"Sexy Little Librarian"? Not in MY Dictionary! {28: FINAL} ::Fortitude in Fortune::

"Goodnight, Robin," Candice called out, rolling the last of blueprints and tucking them underneath her arm.
Robin poked her vibrant head out her bedroom door and yelled down the immense hall, "Sleep tight, Candice!"
Candice waved one final time before entering her own bedroom and closing the door. She had checked on Christy in the adjacent room half an hour ago, and the youngster had been fast asleep. At first, she had been hesitant to let Christy sleep alone in such a large mansion, but Christy herself had requested a room. Sighing, Candice thought how Christy seemed so independent at the startling age of three.
Dropping the blueprints on her desk, Candice flung herself on her expansive four-poster bed, the same bed she had inhabited from the age of two until her final slumber in the Manor four years ago. She rolled on to her back, and gazed at the stretch of white canopy above her head. Except she wasn't really seeing the cloth, but replaying dreams of the only two men she'd ever thought about under her covers. She felt no pity for Michael, none at all. He was simply...gone. Though, she did wonder what spurred that lively young man of eighteen to kiss her so deeply and feverishly, and then place those same lips upon her sister. Amazing how her intense devotion had transformed into utter apathy. She simply looked back at that time as a learning experience, absolutely removed from it, rendered to a bystander. She mourned for the boy who had been lost, not the man that had been killed.
As for the other man she'd been coveting under the guise of dreams... Those spontaneous kisses had spawned a yearning ache deep in her soul. After the abstinence of his touch, now she felt it was her only sustenance. It had been so long, so long. She was a woman of twenty-one, gone through so much, but like she had told him, she was alive. Very much alive. It was only natural that she had these emotions, these feelings of longing and desire. It was a profound shame she had forsaken her younger years on mislabeled love. Yet, it was not fair of her to ask him to return her feelings. In the beginning, it had been lust for him too.
Was that all what love was? A terrible desire to know the person intimately, to feel flesh against flesh, mouth to mouth? To hear not words, but raw sounds issuing from the kissed lips? But what about those moments when no touch interfered between the conversation of the eyes? When a mere gaze invoked a completely tangible and bodily reaction? When a thought could bring a secret smile, or a sudden burst of tears? Was that love? Knowing that while you slept, the other dreamed of you without sleeping?
Sighing deeply, Candice slipped underneath her covers still fully clothed, too worn out to change. The past weeks had been a flurry of meetings, calls, and introductions. She'd met with contractors, instructors, architects... businessmen, lawyers, and activists. Her only relief and comfort was the presence of Christy, always ready with a smile and a hug.
She was a mother now, Candice realized suddenly, smiling. Christy might not carry her genes, but they shared a blood bond. Whatever happened, Candice knew she had someone out there who wholeheartedly loved her and loved back.
She nearly drifted off to sleep when her door creaked open. There was a soft patter of small feet, and Candice lifted her head from her pillow to see two blue eyes.
"Aunt Can-is, I can't sleep," Christy whispered, peering up at her shyly.
"Why not, sweetie?" Candice scooted over in her bed, and Christy clambered up and cuddled next to her.
"I dream that I'm alone," Christy answered simply. Then she added, "Will you be gone, too?"
Candice started, and hugged her fiercely. "I'm always going to be here for you, Christy. Never doubt that."
"Momma said that too," Christy whispered, eyes drooping.
"I'm sorry, honey. Sometimes people just can't keep their promises," Candice murmured, "but I know that she loved you."
Christy was quickly falling asleep, yet she smiled with her eyes closed. "I know. I love her too. And you too, Aunt Can-is."
"I love you too, forever."

The two walked hand in hand, wearing identical ivory dresses, looking content to simply be in each other's company. The younger smiled shyly at those who greeted her, but solemnly greeted each guest by name and a handshake. The elder tried to copy the little one's poise and grace, but her neck kept craning towards the entrance, barely managing to keep her giddiness and nervousness in check.
