just watched him with a dazed, but content look in her eyes.

"Lizzie, i told you i am not going anywhere, you shouldn't fear that. You are to much to leave, too good to leave. And just so you know that kiss was not good at all," He smiled as she frowned and took her hand from his. He took it back and held it tight. "It was amazing Elizabeth. Kissing you was like nothing i have ever experienced in my whole life, which is a very good thing my love." He watched her face brighten at his words and felt himself brighten as well. Everything was so different with her. He never cared so much how anybody else felt like he cared about how she felt. "Elizabeth, i love you. I don't want you to marry Scott. I don't want you to be Mrs. Haring. I want you to marry me. I want you as my bride. My Wife. I can't give you everything that he can, but i can give you my love, my life, and everything i have." He stroked her cheek and listened as a thousand thoughts entered her mind and left again as she smiled at him.

"Oh, Josh! I have been waiting for you to say that! Oh, i love you, i didn't think it would ever be possible to feel this way after only a short time, but i do. It is so much more with you. I don't need anything more than your love to be happy." Elizabeth threw her arms around Josh and couldn't stop smiling. She didn't actually think he would say that to her. She felt so crazy, as she planted a firm single kiss to his lips in her happy moment and blushed at his surprised smile.

"Runaway with me Lizzie. Your mother doesn't approve of me. She will never allow us to be married. Leave with me, marry me." Josh kissed her again allowing it to become deeper as they both let themselves go with their happiness. He wanted to stay with her like this forever, in this moment. Never let her go. Never face reality, but he had to tell her he knew he had to tell her, or she would never really be able to love or hate all of him. She pulled away to look at him.

"I will do anything for you. I will leave with you tonight if that's what you want. I want to be yours Josh. I want all of you, forever." Elizabeth smiled as she felt her racing heart certain Josh too had felt it. She would need to go home and pack a few clothes and then she would leave after her parents went to bed. She would leave to be happy. Because her mother would never allow her to marry Josh he was right, so she would take things into her own hands for once. Elizabeth's smile faded slightly as she saw reluctance in Josh's eyes. She began to allow her thoughts turn to panic as she watched him. He didn't mean it did he? He didn't really want to be wit her. He couldn't she knew it.

"Elizabeth, i have to tell you something. I love you and i need you to know or you can not truly ever love me." Josh paused and watched Elizabeth closely. He wanted to take in all of her. Wanted to remember how beautiful she looked. Wit the blush still in her cheeks from his kiss. Her hair slightly falling down around her face. And her beautiful trusting eyes. He wanted to memorize her. "I don't know if you will feel the same so after i tell you i am going to leave. If you still feel the same about me and want to marry me and leave with me, meet me here tomorrow night. Meet me and tell me then that you love me Lizzie." He stopped again letting her take everything he said so far in. Letting her process it.

"No matter what you say i will love you Josh, there is only ever going to be you for me. I love you." Elizabeth was past panic now, but held true to her words, she would love him no matter what he said. He can never say anything about himself that she wouldn't love. Nothing.

"Elizabeth i don't know. I really hope that's how you will always feel, no matter what i am about to tell you. Lizzie, I'm not like any man you know. I'm different, I'm, I'm a vampire..." Abruptly Elizabeth jumped away from him not knowing what to do. Josh fought to control his emotions crossing his face as he rose and left without looking back once. He really hoped that she wouldn't think him a monster. He didn't want her to hate him. Most of all he hoped that he would see Elizabeth there tomorrow looking beautiful in the moonlight, waiting for him, waiting to runaway with him and be his forever, no matter what he was.

Chapter Five

Elizabeth had locked herself inside her bedroom. She sat on her bed as she watched the shadows play across her floor. The shadows that frightened her because if they twisted just the right way, she could remember what Josh told her. She wasn't sure if she should be scared, or amused. Josh honestly thought he was what he said he was. Elizabeth could remember the look of determination cross his face as he told her. Of course she didn't believe it. Why would she? Josh had spoken of a fictional creature. Said he was a fictional creature. If he didn't want her, that was all he had to say. Not talk about lies. She refused to believe he was what he said. There was no way he was a vampire.

He walked in the sun. He was warm. Hadn't she felt his rapid heart beat against her chest? If he was a vampire, he wouldn't be capable of any of those simple, but of so very human things. Josh must have thought her a fool, he didn't mean any of the words he had said. He didn't love her. He stole her first kiss and didn't feel anything for her. How is that possible? Elizabeth just wished she could have read his mind. Heard his thoughts just for once. So she could just understand what it was exactly he was feeling. If he was true to his words or if he was trying to push her back farther from him. She wished she could be with him for just a moment to see him.

Josh felt more and more torn apart as he let it fall on his shoulders that she couldn't truly love him, especially if she thought that he would lie to her. If she thought he didn't really feel anything for her. He shouldn't have told her. He should have just asked to her to run away with him. He should have just loved her the way she wanted to be loved, the way only he could love her. He should have just let the truth come in time. He couldn't bare the hurt he felt as he thought of her hurt. Elizabeth will never be his now. She won't meet him tomorrow. Why should she? He had stolen his first kiss, and then told her he was a vampire. Of course she would think he was lying to her.

Elizabeth wasn't sure why, but she knew she needed to go to Josh tomorrow. She wasn't sure what she would say to him, but she would go to him. As she finally slept her dreams were full of shadows, fog, and dark. She awoke with a sense of dread that she tried to blame on her dream. As she freshened herself up, her mother knocked on her door.

"Lizzie, my dear, Scott is here to see you," As she looked at her daughter, she felt pity for her. She knew she hadn't slept well. It showed over her face. She didn't want to pressure her daughter to choose Scott, but she knew she would grow to love this man. "He is waiting downstairs." She smiled at her daughter before she closed her door quietly. She walked downstairs to where her husband was sitting in their kitchen.

"Is she ok? She didn't even eat dinner last night," Elizabeth's father was maybe too worried about his only daughter. She was usually so full of love and life and laughter. He just wasn't used to seeing her this way. He knew it wasn't Scott or his proposal, but probably more of the two of them pushing it on her. "Perhaps we should tell Scott to leave, that Lizzie isn't feeling up to company. She doesn't seem to like the boy at all, love." He grabbed his wife's hand and kissed it, willing her to see their daughter was miserable.

"No, don't be silly. Lizzie, is smitten with the boy. She always has been. I think she is just nervous." She never understood her husband, always trying to see things that just couldn't be there. She was sure Elizabeth was fine. She was sure she knew her daughter enough to when she was smitten with a boy.

Elizabeth, went down the stairs as slowly as she could, knowing what she had to do must be done at some point. She walked up to Scott placing a hand in his before she spoke the words that would ruin her life in her eyes.

"I will marry you Scott." She forced herself to smile as his face lit up. He seemed to be happier than her, which was fine by her, he could be plenty happy for the both of them. Everything after she declared she would marry Scott Haring was a complete blur. All Elizabeth could focus on was tonight. When she would go to Josh to tell him of her plans. If he would even bother to meet her. He owed her at least that. Closure, he owed her closure to be sure. When night finally came it was easier to leave her house at dusk than she thought. Her mother and father were out with Scott and his parents while she feigned sick. When she reached the spot in the woods she sat and waited for Josh.

She hadn't needed to wait too long for him to show up. "You came." Was all Josh could say to her as he crossed to her and she allowed him to pull her up into his embrace. Elizabeth seemed to melt against him, temporarily forgetting about the day before and even what she had decided today.

Josh didn't even give Elizabeth a chance to speak he simply kissed her. Long and deep and she kissed him back, with everything she had she kissed him. Letting her fingers to tangle in his hair, hearing him moan. He moved his lips down her jawline then to her neck. His hands moving in an urgent, but careful way, up her back then back down grabbing at her hips pulling her closer to him and she couldn't help the soft moan of pleasure and shock as she felt him hard against her stomach.

"Josh, oh please Josh." She didn't want him to stop, and that scared her. What scared her even more is that she didn't even notice they had gone to the ground. Pulling him even closer wrapping her legs around his waist she let her instincts and body take over.

As hard as it was for him he pulled back away from Elizabeth and looked into her eyes, clouded with need and want, for him. "You, want me to stop, Lizzie?" His eyes pleaded with her to not say yes. He needed her, needed to be close to her and feel her burn with need and want for him if only for tonight. When she shook her head no, he allowed her to pull him close again letting his lips crush hers. He greedily took in every sensation as he brought her dress up around her hips. She started to protest, but as he kissed her neck her protests turned into moans of his name. Elizabeth couldn't think straight, she just wanted him to never stop. He gently pushed against her, letting her feel just how much he wanted her and smiled when she gasped out. He covered her mouth with his as he skillfully got his pants down and positioned himself at her center. She still wasn't ready, he knew she wasn't ready just yet for him. Pulling the front of her dress down exposing her breasts he caught a breath as he thought of just how beautiful she was. He took one in his mouth as his hand took the other.

"Josh, please. I need you." Elizabeth wasn't sure if those were the right words. She only knew she had this odd throbbing that wouldn't go away, but knew somehow he could make it feel better for her. She reached down between her legs and grabbed at him, but he pulled back just out of her reach, but Josh was to distracted by her frustrated sigh, to dodge when she thrust her hips up towards him. When he entered her they both cried out. Elizabeth had never felt anything like it before in her life. There was a slight twinge of pain as he pierced her innocence but it faded as he simply stayed still. When he had cried out, it wasn't in pain but in just complete pleasure. It was beautiful to him, being inside of her, he never felt more connected or close with anyone before. As she begin to move under him he realized he hadn't moved and began a slow pace, to only have Elizabeth move quicker under him driving him crazy.

Elizabeth had never before experienced anything more beautiful then when Josh took to her to an unimaginable peak of pleasure and then to come to the bottom together. Both sated and satisfied beyond anything either could imagine. Josh let Elizabeth hold onto him as he collapsed on top of her. Unable to move he was completely content as he stayed inside her and she played with his hair as he listened to her heartbeat slow back down to a normal pace. If he could stay like this with her forever, he would trade it all in, immortality, for her complete love. He never wanted to leave this moment right now. Neither did Elizabeth, all she could think of as she held Josh in her arms as he laid atop her was just how complete she felt in that moment, with him. She knew she would have to leave, but they could have just this one moment, couldn't they? To lie together just one time and be happy. She knew she would always think back to this night, this moment in the years to come, no matter if Josh left and stayed away or he stayed in her life. She would never forget this for as long as she lived. Facing Scott would harder, now that she was to be his wife, but it was what she had to do. It was her duty to. No matter how much she loved Josh.

Chapter Six

"Run away with me Lizzie." The statement was easy, simple. Josh let his fingers trail threw her hair as he watched the light from the moon wash threw her deep auburn color, making it look alive almost. As he cradled her close to his chest enjoying the feel of her heart beating against him. Never wanting to let her go. It felt so right, laying here together, a tangle of limbs under the moon and stars. She stirred feelings in him that he never thought possible really until this very second. She was beautiful, being with her is beautiful. She changed him, from the very first time they had met. Josh remembered how shy Elizabeth was, how her thoughts even then were about wanting to know him better. She didn't truly know him, not all of him. She knew his darkest secret, but nothing else that made him who he was. He was more than just a vampire, for one he wasn't a 'made' vampire, it was his birthright. All in good time, she will know him.

"Josh." That was all Elizabeth was able to say as she shifted up and away from him. She should have never let tonight happen, she knew it was wrong. She was to be Scott's wife, Scott should have been the one to have her innocence, but she loved Josh like no other. She wanted him to have the most valuable thing she had to give. She didn't want Scott to have that power over her. Though, Josh lied to her, wasn't she angry with him? Shouldn't she be telling good-bye, and not making love to him? She made love with him, wonderful, body tingling love.

As she stood to collect her underthings and toss Josh his pants, Elizabeth noted the pain between her legs, a dull throb now the more she walked. The blood that she knew was to be there was very little at the moment and she was glad. None of it surprised her, she was twenty and knew what was to come hand in hand with making love with a man for the first time. She pushed it to the back of her mind and decided she would deal with it on her own, later.

"Elizabeth, please. I love you. I want you to come with me." Josh's eyes filled with pain and grief as he watched Elizabeth stay as from him as she could, pacing back and forth. He almost reached out to her, but something in his mind told him to stop. She didn't want him to touch her, he could hear that from her loud and clear. Josh wasn't sure what hurt worse, making mind shattering love to Elizabeth and having her brush it aside, or having Elizabeth think he was lying to her about himself. He knew the one way to show her he wasn't lying, but she wasn't ready for that, it would only frighten her.

"Josh, i just can't. I already gave Scott my word, i told him and everybody Josh, i told them all that i would be his wife. I can't go back on my word." A lump forming in her throat had her stopping. She just couldn't leave and disappear now, not after she gave her word. She loved Josh so much, but she never planned on coming here to make love to him, or to run away with him, not after their last meeting. He was either lying or crazy.