Despite Candice's jitters, the charity event was going over tremendously. Unlike other aid organizations, that was not some lavish party designed to coax the egos of the wealthy to donate a dollar or two. All the food provided had been prepared by Candice herself, and the orphanage she had decided to sponsor. The children enthusiastically participated in the event and, at Candice's encouragement, mingled with the guests. Candice was determined to show that these children were human beings, tangible minds and personalities, not simply nameless entities that needed help.
After years of neglect, Carter Manor once again shone with its former glory. Candice, Robin, Aaron, and Brandon had spent the best of the last few weeks airing out rooms, sweeping, mopping, moving from sponge to rag, from their hands and knees to teetering on ladders. For now, their efforts would suffice, but Candice had much grander plans for her former home.
The guests slowly grew comfortable with the lax attitude and atmosphere, and began to migrate towards their dinning tables. The children from the orphanage sat dispersed among the wide array of attendees, who ranged from the richest banker to the struggling activist.
Robin, who had been helping people find their places, came over, ruffling Christy's loose hair playfully. "Are you hungry, Chrissy-chris?" she asked, and smiled fondly when the toddler's stomach rumbled in reply. Taking Christy's hand, Robin said, "Come on, I'll get you something."
Candice smiled warmly at her niece, and prodded gently, "Go on, sweetie."
Smiling back, Christy let go of her aunt's hand and let Robin lead her away. However, before she turned away Robin reassured Candice with a wistful grin. "He'll be here."
Nodding to show she understood, she watched her friend and niece depart. Suddenly she felt strange with her hands empty, with the absence of Christy's warm hand in hers. She bit her lower lip and wrapped her arms around herself and, despite the presence of a hundred people, loneliness started to wrap its tendrils around her. Ever since her sister's death, she had been in another's company constantly and now...
A gentle hand fell on her shoulder. "I apologize for my late arrival, Miss Carter."
Surely, he heard her heart start to beat like drummer overloaded on a concoction of adrenaline and nervous giddiness. Her knocking knees added to the symphony as she turned to see Erik.
He looked at anxious as she felt, yet the wide grin that appeared dispersed all of Candice's apprehension. Attired in a formal suit, he still managed to look casual and carefree. It could have been his perpetually messy hair, mischievous green eyes, or easy smile, but Candice completely forgot everything and everyone else.
"I'm glad you could make it," she responded at last, unable to break from Erik's gaze.
"You look lovely," Erik complimented, admiring her simple white gown, noticing her figure returning to its past voluptuous splendor. He reached out to touch a curl that has sprung away from Candice's chignon, and moved closer, leaning in to kiss her.
Automatically, Candice turned her head, and his lips merely brushed her cheek. When he pulled back, Candice saw confusion and disappointment play across his face.
Unable to bear that look, she glanced over his shoulder, and finally became aware of the man standing a bit behind Erik. Erik noticed her gaze and looked himself. He started as if he had just remembered something, and grabbed the man's arm, yanking him next to him. "Candice, I want you to meet my cousin Mateo Matthews."
"But you can call me Matt," Matt greeted, shaking Candice's hand enthusiastically. "And I'm delighted to say my cousin is gifted with the power of understatement. He's told me all about you, but he failed miserably at describing your true brilliance."
Blushing, Candice laughed. "Thank you, Matt, but really..."
"No, ma'am, no joke. Any smarter man, which I regretfully say is not my dear cousin, would have asked--"
"That's enough," Erik said loudly, jabbing Matt with his elbow. "I took enough abuse at your hands when I let you tattoo me up."
"Well, Candice, it was a pleasure." Matt winked exaggeratedly, then bolted away before Erik could slug him. Smiling, Candice watched him make a beeline for the appetizers, not to mention an unsuspecting Robin.
"You did a wonderful job, Candice," Erik ventured a jab at conversation, "the house looks beautiful."
"Thank you," Candicereplied.
"So...you're leaving tomorrow?"
"That's right, tomorrow morning."
Both Candice and Erik felt panic encroaching. Why couldn't they speak? Why were they acting like complete strangers? Why...
"Candice! Guess who came!" Aaron bounded up to Candice, pulling along two older people behind him.
"Mrs. Jameson! Mr. Jameson!" Candice exclaimed, immediately swept up by the portly Mrs. Jameson into a fierce hug.
"Let me have a good look at you, my Candy," Mrs. Jameson said, regarding the blonde.
"You look as beautiful as ever, Mrs. Jameson," Candice complimented, and Mrs. Jameson beamed. She was a vivacious, curvy black woman, who obviously loved to hear the truth.
Meanwhile, Mr. Jameson shook Erik's hand enthusiastically, clapping him on the shoulder. "And who is this strapping young man, Candice?"
"I'm Erik Matthews," Erik responded, and Mr. Jameson, a tall thin man with brown hair, eyed him carefully.
"Candice's recent beau?"
"Um--" Candice and Erik started, and glanced at each other quickly. Aaron, thankfully, noticed the dangerous waters and threw out the lifesavers.
"Ma, Pop, you haven't said hi to Robin," he burst hastily, yanking on his parent's hands and pulling them away quickly.
"We'll talk later, dear!" Mrs. Jameson called out over her shoulder, and Candice waved to show her agreement.
"They're such wonderful people," Candice sighed. "I spent most of my time at their house; they practically raised me. As you can imagine, my parents didn't approve much of my personal affiliations with the servants." Candice looked after them, watching as Mrs. Jameson enveloped both Robin and Christy in an embrace. "Which they never were to me."
Erik moved closer to her. Standing side to side with a space between them, Erik asked quietly without looking at her, "What am I to you?"
"Erik..." Whether his name was leading to a question or a proclamation, he never found out: with an apologetic smile directed at him, Robin had approached and started whispering Candice's ear. He waited patiently for the women to finish their conversation; he had waited weeks to see Candice, and a few minutes wouldn't make difference.
However, it seemed he needed to wait a bit more; Robin hurried away, and Candice turned to him. "I need to start, Erik. I'll speak with you later."
Numbly, he nodded. She appeared to reach for him, but at the last second, she brought her hand back to her side and walked away.
As Erik settled into the seat furthest away from the podium, he surveyed the decorated ballroom. Large round tables were placed around the immense room, centered with large bouquets of colorful flowers cut directly from the manor grounds. The tablecloths were white, and the accompanying linens were in shades of bright blue and yellow. It was bright and airy, not to mention relaxing and welcoming. As Candice approached the podium, the room itself became bland and his eyes turned to visually feast upon the blonde.
Candice looked out at the immense group of sitting people, feeling their gazes locked directly on her. Her smile waned ever so slightly, and her fingers involuntarily tightened on the speech in her hands. Swallowing, she tried to readjust her smile as she started, "I am delighted to have you here today, and eternally grateful for your support and presence. The remodeling and renovations to New Hope Orphanage could not have been possible without your cooperation, and the happy children around you are testament to that. However, I have grander sights for our city, our country, and our world. I..."
She couldn't remember the words. Panicked, she raced through her brain, attempting desperately to recall her lines. They wouldn't come, she couldn't remember! Her palms started to sweat; she knew the words were in front on her, placed on the podium, but for some reason, she couldn't force her eyeballs to swivel down for a peek. A second passed, and all Candice could perceive were pairs of staring eyes. Her look swept over them, as if one of them could give her a balm for her sudden fear.
Across the ballroom, she met his gaze. Comforting, encouraging, caring. Warm, tender. He smiled.
Her own lips turned upward as she continued, "I plan to use all the currency my late father left to me to fund projects full of life, learning, and love. Most of it will be used to help nurture and bloom various charitable and public service organizations here in our city, and our state. As you all know, our public library is adding a new wing, and my hope is that it will help cultivate a positive state of mind for the community.