As silence filled the air Josh listened to the crack of twigs as Elizabeth paced still, he listened quietly to everything she had to say, even when she wasn't saying it. He stood up not able to take her pacing any longer and pulled her towards him. "I need you Lizzie, my love, i would never lie to you. If i never loved you, why tell me would i come back after two years? Why would i keep coming when you think of me? Why would i kiss you? Why would i want still to be with you and only you even as you turn me away. And why Elizabeth would i make love to you unless i loved you as i say i do?" He gently kissed her hand.

He watched her as she processed what he said, taking in every inch of her. She was beautiful, honestly beautiful, as she plopped down on the grass and her dress fanned out around her, strands of her hair framing all around her face perfectly and her eyes, her eyes told him everything. She was an angel, he was in love with an angel.

"I decided, i believe you Josh. I believe everything you told me. I know you love me, it would be foolish to think otherwise," A blush crept up her cheeks and she tried to hide it by turning her head. She grabbed his hand and pulled Josh down next to her. She wanted to be close to him again. She needed to be close to him. She wasn't sure why, but she believed him truly did. Maybe it was the way his emerald green eyes had flashed dark and stormy one second, but the second he spoke of loving her, they calmed and brightened. Or maybe it was the way he said he loved her, gently, soft, but with such passion it made her blush. She needed him desperately. Just as much as Josh needed her. "I want," She blushed and he smiled as she thought exactly what it was she wanted. Josh wasn't sure if she was ready, but he would humor her as much as she wouldn't. He couldn't deny her anything she wanted. "I want to see them." The blush growing ten shades deeper, he slowly opened he mouth for her to see his extended fangs.

Josh, not ever having experienced this before, pulled back out of shock as she reached out to feel one. As her icy blue eyes pleaded with him, he leaned back towards her and shivered as she ran a finger gently over his fang. It was like nothing he had ever known before. To be so completely accepted. To have someone that he was in love with want to be near him while his fangs were out, let alone want to touch them. As he marveled at the thought of her curiosity, Elizabeth decided this wouldn't be the last time they saw each other.

She let her finger go from his fang to the other, then she traced his soft pliant lips, she watched his emerald eyes watch her, as she memorized everything about him. She was in love with him. She was in love with a vampire.

"Meet me here again Josh?" Elizabeth surprised them both as the question rolled out of her mouth. Although, as soon as it was out, it was exactly what she had wanted to say. It felt so right, being with Josh, just near him, she felt safe, even knowing he wasn't exactly human. He would never let anything or anyone hurt her, that she knew for certain.

"Why, Lizzie? You told me you already gave yourself to Scott." As much as it pained him to say, he had to say it. He had heard her finally realize she loved him, that she was in love with him, all of him, even the vampire part of him and he felt totally elated, but he didn't want to be tortured, to be near her, but not really being able to be near her.

"No, i gave myself to you Josh, i made love with you, i gave my innocence to you. I merely gave him my word to be his wife. I want you though, Josh, i will always only ever want you." A single tear rolled down her cheek as she felt the full impact of pain at the decision that she had made just that morning. Already regretting it.

"Now, now my love. Don't cry. I am right here and i am never going anywhere and don't you forget that. I love you. Always," Josh reached up and wiped away the tears and brushed his lips across hers, a mere whisper of a kiss. "I will come, whenever you wish to see me, all you have to do is think of me, think of meeting me here and when you want to me. Think of those things and i will be here, waiting to see you, Lizzie." Josh wasn't sure if it was the smartest thing to do, but he would come and see her simply because she wanted to see him. He needed her, he realized, more desperately then he thought.

"I am so curious about you Josh. I want to know everything." Elizabeth felt the heat rise to her cheeks and when she went to turn her head she felt his strong and firm, but gentle grasp pulling her face back to his. This kiss held more passion in it, almost like the one that turned that heat in her belly and made her want him all over again.

"I love the color in your cheeks," Josh said with a smile watching it grow deeper, pleased that it was because of him that it grew deeper. "And i will tell you all you want to know Lizzie. All you have to do is ask and i will answer. I can't promise you that i won't get distracted by you though." He trailed off as he kissed her knuckles, letting her ponder over what he meant.

"Distracted? By me? How?" Elizabeth asked intently not understanding at all. Josh knew she would still be in a way to innocent to understand what he meant. So, he kissed her deeply and long, letting the same passion and want he felt by just looking at her be transferred over into her body as well and he felt it as soon as it did, first the trembling, then the shaky hands as she tried to pull him closer.

Josh pulled away only slightly so he could look into her passion clouded eyes. "Yes, my love, just looking at you, makes me want you. And when you talk, well i just seem to forget it all sometimes. It what you do to me." As she smiled she brought him back to her for another long mind, body and soul tingling kiss.

Elizabeth wasn't sure how long they stayed there, holding each other in silence looking up at the stars, but it was like heaven for her. Watching the twinkle of each little star as it tried to outshine its brothers and sisters, the clouds as the passed over the moon, the soft breeze gently blowing her hair causing it to either tickle her face or Josh's.

"I should probably head home Josh, before they notice i am gone." With a heavy sigh, she stood up and glanced down at the beautiful picture Josh made laying there under the moon. He was her's, all her's and nobody else's. It was magnificent to her.

"Ok my love, i will walk you as far as i can, and even then i will be waiting to know you got in your own room safely." He was up much quicker than she thought possible, but somehow here, in there spot it didn't startle her, only amused her that she thought it unfair he could move so fast and with such grace. Much more grace than she herself had.

"And i will think of you Josh, all day. And when the time comes, i will think of meeting you here for just the perfect tomorrow evening." Josh pulled Elizabeth close holding her even closer around her waist, as she looped her arms around his neck and they shared a pleasant and happy goodnight kiss before he walked her home.

"I love you Elizabeth, always. And i will be waiting to be able to see your beauty again tomorrow." With a charming smile he was gone, but she knew he was still watching, listening as she made her way to her house and into her bedroom.

'And i love you Josh, with every part of me that i have, i love you. Until we meet again tomorrow i will think of you.' And that was the last thing Elizabeth thought as she drifted off in dreams, knowing he was listening and heard her.

Chapter Seven

"So, would you care to tell me where you were last night, Elizabeth?" Her mother had been pacing outside her bedroom door all morning, waiting to pounce when Elizabeth woke up. Walking over to her mirror She found she had missed several leaves still tangled into her auburn waves and sighed as her mother came to help get them out.

"I went for a walk threw the woods," Elizabeth let her eyes drift shut as her mother pulled the brush threw her hair. It had been so long since her mother had done this for her. Elizabeth had forgotten just how much she enjoyed this. She would miss it. "I fell asleep a little off the path when i sat down to think. I'm sorry. I didn't want to make you worried." Elizabeth almost missed the small smile that lit her mother's face for a brief moment.