"However, there is no reason to focus on a single task. With the assistance of Mr. Benedict Noble, our monetary and manual efforts will convert into a single organization that can maintain and run itself efficiently. My wish and hope is to extend a loving and helpful hand to everyone, regardless of social, economic, and ethnic backgrounds."
For a moment, Candice paused, her blue eyes softening as she looked out at the crowd. The prepared speech lay on the podium, completely forgotten. "I've lost so must, and gained so much. I know money cannot solve every problem, despite the exorbitant amount one may have. Yes, I am asking for your donations, but I'm asking for something even more precious: your love. Half of us provide the currency, and half of us have none to offer. Half of us provide our hands and sweat, and half of us cannot. I'm hoping to reconcile those two halves, the man with the money and the man with a heart. Businessman and activist, entrepreneur and teacher. I need you both. If you give me a dollar, it's not worth anything if you do not care. If you give me your time, it's not worth anything if you begrudge it. We have to do this because we care, not just because it's the right thing to do.
"Tomorrow morning I head off to Latin America with twenty-five volunteers. The plan is to start the groundwork of our charity for foreign aid. Simultaneous arrangements will occur in our city, so we can have two groups working in unison.
"Before I hand things over to Mr. Noble, who will head the in-city planning, I want to say thank you once again. I'm completely overwhelmed at the outpouring of support. Thank you."
Candice smiled shyly, but gratefully, as a roar of applause greeted her final thank you. Mr. Noble patted her hand comfortingly as she stepped away from the podium and he took her place. As she sat at her own table with Christy, Aaron, his parents, Brandon, and Robin, Candice could feel his warm gaze from across the room. Tentatively, she looked up, her heart jumping in her throat as green met blue. Then she glanced away. No one noticed the hand she put to her mouth to hide the wide grin tugging at her lips. No one but him.
Erik impatiently waited for Mr. Noble to finish explaining how the charity would be run, absently stuffing appetizers into his mouth. When Mr. Noble stepped away and everyone was being served dinner, Erik haphazardly jabbed at the menu, distracted by Candice. She had started rounds around the tables, acting and looking like a proper hostess. His food arrived and he began to eat, jabbing his fork randomly at his plate, eyes trailing after her.
"Erik, you're stabbing your butter." Matt gently pushed away Erik's hand from the butter dish, smiling brightly at the staring couple at the adjacent table.
Erik put his fork down. "I don't think I'm hungry anymore."
"Either you're farting or your stomach's rumbling, and I'm praying for the former. And she won't disappear, I promise," Matt said, grinning.
Erik reluctantly disengaged his eyeballs from her and set them on his plate. A while after, Matt go up, claiming he was headed to the restroom. Erik grunted, too busy spearing a rogue pea with his fork. Head down, Erik sighed. Candice was leaving. Of course, she was coming back, but it felt like she was leaving him. Not long after the incident at his apartment, he had called her, but their conversation had been short. He could almost hear the strain in her voice as she had mentioned Suzy. Obviously, it was still a gaping wound for her self-esteem and trust in him, but he had hoped he had explained and reassured. But judging by the evening's first greetings, and disregarding their brief locking of lips, Candice was still weary of him.
"Can I offer you anything else?" His lone pea ricocheted off his plate and landed in the wine glass of the woman that had been glaring at him earlier. Candice clapped a hand to her mouth and restrained a laugh. Erik grinned as he looked up at her, and Candice repeated her question, moving her hand to reveal her smile. "Anything?"
Your kiss. "No, I'm fine."
"Are you sure?"
Your touch. "I'm good, Candice."
"All you have to do is ask, okay?"
Your lo-- She sat down in the seat next to him, and surprised Erik by touching the tips of his fingers with her own. "I'll remember that, Candy."
"Have you enjoyed yourself?"
"It's been a great evening, Candice. I'm really looking forward to helping out anyway I can."
Immediately, her face brightened. "I'm glad to hear that."
They lapsed into silence, but it wasn't uncomfortable. Erik adjusted his seat, so he sat closer to her. His hand shifted, and now his thumb touched her knuckles. Candice neither acknowledged it nor drew away.
"So, what are you planning when you come back?"
Leaning in forward in an air of conspiracy, Candice told him, "Only Aaron and Robin know at this point, but I'm turning the manor into a boarding school for the underprivileged and moving into the cottage on the grounds. I have to put this huge place into use, and it's simply too big for only Christy and me." Erik caught the glittering in her eyes before she blinked and shifted her gaze. "Robin will reside at the manor and help to supervise the children, and Aaron will commute to and from here."
Suddenly, she stopped. Almost talking to herself, she said, "I've just realized, after three years, I'm going to be alone."
Erik's hand covered her own. "No, you won't."
"I'll have Christy."
"You'll have me." Erik steadily met her wide blue stare. Her eyebrows bowed sadly, and her hand started to withdraw.
However, Erik quickly laced his fingers with hers. He leaned in closer, and said simply, "I've missed you, sweetheart."
A smile fluttered briefly at her lips. "It's been a long time since I've been called 'sweetheart'."
Erik reached up and nudged her glasses higher up, his index finger pausing to trail her cheek before his hand returned to his side. Candice grasped his hand, and squeezed it. She was willing, he wanted...
"I'm so sorry to interrupt," came the apologetic voice, and they both jumped. "But I think Candice should have a look at this."
Candice released her hold on Erik, and Aaron plopped a familiar-looking duffel bag on the table. Slowly, Candice tugged at the zipper, and a white slip of paper came out, along with a couple of green bills. She opened the folded paper, and a single word jumped out at her: Sorry.
"How did you get this?" Candice whispered, eyes shimmering.
"I stepped outside to escort the Nobles out, and I spotted it next to the entrance. Do you know anything about this?"
"No," Candice said firmly. She folded the paper and clenched it in her fist. "Put it in my study, Aaron, please, and lock the door."
"All right, Candice," Aaron agreed, picking up the money dotting the table and stuffing it back into the bag. He stepped away, and Candice stood up.
"Candy--" Erik started, but Candice put her hand up to stop him.
"I have to say good-bye to my guests, Erik," she said distractedly, "Excuse me."
Erik was left staring after her as she hurried away. He slammed his fist slightly against the table, and sighed deeply. Putting his elbows on the table, he supported his head with his fists and closed his eyes. His heart still pitter-pattered wildly, the side affect of Candice's near presence. At her sudden absence, it ached.
He barely noticed as the guests started to filter away, leaving only a small smattering. A hand touched his shoulder, and Erik started, head swiveling eagerly, hoping to catch a blue gaze.
"Jeez, don't you look delighted to see me," Matt remarked dryly at Erik's disappointed glower. "I'm leaving, dearest cousin."
Erik immediately tensed. "We can't leave yet," he hissed, "I--"
"Relax, dude, I said I, not we. Okay, technically it's we, but I don't think you want to join me and lady Rox."
"Where are you and Robin going?"
"Technically, it's none of your damn business, but we're going to a movie and drive around a while. Maybe skinny dip later."
"Robin's going to leave Candice alone?"
"Candice insisted. Well, not the skinny dipping, but she was really adamant."
"Well, I'll see you later, Matt."
"Cool. And I'll be crossing my fingers for you and lady Carter," Matt replied, patting his cousin's shoulder.
Erik waved him off, and watched him join Robin. He harrumphed. Even his crazy cousin had better luck at wooing.
Time ticked, and Erik got up, searching for Candice. He spotted her at the manor doors, saying good-bye to the last of the guests. Candice noticed him coming, but didn't acknowledge him. However, he continued and joined the congregation of Candice, Aaron, Brandon, the Jamesons, and Christy. Christy was in Mrs. Jameson's arms, but she beamed when she saw him, waving and greeting, "'Rik!"