She knew her daughter too well. Knew something else was going on, but she would opt out and be oblivious if that was what her Lizzie wanted. She slowly gathered Elizabeth's long thick curly auburn hair into a light twist and smiled down on her.

"Ok," She was in awe of just how beautiful and grown Elizabeth was. She hadn't really seen it until just now, she seemed to simply glow. "You, are so beautiful Lizzie," Elizabeth's whole face seemed to lit up at her mother's appraisal. "Scott, is a lucky man. Lucky he scooped you up first that is." As she watched her daughter's eyes fall down to her hands and the blush creeping up her face, her mother decided it was time to leave her to her thoughts, whatever they may be.

Elizabeth felt guilty. She didn't want to be Scott's. She shouldn't be Scott's after what she gave so freely to Josh. She didn't regret being with Josh the night before, but she felt regret with having to fulfill her promise to wed Scott Haring. She was to be Mrs. Elizabeth Haring soon. A fact that made her frown very deeply, so deeply her mother would scold her about causing wrinkles.

All Elizabeth had to do was get threw at least a few hours, then she could see Josh again. She didn't want to wait until night again, she was sure her mother wouldn't let her slip by again. She needed to see him again soon. She had so many questions she wanted to ask him, and felt like there was so little time to ask them all.

As Josh listened to his Elizabeth go threw her day, thinking off and on about him all morning. It made him smile to be able to sit back and know she couldn't stop thinking of him. It especially made him happy to know she was sitting there with that fool Scott Haring, and she was thinking of him, and his kisses. He was prepared for her million and one questions. He was just happy she was finally accepting him, all of him. Of course it still made him feel terrible he took her innocence and wasn't able to do her right and marry her. He would in a heartbeat. He would make her his in every possible way, but she was determined to be a good person.

He loved that about her, her flawless character. Her complete and total willingness to make everybody around her happy. His Lizzie, she was beautiful inside and out. He hadn't yet seen a flaw about her. She was perfect. He couldn't get the notion of his head to look at her as an angel. That was what she was to him. His angel. She saved him. She made him feel whole again. After what felt like years of hurt, she healed him. Took away all his pain with just thinking of him. Josh knew that if he listened to reason and what was right, and he didn't meet her since she was meant to be with Scott Haring, then he would feel as if he had nothing anymore. He would feel more than broken, he would be broken beyond repair. He would never be the same.

As Elizabeth finally got threw lunch and told her mother she was going for a walk and needed to be alone, she set out for the woods. 'Josh, i don't know how this works, but i am going to our spot. I want to see you Josh.' She hoped he was listening to her, or listening for her. She let her thoughts temporarily shift back to lunch and the way Scott had looked at her. She had felt completely violated with just one look. Ever since she had agreed to be his wife, he had began to treat her differently. As if she was a prize meat he had won. He looked her up and down more often than not. It all made her skin crawl.

As she reached the small clearing that was now their spot, it amazed her to see Josh, looking so perfect, like a picture from a book. The sun fell across him in just the perfect way that made his emerald eyes look even more green, and his dark hair shine. She felt an answering smile on her lips as he smiled brilliantly at her.

"How do you do that?" She asked as he crossed to her and took her in his arms. He knew she was coming, knew he was going to see her, but he couldn't help the rush he felt when he saw her, standing in the clearing looking at him. A picture of perfection.

"Do what exactly, Love?" He asked as he took her mouth in a sweet, gentle kiss. Elizabeth's heart sighed as he pulled away from her and pulled her down to sit next to him.

"Hear me, even when i don't say anything at all?" The heat to her face was fast and quick as she recalled all the times she swore he had to know what she was thinking as he smiled cocky at her when she thought of his lips and kissing him.

"Well, it's just something i could always do, since i was born. It drove my parents crazy. They couldn't keep anything from me, ever. It hurt most times though, being able to know exactly how somebody thinks of you, there's no cushion to ease the blow." He took her hand and played with her fingers, knowing one answer would bring more questions. He didn't mind though. He wanted Elizabeth to ask anything she could think of. He wanted her to know him fully, and completely. Maybe then she would see that it was ok to leave with him. To runaway with him.

"You had parents? You were born? I thought vampires were made." Elizabeth didn't miss a beat. She was so dangerously curious and very on point and attentive to him and his every move. She watched his eyes intently as for just one small second the emerald was clouded with something that resembled pain. Pain from what was her next question.

"Yes, i had parents, my mother and father, Liam and Patrica Chisum. My mother did carry me for nine months of course, and so yes i was very much born. And no not all vampires were made. Not the pure vampires anyway. We are kind like a royal sort, but i never had a choice, i was born to what i am, born to be a monster." Josh answered her before she could ask about the pain he had slipped up and let her see.

Elizabeth was speechless, she caught on to the past tense when he spoke of his parents, she also heard the fondness in his voice when he spoke of them. She just couldn't comprehend that he was born into being what he was, it didn't seem fair to her. To not have a choice, even if he liked being a vampire. To her though, it sounded as if he thought it more of a curse than something to be proud of. She placed both her hands on either side of his face, forcing him to look at her instead of the ground.

"You, Josh Chisum, are not a monster," She kissed him long and hard, desperate to make all the sadness and longing to vanish from him. "I love you. I would never love a monster," Another kiss, this one light and sweet to try and reassure him of the truth behind her words. Which were very much truth, she would not love him if she thought him to be a monster. She knew he would never be a monster. Josh was too gentle and kind for her to see him in that light at all. "Now, tell me, how is it, that you walk in the sun? How can i feel your heart and why do you age?" A smile crossed Josh's face as she fired more questions at him. It was the smile Elizabeth had wanted to see.

"One, question at time, my love," He kissed her lightly across her brow as he tried to think of the best way to answer her questions without them leading to even more questions. "I can walk in the sun because i am not made, the sun merely makes me feel worn down and gives me terrible headaches sometimes." He smiled crooked at her and laughed as she made a confused face back at him. He knew she was trying to make sense and separate being 'made' and 'born'.

Josh was trying so hard to control himself. He just couldn't help it with her looking so beautiful as the sun played threw her hair lighting it and making it shine, and making her skin look so soft. He reached out and stroked her cheek gently, then smoothed out the lines on her brow and smiled at her. He pulled her towards him and kissed her.

As he made the kiss deeper, she felt her heart leap in her chest unsteadily. In one swift movement he pulled her on to his lap and she was straddling him. He reached up and slowly pulled her hair out of the twist her mother did just that morning. Running his hands threw her hair as she pawed greedily at his chest, undoing the buttons and pulling it open. She let her hands glide softly and suggestively across his chest, feeling pleasure when he shuddered from her touch.

"I suppose i distracted you?" She smiled as he growled in protest when she stood up. He watched her as she shook her long hair before pulling it lightly back into a twist. Elizabeth pulled him up to face her and he pulled her back against him feeling her thundering heart match the beat of his.

"Yes, i suppose you did. It's what you do to me Lizzie, my love." He began to kiss her throat in a lazy haste, trying to bring her to the same point he was already at. Aching for her, heating for her. Her response was almost instant as he let his hands roam over her chest and then when he reached under her skirt and felt her moist center. As he rubbed gently she moaned out his name and gripped onto him for fear of falling.

"Oh, Josh. Please." He wasn't exactly sure what she was asking please for, but he decided to take it upon himself to try and interpret as she wasn't saying anything more besides inaudible moans of pleasure. He gently let two of his fingers glide inside her and took her mouth in his when she got louder. He took her to the peak and beyond and when he was finally finished and pleased he was able to take her to that point, he kissed her. He kissed her deeply as he held her, still trembling from the onslaught of satisfaction.

Elizabeth wanted to be able to please him as well. She knew she was still to sore yet to let him take her again so soon, but she was sure there were other things she could do, just as he just did for her. Even as she thought this Josh was oblivious. He could only feel the complete strain on the front of his slacks. Seeing and getting Elizabeth to her peak and over had made him hot and wanting so bad.

Elizabeth kissed Josh deeply and let her hands travel between them and down to the front of his slacks and unhooking them letting the full of him fall into her hand. Taking more of her mouth while he moaned. She rubbed, increasing her speed as his kisses became more frantic.

"Please Lizzie, stop. I, I want to be inside you. Need to be," With the strength she knew he possessed, he had her down and pinned to the ground as he settled himself between her legs thrusting her skirt up around her hips. Her heart raced and jumped to her throat as she thought he was going to take her again, but his eyes lost some of the animal edge as he looked at her. "Do you want me to stop? Tell me now, tell me while i still can." Looking into his eyes, Elizabeth put aside all pain now or later into the back of her head and shook her head no and just as fast sighed as he kissed her deeply again. She cried out his name as he thrust fast and deep inside her.

This was just as beautiful as their first joining the night before and even more pleasurable for Elizabeth. It was less painful for her this time she noted. But it was just as painful as she had to leave him again. She wanted just once to be able to stay all night with him. She wanted to stay with him for all time. She thought of him as she walked home, just as he asked her too. She also thought of meeting him again same time tomorrow. She couldn't not see him, she realized. Her life will never be complete without him. If only she didn't have to marry Scott after all. She didn't love Scott. She loved Josh.

'i love you Josh More than you know. I will find a way for us to be together, always." She meant every word and hoped desperately Josh was listening and knew that she meant it. She meant it with so much of her and her heart that it hurt. She was in hopeless love with Josh Chisum, a vampire, her vampire.

Of course he was listening, waiting for her to direct a thought to him as she had the night before. Josh couldn't exactly explain how it felt to know that she was still talking to him, even when he wasn't there. He wasn't sure if she was ready for it, but he couldn't help himself.

'i know my angel. my love. my lizzie. i love you. you are my world.' He whispered it gently across her mind and he was pleased to hear her reaction was a sweet surprise.

She was already forming questions for their next meeting. But, for now, he smiled to himself as he leaned back in his chair. He smiled and thought with wonder of the amazing possibility of true love. Elizabeth was his true love, he was sure of it. More sure than anything he had ever had before. And he listened as she let herself drift off in wonder and amazement as well.

Chapter Eight

Josh has been meeting Elizabeth in the clearing for almost a month and a half now, always right after mid-day. They never really talked about anything too important and more often then not they ended their ‘get togethers’ with a rushed, passionate meeting, before he would let her leave. He wasn’t sure exactly how it was that she did what she did to him, but as he paced his little living room, he thought of her radiant beauty. He had never met anybody like her ever before. She completely confounded him. Elizabeth was always so eager and willing to learn more and more about him everyday, but at the same time always allowed him to distract her and lead her away from whatever it was she was trying to say. Kissing her, god, it was like an explosion. One that he cherished every single second of.

As she would lay next to him before she left, the sun peaking threw the thick over hang of trees. It always made him feel like he was dreaming, if he could dream that was. He hadn’t dreamt since he was a very young boy, but Josh knew that if he would dream, it would be of Elizabeth. Elizabeth, just her name sent chills over his body and his heart into overdrive. Josh knew that her wedding date was fastly approaching, but he also knew that she was wavering. Everyday right before he would kiss Elizabeth good-bye, he would ask her to run away with him. Even though every time he asked she told him no, he still asked faithfully. Not even missing a beat after she said no, and kissed her good-bye with a parting smile.

Josh was still waiting to hear from her. It was unusual for Elizabeth to not through a thought towards him by lunch. And now, it was easy almost evening. Maybe she had gotten caught up in something she just simply could not get away from. Like more wedding plans, but even when she had wedding plans she would tell him, or think it. Josh was trying his best to stay out of her mind as much as possible, liking rather to learn about her by listening to her. He loved the way she became animated to quickly when he asked her about her day, or about her childhood. Her whole face would light up as if they were all her favorite memories. He couldn’t help, but feel the twinge of pain as he thought she had finally had enough him though. That today was the day she would finally wise up and not want to meet him anymore.

Only one way to find out what was going on. Josh decided to take a walk not directly by her house, but close to it so he could reach out with his mind clearer and read more than just Elizabeth’s. Josh found it easier and easier to be able to catch Elizabeth’s thoughts, even while he doing silly things like reading a book, one simple thought would always find him and it would make her smile. She sometimes thought of the silliest things. Such as maybe cutting her hair would make her appear to be more of a grown woman or not. In Josh’s opinion, she had magnificent hair. He always loved letting her thick, wavy, waist length auburn hair out of her neat little twist when they were together. Made her appear that much more like an angel to him. More or else Josh would really prefer that she didn’t cut it all off, but then again he’d probably find something sexy about any way she wore her hair.

Walking a street over from Elizabeth’s Josh reached out his mind threw her house. It seemed nobody was home. Puzzled, he decided to loop around and try maybe knocking on the door. Even as he knocked he knew the house was empty, there was just something crying out to him that there was nobody there, not even trying to hide. Becoming more and more panicked, Josh reached out pushing past his limits to find Elizabeth’s mind. When he did finally locate her, she wasn’t even exactly thinking. She was dreaming. Why would she be sleeping? It was the middle of the day. Now speeding up his walk he raced toward where ever it was that Elizabeth was at. He tried urge her into waking, but couldn’t. Not even threw her dream.