He waved back, smiling. He spotted Mrs. Jameson grinning mischievously, and he wondered if she'd seen him and Candice at the table. And what Aaron had gossiped.
"Are you sure you don't want to stay?" Candice asked the Jamesons, her eyes flickering briefly to Erik before focusing on Mrs. Jameson.
"Honey, we'd love to, but you need to get your rest, if you're getting up as early as you said you were. And I'm planning to stay up very late catching up with my Aaron and Brandon," Mrs. Jameson replied gently. "But I'll make sure to put this one," Mrs. Jameson jiggled Christly slightly, and the girl giggled, "to bed early, so don't worry."
"I can't thank you enough for taking her during my trip," Candice said, smiling at Christy, who suddenly sobered.
"I'm going to miss you, Aunt Can-is," she said, and Candice came around and hugged her and Mrs. Jameson, who started to cry.
" I'll miss you too. It's only a month, honey, and I promise to take you next time," Candice vowed, and Mrs. Jameson sniffled.
"All right, all right," Aaron said, clearing his throat. "I guess this is it." He slipped Christy's bag from his shoulder and hugged Candice, followed by Mrs. Jameson, Brandon, Mr. Jameson, and Mrs. Jameson again.
"I'm going to miss all of you," Candice finally disengaged herself from the affluence of hugs.
"Okay, let's go. Let's leave this young man to say his good-byes, too," Mrs. Jameson snuffled, directing a meaningful glance at Erik. Everyone trooped out with a chorus of goodnights, and Candice waved them off from the front steps, finally pulling her hand down after their car was out of sight.
Erik stood next to her in the night, the light from the open doors bathing them in gold. He said quietly, "I didn't know you were leaving for an entire month."
Candice glanced up at him. "I didn't want to think about it."
She turned and walked back inside without another word. Erik followed, closing and locking the large double doors behind him. She kept her distance ahead of him, her white dress fluttering slightly as she walked. Erik noticed she was barefoot.
She paused at the entrance of the ballroom, looking in. Then she cast her eyes away as she turned off the lights. She continued throughout the rest of the manor, turning off lights, and Erik continued to pursue her, shrugging off the darkness that fell as her hand swept over the switches. He kept focused on her dark figure, outlined in soft yellow from the burning lights of the rooms ahead.
Finally, the only light came from the chandelier suspended over the double staircase that led to the second floor. She stopped and looked back at him, the glow of the chandelier forming a golden halo behind her. Her hair had fallen from the elegant bun, forming curls that twisted next to her ears, and one strand touched the corner of her mouth. "How far are you going to follow me, Erik?"
"As far as it takes."
She didn't say another word. She ascended the stairs, and Erik trailed after her, a few steps behind. At the bridge where the double staircases met, Erik reached for her. Surprisingly, she yielded, letting him envelop her in his arms. He leaned back against the banister, holding her tightly, her head under his chin, feeling her hands pressing into his back. He nearly wept.
Candice pulled away slightly, her finger tracing his jaw, touching his lower lip. "I've missed you, too." She stood on her toes for a second, and brushed her lips against his softly. Then she drew away and started walking, fingers intertwined with his as he followed behind. The chandelier slowly faded to black.
Lips. Hands. A white dress on the floor. A shirt next to it. A light on.

Candice shifted, still wrapped in the tender tendrils of sleep. A kiss on her naked shoulder prompted attention. Smiling, she turned sleepily and met his warm gaze. He kissed her forehead then her lips, greeting, "Good morning, sweetheart."
"Good morning, Erik," she replied, reaching to tug on a lock of black hair that had fallen across his eyes.
They said nothing more; any speech would have been superfluous. He ran his thumb over her lips, and she kissed it. Erik took her hand from his shoulder and kissed her palm, her knuckles, her wrist. Unable to deny himself any longer, he captured her lips, and he could feel her smiling against his kiss.