‘Lizzie, my love. Wake up.’ He whispered it gently across her mind and not getting any response, he panicked even more. When he stopped in front of the building that held his Lizzie, he realized it was a doctors office. His heart felt as if he stopped beating right then and there. All he could think about was finding out what was wrong and what he could do to help her. He paid no mind at all to Scott Haring, sitting on the porch with his head in his hands. He didn’t care if the fool felt anything at all, what he cared about was seeing her. Seeing that she was ok.

Even as Elizabeth dreamed, she knew it was a dream. It was all to unreal looking. Their clearing in the woods had a magically feel to it sure, but not like this. And when she saw Josh, it was different, he was different. They both had rings on their fingers and she was puzzled. Were they married? If they were, why were they still meeting here, in private where nobody would ever be able to see them? Why did it feel so wrong. The dream Josh stepped closer to her and suddenly he was holding something. Something very small in his arms. He was smiling at her, and that was when she realized what was different, it was his eyes. His amazing emerald eyes held a hint of adoration in them. More than what she saw when he looked at her filled his eyes as he looked at the small thing he held in his arms. Curious, she stepped closer to him not frightened at all, but only curious. The closer she got, she could hear Josh talking in hushed tones, meant only for the tiny thing in his arms. When Josh looked up at her and smiled, she was maybe a few inches away from him. Nervous now all of a sudden, she wouldn’t let her eyes leave his.

‘Now, my love, look, look at this amazing beautiful thing we made together.’ He tickled the words across her mind and her heart sank to her stomach. Elizabeth let her eyes drift down with his and her eyes widened in complete shock. It was a baby. A baby with a full head of thick auburn hair and fair skin and Josh’s beautiful emerald eyes. He was just watching her, this tiny baby, with his eyes so much like Josh’s. She looked back up at Josh, unsure of what to do, when he passed the baby over into her arms. ’Yes, it’s your baby my love, our baby. He looks so much like you, so handsome isn’t he?’ More words that she almost dismissed, but looking down at this baby in her arms, she couldn’t dismiss it at all. She found herself smiling down at their baby in her arms and felt a warmth spread all threw her.

When Josh took her hand and watched her watch the baby, he tickled more words into her mind, but these ones made no sense to Elizabeth at all. ’wake up Lizzie, please, please wake up. I need you, here with me, please don’t leave me, not like this.’ She looked up at Dream Josh and let her brow furrow in confusion. His face was filled with such pain, she didn’t understand, just seconds ago he looked like a proud, happy new father. But now, now that was all gone, pain filling his face and a slight hint of anger in his eyes. Why was he angry? She didn’t want to wake up though, not from this dream, not while she held their baby in her arms, their beautiful baby boy with his eyes so much like his father’s.

Even as the doctor told Josh to leave, he wouldn’t budge, nobody tried to move him, her parents didn’t even acknowledge him. They knew. Her parents knew that Elizabeth had given to him what Scott should have gotten. They only knew because the doctor confirmed it. And the doctor not only told Elizabeth’s parents she was no longer a virgin, but that she was carrying a child. Her parents knew it wasn’t Scott’s, not only because Scott denied getting even barely one kiss from her, but because Elizabeth was only barely four weeks along and all of Scott’s and Elizabeth’s outings were chaperoned. Josh knew that Elizabeth’s parents knew he was the father the minute he came rushing into her room insisting to see her. He also knew the resented him, he could not only hear it, but who wouldn’t be able to tell by the way they were staring at him. Almost as if they thought they could shot daggers into him with their eyes alone.

Nothing else mattered to Josh though as he listened to Elizabeth dream. She was dreaming of their baby. He wasn’t sure if he should cry or be happy. He was going to be a father. The father of Elizabeth’s baby. He let go of her mind and listened hard to her steady heartbeat and strained his hearing to catch the fast flutter of the child inside Elizabeth. It made him catch his breath the minute he heard it and before he knew it he was crying. He held tight on to her hand and cried. Josh wasn’t sure how long he stayed just like that, he might have even fallen asleep, but the minute he felt Elizabeth stroking his hair he jolted straight up. He gathered her inside his arms and cried even harder.

“I thought I lost you, my love, I thought you would never come back to me.” Elizabeth smiled as she let Josh hold her. This she knew was real. She had fainted, she wasn’t sure why, but she did, and that was when she had that marvelous dream and now here was Josh, waiting for her to wake up, he really did love her. This realization brought tears to her eyes. When Josh heard her crying as well he pulled away from her and rubbed hard at his eyes.

“No, you didn’t lose me Josh, I’m right here. I had the most wonderful dream though.” Josh noted the twinkle in her eyes as she talked of the dream, explaining it in full detail to Josh before he decided to tell her the news. When she was finished finally he took both her ands in his and he kissed her hands and kept them there near his face. He wasn’t sure how to say it, but he knew from the look still in her eyes, she would be happy no matter what way he told her.

“Lizzie, I have something to tell you,” He seemed nervous to Elizabeth and that automatically made her nervous. “The doctor had examined you after you had that fainting spell to try and find what was wrong with you, and well, my love, you’re pregnant.” It took half a second before the smile lit her whole face and she cried out in pure joy. Relief flooded him that she accepted it well, he didn’t want her to not want the baby, he wasn’t sure what he would do if that was the case.

“Oh, Josh, it’s so wonderful isn’t it? Absolutely magnificent.” As her eyes were shinning and the smile only got brighter, her parents walked in. When they saw Elizabeth was awake they rushed over and tried to push Josh away from her, which made Elizabeth pull him even closer. She wasn’t going to let her parents take her away from the father of her child, especially when she loved him and he loved her. Her father looked more sad then angry, maybe it was because of the amount of anger that was held in her mother’s eyes. The accusations and guilt made her blush automatically and lower her head as she turned and buried her face into Josh’s chest.

“Now, Elizabeth, you gave your hand to Scott, why tell us just why you felt the need to be with this man?,” Elizabeth shrugged her shoulder’s toward her father and his question. She wasn’t strong enough for this. She just couldn’t bare to look at them again. It hurt too bad and she wanted to be happy, this was meant to be happy news, she was pregnant.

‘You have to be strong enough, Lizzie, I promise you it will be ok, I’m right here and I’m not going anywhere.’ Josh whispered the words across her mind while holding her tighter for a moment before releasing her. Josh was right, she had to do this, for herself, for him and for their unborn child. It wasn’t going to be easy, but she has to face her parents now or never.

Chapter Nine

“Mother, Father, I am so so sorry, but I love Josh, I am in love with Josh. I have been since the very first day we met. He is such an amazing man, and such a gentleman. The things that led to this,” Elizabeth gestured to her stomach, then rested her hand over her still flat stomach and Josh put his over hers. They locked eyes for a brief moment and even a blind man could see the affection, adoration and complete love exchanged in such a short, easy moment. “well it was just as much my choices as they were his. I can’t exactly explain it, but I never should have told Scott I would marry him, but I only did because it pleased you. It didn’t matter to me that it wasn’t what would make me happy in the end as long as I made you both happy. But can’t you see? This, being with Josh, having his child, that was what makes me happy. Of course I didn’t plan on a pregnancy, but it will only add to the happiness Josh and I have together.” Winded and out of breath Elizabeth stopped letting everything she had just said settle into their minds. She used this quick break as an opportunity to speak to Josh.

‘You don’t know how happy I am right now Josh, to be carrying your child.’ glancing at him and seeing the smile on his face I knew he was listening. I loved knowing that we could have a private conversation right in a room of people. It would defiantly come in handy in the future. Thinking of Josh’s abilities made her wonder about what kinds of things their child may be able to do. ’Josh, will our baby, will he be a ’born’ vampire? Or will he be human?’ I looked over at his face and saw him thinking hard about the question I asked him.

The truth was, Josh had no idea. There was no way to know. There wasn’t ever any ’born’ vampires breeding with a human, we generally bred with another ’born’ vampire to keep the bloodline going. And ’made’ vampire’s couldn’t bred at all.

’well, love, I can’t be sure, there has never been a ’born’ vampire breeding with a human before, I suppose our baby could always be either or. Which would you like him to be?’ It was a rude and selfish question he knew, but he had to ask, if she preferred a human child, then he really thought she should have stuck to Scott Haring. Their child was going to be extraordinary he could feel it in his bones.

‘well I don’t know, Josh. I mean I always thought I would have a normal human baby, but I will still love him the same even if he isn’t human I mean, it would just mean he was more like you, and I am in love with you.’ He saw the meaning and truth behind her thoughts. It did more than just flatter him to know she would accept whatever their child would be in the end. Josh also noted she kept saying he, and him when she spoke of their child. He shook his head and let that go, maybe she just wanted a son, there was no way she would be able to know if it was a boy or girl, it was too soon.

“I don’t understand Elizabeth, I really don’t understand, Scott, he wants to give you the world and so much more, why, why this boy? And don’t think I don’t recognize this stranger. He was the one that was here that night, I don’t approve Elizabeth, you will marry Scott, if he will still have you, but you will not be with this boy, this boy who probably can’t give you half of what Scott can.” Her mother’s voice was loud and booming and full of hatred as she pointed at Josh and her. Elizabeth felt the tears well up in her eyes, as Josh pulled her closer to him until she was practically in his lap. Elizabeth could feel the anger and tension running threw Josh, as he watched her mother, she just prayed that he wouldn’t say or do anything stupid.

“No, ma’am, I don’t mean you any disrespect, but Elizabeth is carrying my child, not Scott’s. I will do her right and marry her, and you’d be pleased to know that she would never want for anything, I have more money than Scott will ever dream of, so if that’s why you don’t want her with me, then rest assured there. And Scott will never be able to make her happy or love her as I can. I am in love with your daughter, you may not like that now or ever, but I am. And I want to be there everyday threw her pregnancy and then everyday after. I want to marry her and love her and raise our child together and not watch her try to be happy to please you or watch another foolish man try to raise MY baby. I will not have that.” Josh let his voice dropped after he raised it high. He didn’t want to make her mother upset at him, but he had to let her know where he stood. He would step up and is stepping up right now. He looked at Elizabeth and brushed the hair back behind her ear and she leaned her head into his hand. She closed her eyes and breathed in deep.

“Now, young man, I know you love my daughter. And despite what my wife says, you WILL do right by her and marry her, and you will do so before the town knows she is carrying your child. I will be damned if I say I don’t see the way you adore each other. I want my Lizzie happy, and if you make her happy well then damn, I wish we had just seen it sooner.” Elizabeth’s father looked tired and weary as he patted Josh’s hand and walked out of the room with her mother trailing behind him as she still fumed. They had done it. Josh smiled at Elizabeth and kissed her gently.

“I love you Josh.” That was all she got the chance to say before Josh crushed his lips back onto hers. He couldn’t get past the overwhelming warmth and excitement at everything that has happened. He was really going to marry her. He was going to marry his beautiful Lizzie and they were having a baby. It seemed like nothing could go wrong now. He didn’t see anything, but her as he pulled back and watched her smile and blush deep.

“I love you Elizabeth. Mrs. Chisum.” Her blush went deeper as he picked up her hand and kissed her palm, sending shivers down her spine.

Elizabeth watched Josh as he lay his head on her stomach just listening and talking to their unborn baby. She raked her fingers threw his hair and couldn’t believe she was actually getting everything she could ever dream of. A man to love her as much as she loved him and a baby to share this love with as well. She would have the man of her dreams soon. Josh looked up at her when she stopped playing with his hair and smiled at her. He slowly moved up the bed to kiss her. She deepened the kiss when he tried to pull away. She didn’t want him to stop. He smiled and kissed her back and gently pulled back enough to look into her eyes.

“Lizzie, my love, be careful. You what it does to me when you kiss me like that.” He smiled cockily at her and she blushed. She did know what it did to him, and maybe it was wrong but she wanted him.

“I know, I’m sorry, I just I want you.” He leaned in and kissed her with more passion this time before he pulled back and away from her. She could see in Josh’s eyes that he wanted her jus as much and hated pulling away from her.

“I know, but we can’t not here at the doctors. What if somebody walks in the room?” His argument was lost when she kissed him again and reached down the front of his slacks, but before she could get into his pants he grabbed her hand and intertwined their fingers, he did want her so bad, but he’d rather wait and be somewhere more private, maybe if she wanted, his house.

“Josh, nobody is going to walk in here.” She couldn’t be sure but she had to try to convince him, she was beginning to tremble she wanted him that bad. It was unbearable to feel this way. She tried to deepen this kiss but Josh stood up and paced the room instead. She really wished he would just come back and sit down next to her.

“I don’t want to do that here Lizzie, I’m sorry, believe me I am. I need you, god I need you, but I thought maybe the next we did that we could maybe go to my house, instead of the woods and instead of here.” He stopped pacing and came back over to her and held her hand. Elizabeth’s heart sighed as he kissed her gently and that was all it took for her to do as he asked.