At last, he propped himself up with his elbow, and gazed down at her. She looked right back him unabashedly, a smile tugging at her mouth. A smile he returned.
Inexplicably, he suddenly knew. He was right; he'd been right. "Candice, I--"
"What time is it?" Candice sat bolt upright, searching for her clock. The next second, all Erik saw was a flurry of blankets and a bare blonde racing to the bathroom. He sat on the edge of her bed and sighed.
Candice was dressed and already barging down the stairs with her suitcases when Erik came out of the shower. He quickly threw on his shirt and slacks, disregarding the stuffy jacket of the previous night. He dashed after Candice, catching her at the entrance. Her suitcases littered around her as she contemplated aloud, "I know I'm forgetting something..."
Erik reached into his pocket and gently slipped her glasses on her nose. Candice smiled and quickly kissed him. "Thank you."
He grabbed her keys as she took them out of her purse. "I'll take you to the airport, Candy."
"Are you sure?"
"I couldn't want anything else." Other than for you to stay with me.
Taking back her keys, Candice trailed after Erik, who had taken her suitcases and was heading to his car. Once again, there was silence between them. The quiet was lighter than last night, but still, the fog of things unsaid still hung in the air.
Erik concentrated on the road and in the seat next to him, Candice read over lists, checking and double-checking last minute details.
The silence kept its embrace as they arrived at the airport, as Erik escorted her in, as Candice checked in her bags. Five minutes before boarding, Erik turned to Candice, intent on saying what he felt. Candice was looking to the side, scanning a selection of books at the small airport bookstore. He took her hand. "Candice?"
"Hmm?" She glanced at him, blue stare holding him hostage for a second.
"I just wanted to say how much you mean to me." That's a lie, coward. That's not what you want to say.
She squeezed his hand. "I'm glad to hear that."
You said it once to me, Candice. Why won't you say it again? "I'll be waiting right here for when you come back."
She smiled softly. "I'd like that."
She knew what he wanted to say, Erik realized, but she didn't want to hear it. Or couldn't.
"Flight to..."
"I have to go, Erik," Candice said quietly, and made to move around him. However, he grabbed her arm, and brought her back.
He cupped her face, meeting her pleading gaze, swallowing hard. "Candice, I--"
Candice tugged down on his shoulders, bringing him down for a fierce kiss, halting his speech. Just as suddenly, she pulled and hurried away, leaving Erik behind with a hand extended to the air, as though he were still embracing her. But she was gone.

~720 Hours Later~
Erik added the final touch to the table, a tall wineglass with two intertwined red roses. He glanced around at the library roof, making a fist and hitting his open palm contemplatively. The new wing of the library had just been completed, and just in time, too: Candice was going to arrive that evening, and he had asked permission to use the roof for her welcome back dinner.
A large white tarpaulin hung suspended above the small table (which he nearly broke his back hauling on to the roof). The food was kept warm over heaters, and desert was chilling in a cool icebox. A wine bottle sweated cold tears as it sat in ice, and Erik absently popped a piece of ice into his mouth, which was bordering the texture of sponge. Candice wasn't due for another hour, yet his heart nearly skipped out his chest cavity in giddiness and anticipation.
A gentle breeze caressed his face, and Erik looked out at the sun as it bled pink across the horizon. Fingers of orange streaked crisscrossed the pink, like the mark from a child's errant coloring. Purple dipped in at the edges, ushering in the coming night.
"Beautiful, isn't it?"
"It sure--Candice?" Erik whirled around, and spotted a blonde head poking above the stairway that lead to the roof. A grin sprung to his lips just as fast he sprung towards her. He offered his hand, and helped her onto the roof next to him. Even though he could feel the pressure of her fingers against his, could see her small smile, he hardly dared to believe she was there in the flesh before him. "I didn't expect you so soon."
"I took an earlier plane," Candice answered. "I was anxious to see everyone." You.