“Ok, I understand it’s ok. I’ve never seen your house before. When do I get to see it?” Her eyes lit up as she thought of being in the place he lived. Seeing the way he lived. He smiled at her and kissed her again. He needed to talk to the doctor before she could go anywhere.

“Well, my love, let me talk to the doctor, and if he gives the ok, we can go right now.” With a slow heat building kiss and a wink Josh left the room in pursuit of the doctor. He was eager to get her out of this awful place and somewhere that they could simply enjoy each other’s company more freely. He smiled to himself as the blush crept up his cheeks.

After he spoke to the doctor and he helped Elizabeth out of the office, he couldn’t help but notice all the stares as they strolled toward his house. The stares didn’t bother Elizabeth as she proudly held onto Josh’s hand and smiled as she let him lead her to his house. She was eager to see his house and gasped when they stopped in front of it. It was a little ways away from her house, and sat almost completely alone. It was also the biggest house in town.

“It’s wonderful.” She exclaimed as she rushed off to the door without him walking right inside. Josh laughed as he caught up with her in the parlor and caught her wrist. She looked back at him and smiled as she pulled him with her as she looked threw every room on the bottom floor then moving up to the next. It felt like hours before she was finally satisfied she had seen the whole house and everything that there was to see.

“You like it then my love? All of it is yours as much as it is mine.” He said as he kissed her neck making her lose her bearings. She tilted her neck giving him better access as he trailed his kisses across and then up to her lips. Moaning as he kissed her Elizabeth lost all thoughts completely and melted against him. He wasn’t sure how, but he had managed to lead her to his bedroom and lay her down gently on his bed. He felt like he had waited centuries to see her there. She sat up trying to pull him down with her but he caught her around her waist and in one quick movement she was on top of him as he lay under her. She smiled and bent kiss him again as he reached up and let her hair fall loose. “I have never seen anything more beautiful than you Elizabeth.” She blushed and he flipped them so that he was now on top as her hair spread over his pillows, wanting her scent to be trapped on them and he smiled.

As Josh trailed kisses all over her making her blush from head to toe each time he said something charming about her that he loved. Somehow quicker than she thought possible Josh had her dress off of her and tossed aside on the floor. As he looked at her, really looked at her he asked himself just how he got so lucky to have her. She furrowed her brow as she looked at him and pulled back down to her. He smiled around her lips as she kissed him greedily.

It seemed to Elizabeth that each new time they joined and made love it was better than the last. They seemed to be made for each other, fitting perfectly. Like puzzle pieces. As she cried out in sheer ecstasy, he followed right behind her, losing all will to stay up he fell gently on top her and she smiled. This was what was right. Being here with Josh in his bed, soon to be their bed. She thought of the rooms she had passed threw as Josh shifted off of her and pulled her to his side and played with her hair. Elizabeth wondered which room they would transform into a nursery and then which would later become their baby’s room as it grew older. She knew that even after this child their would be more, human babies or not, she wanted to have his children and as many as he wanted. It was one of the few things she could give to him besides her love and acceptance that held value to her.

Josh knew as soon as Elizabeth drifted off into sleep when he breathing became slower and more even. He shut his own eyes and held her closer to him, more pleased than he had been in a long time, knowing that she didn’t have to rush off to leave him so soon after they shared each other. It was a marvelous feeling, holding her as he drifted off into sleep soon after she did.

Chapter Ten

Elizabeth sat back and rubbed her growing belly as she looked out the window. She caught herself doing this a lot lately in the last four months. She was just about five months along in her pregnancy and couldn’t be more excited. Her and Josh had had the most marvelous wedding, everything she had ever dreamed of, and now she was Mrs. Elizabeth Chisum. She had her happy ending.

“Oh my.” Elizabeth held a hand to her belly where she had felt the kick strong as Josh flew into the room. He looked so frantic as if the sky was falling down on them that second.

“What? What’s the matter??” His eyes huge he frowned as Elizabeth only smiled at him. She motioned him to come to her and when he did, she placed his hand over where she felt the kick. When he felt it he smiled. It was marvelous, nothing at like he had ever thought it could be like. When he smiled and kissed his wife, he went back to his desk.

He had just received a letter from his brother, Logan. Logan had been cast out of the family years ago, and finally ran out of the money their parents had set him up with so he found Josh. Saw Josh’s marriage announcement in the paper. This really was the last thing he needed. He was already worried enough about Elizabeth’s pregnancy. Josh couldn’t find any other time in ’born’ vampire history of one of them mating with a human. Not once. There was no way to know if both Elizabeth and the baby would make it threw the whole term. Josh prayed every waking moment he could. Shoving his hair back with his hand in a rough but fast movement, he looked out to the yard.

The sun was setting. It looked beautiful. As Elizabeth crossed the yard to sit in her favorite spot. Laying back cradling her stomach watching as the sun went down. Josh usually sat with her, but something was bothering him all day. She couldn’t imagine what on earth could upset him so much, especially with her pregnancy going very smoothly, since he didn’t allow her to do anything but rest.

Elizabeth sighed still gazing at the now empty sky. The first few stars would soon begin to poke threw the blackness in the sky. Making their mark being first out. Shining the brightest. She smiled as the first finally peaked threw.

Josh stood there for a long while watching his wife watch the sky. He knew she couldn’t see all the stars yet, like he could, but there was that one that she could see. She was thinking about its strength. About how she wished she could be that strong and bright. She was though, she just couldn’t see it. Not yet anyway.

He walked slowly down to his now sleeping wife. As he looked down at her his heart sighed. She was beautiful. Her curls fanning out all around her, her fair, beautiful skin, and the way her arms cradled her stomach with a smile on her face as she slept. He picked her up as gently as he could and carried her into the house. He kissed her forehead and whispered he loved her before heading back down to his study.

It more than surprised him when he heard the faint knock on the door and immediately jumped up to answer it before they grew impatient, knocked louder and awoke Elizabeth.

Josh reached out with his mind to try and see who it was before answering, but frowned when he was blocked and thrown out of this person’s head. This person knew what he could do, this person sensed him in their brain. This was not good. When Josh opened the door his mouth fell open in shock. Logan stood on his front porch smiling at him with mischief in his eyes.

“Hey lil bro, I was kinda hurt you didn’t invite me to your fancy little happy wedding.” Feigning hurt he laid his hand over his heart and frowned. He pushed his was past Josh and walked right in the house, not even asking. This was going to be a trip and defiantly hard to explain to Elizabeth in the morning.

*So that was the end of this book, there will be a sequel in the near future! Hope you all enjoyed it!*

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Tag der Veröffentlichung: 23.07.2011

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This is dedicated to all the guys who showed me they were all the same and the one who made me realize they aren't :)