Erik embraced her, whispering, "As were we." I. "Welcome back, sweetheart."
After a moment, Candice disengaged herself and peered around him. Her eyes softened as she took in the sight of his setup. "I received your message telling me to come meet you here, but I didn't expect you to do all this for me."
"The new wing will be inaugurated tomorrow, but I wanted you to be the first one to enjoy it." Erik grinned mischievously, "I wanted dinner to be inside--"
"Near the new books? Are you mad, man?" Candice scolded, jaw agape in mock shock. She smiled, though, as she concluded, "But this is infinitely better."
"All right, mademoiselle," Erik said, ushering Candice to the table, "let us eat, and hear of your adventures."
As he pulled her chair out and then settled into his own across from her, he noticed her complexion was much brighter, more alive. He also noted that she was curvier, gaining the weight she lost a few months ago when her sister arrived and the chaotic events that followed.
He moved to serve her wine, and Candice halted him, explaining, "Not right now, Erik. I'll stick to the water."
He put the bottle down. "No problem. So, how did things go?"
They settled back comfortably into the rhythm of conversation, as though she had never been gone, or they had never been apart. With glee, Erik observed that her old appetite had returned, as she ate with enthusiasm and zeal. Finally, speech lulled, and they simply sat back, content to just be in each other's company.
Candice propped her elbow on the table, her chin on her hand. With her other hand, she reached out and stroked the rose perched in the wineglass in the center of the table. "The most austere is often the thing most dear and near," she sighed. Her hand fell from the flower and dropped to her belly.
Erik met her gaze. "Where did you hear that?"
"I read it somewhere," she replied vaguely. "The complicated is simple. The simple is complicated. Take this rose, for example. It is composed of petals in basic geometric shapes, yet look how the plain forms create something so beautiful. Yet, the structure appears so complex. The same pattern repeats in everyday life. A single word can have so much meaning, but also be a single utterance of sound. It's all the same: thoughts, emotions..."
Their eyes met across the table. It needed to be said now, Erik felt intuitively. But the words wouldn't come; she blinked and looked away. The moment retreated.
Erik slid his chair around and plunked it next to Candice, reaching for a package next to him. "Candice, I know you want to make Carter Manor into a school, right?" She nodded. "Well, I wanted to express my interest in becoming a teacher there."
Her eyes immediately brightened. "You are serious? That would be wonderful!"
Her grin was infectious. "I just have another semester to finish at the university and get my teaching credential, and I'll be ready to start."
"That would be fantastic, Erik. I..." Clearly at a loss for words, Candice merely beamed.
"Oh! Well, before you even say yes, I want you to take a look at my work," Erik said, handing her a leather-bound book. "It's stuff I've written over the years," he explained, and added hastily, "It's not any good, since I majored in history, but..."
"I'm certain it's great," Candice reassured, taking it and flipping through it. She came to a book-marked page, the last entry. However, she didn't immediately look at the writing; instead, her attention was captured by the object tied on the bookmark's tassel...
Erik had fallen to one knee, and he took the tassel and untied the ring from it; he held it out to her, and recited from memory, "Fortitude in my fortune: not rings of gold, but kisses of love untold. Silence, the murdering mistress, has muted the tongue, but left the heart beat true. For what is felt is not in word, but in soul, and echoes in two." He paused, meeting her gaze. "I love you, Candice. Will you be my wife, and spend the rest of your life together with me?" He waited.
Candice's eyes were bright with tears. However, her voice was smooth and strong as she said quietly, "As a librarian, I know not all stories end in a happily ever after." Erik instantly went numb. "We've gone through so much, Erik, but we're so young. Erik...wait..."
He'd gotten up and dropped down into his chair, eyes cast down, his hand supporting his head. His palm on the table covered the ring, and he curled his fingers around it in a fist. Candice reached over; he flinched slightly, but he didn't move away as she placed her hand over his.
"But who said the story was over?"