{Author's Note: Yes, this really IS the last chapter… Honest!}

I'd like to take a moment for thanks giving!

{Thank you to the readers from 23 countries who have taken the time to peruse Past Perfect Future. I hope you've enjoyed the journey of reading this story as much as I've enjoyed the journey of writing it.}

{Great, Big, FLUFFY, heartfelt gratitude goes out to all of the readers who took the time to offer comments, suggestions, corrections, questions, and excellent advice in their reviews and private messages. I can't even begin to tell you all how much those wonderful words of encouragement meant to me!}

{Lastly, I wish to reiterate my appreciation to all of the authors of Murder, She Wrote fan fiction whose stories made me smile when I needed it the most. This tale is dedicated to those writers. I am truly honored now to be among you. Thanks ever so much!}

ClearDarkNight

... ... ... ... ...

It's the morning after Jessica and Seth's barbecue wedding reception. Everyone had turned in early the night before - exhausted by the joyful, but tiring day. And everyone was sleeping in late that early a.m. With one exception…

Jessica smiled in her dreams when she felt the gentle touch of fingertips on her eyebrows. Mmmm, Seth…

The smile remained on her face even when the soft fingertips slid down to her eyelids and ever so carefully pushed them up.

"Grandma, are you awake?" she heard whispered in a loud child's voice as her blurry vision focussed to find Frank peering into her face, his nose nearly touching hers as he pressed his cheek onto the edge of her pillow.

I guess I am now, she thought. Pulling back slightly she smiled at the youngster and asked quietly, so as not to wake Seth, "Good morning, sweetheart. What has you up so early?"

"Mom and Dad are asleep like logs and I'm all by myself awake and I don't know where anything is."

"And by 'anything' do you happen to mean breakfast?" came the gently inquiry.

"Yeah! Can we have waffles, please?" he said, his excitement growing.

Before Jessica could answer a deep voice responded, "Waffles require payment, young man. Of the tickle kind." And with that an arm came around Jessica's waist and snatched the child up and over his surprised grandmother and plunked him down on her other side.

"Now then," a grinning Seth told the giggling kid. "It's three tickles per waffle! How many waffles do you want?"

"Lots, Grandpa! Lots!"

Winking over at Jessica, Seth instructed, "Well then, we'd better get started," and with that they softly ticked the youngster's sides; causing him to laugh with delight.

After a few moments of continuous giggles Jessica informed the wriggling youngster, "I think that's sufficient payment. Let's go downstairs and you can help mix the batter."

"Oh, boy!" exclaimed Frank as he climbed over his bemused grandmother and did a little happy dance beside the bed. "I'll race you!"

"Of course! Let's see how quietly and slowly we can go downstairs," challenged Jessica. "You go first."

"Yeah! Okay, here I go," the eager kid agreed as he tiptoed out of the room and down the stairway.

Jessica turned back over and cuddled against Seth. "And good morning to you, Grandpa," she smiled as she pressed a warm, soft, lingering kiss to his lips.

After they parted Seth looked keenly at her and lamented, "I suppose we have to go downstairs now too, don't we?"

"I know, we haven't had a moment to ourselves; but it's only for a little while longer. I'm sure we'll manage…" Jessica's words were cut off as Seth kissed her. They stayed in the moment a long while before the kiss broke. "Maybe just a little longer…" breathlessly managed Jessica before she drew him back to her and captured his mouth hungrily.

After they came up for air they stared at each other for a long moment, and then simultaneously sighed.

Jessica patted his chest twice. "Come on," she said resignedly. "The waffle iron awaits us."

"Welcome to being a grandparent, Jess," chuckled Seth. "Speaking of which, if Margie was down there the place would already be a wreck. We'd better get up," he motioned as he tossed back the covers.

As they pulled on their robes Jessica remarked, "It's nice to see that Frank and the girls get along so well."

"A-yuh, they were thick as thieves the whole time yesterday at the reception. Especially Frank and Margie. It would be nice if they all had the chance to grow up as close cousins."

Jessica nodded in agreement, then said thoughtfully, "You know, we could have them all here for a week or so every summer. It's not much, but at least they'll get to see each other and we'd get to watch them grow up together."

"I'm sure their parents would really like that idea, too," surmised Seth. Then he grinned broadly. "Well, if we're going to have at least six kids running around here every summer I'm going to have an extra waffle - I think I'd better start building up my endurance now!"

Jessica looked at her husband with bright, twinkling eyes and suggested, "Have two; you'll need that extra endurance in another day or so." And with a wink she led a still grinning Seth downstairs.

... ... ... ... ...

Unfortunately, the "day or so," stretched longer that expected.

... ... ... ... ...

After breakfast on Monday, Grady wanted to show his son where he used to play when he was growing up and they and Donna trundled off all around Cabot Cove until lunch. The rest of the day was filled with the out-of-town guests visiting the house, much to the delight of Jessica and Seth. The merry crowd increased and lingered, and began to spill out into the back yard, enjoying the fine summer's day. Late in the afternoon Mort and Adele stopped in after tarrying a few moments in the garden.

"Wow, Mrs. F, this place is hopping," observed Mort. "Are you having another reception, or what?"

"No, Mort. It's just turned out this way. I was just thinking that we should get something for dinner."

"That's easy, Jessica. Why not order pizza from Antonio's? Tony throws the best pies in town," suggested Adele.

"That's a wonderful idea! I'll order some salad, as well. I'd better send Seth out for some paper plates and drinks - We didn't expect to see this many people!"

"Don't worry about that Mrs. F, we'll take care of the supply run," offered Mort. "You and the doc just enjoy your guests."

"You're both such dears!" exclaimed Jessica hugging them both before they left on their mission.

The rest of the day was filled with crispy pizza and much laughter as Seth and Jessica got to spend precious time with their loved ones. All too soon, the crowd said their good-byes as the evening drew to a close, but not before Emma organized several guests to pick up the debris. Thus, the house was somewhat tidy after everyone was gone, although somewhat infused with the delicious aroma of pepperoni.

As they all climbed the stairs up to bed Donna said ruefully, "Oh, my goodness! I'll never remember half the names of all the people I met today."

"That's okay sweetie, I don't remember half of them myself," returned Grady, carrying a sleeping Frank over his shoulder.

Yawning hugely, Seth chimed in, "At this point, I'm not sure I do either!"

"Good-night everyone!" Jessica laughed as she and Seth entered their bedroom. After changing and a quick brushing of teeth they were soon asleep, wrapped in each other's arms.

... ... ... ... ...

Susan and her family came by to see the Fletcher clan off on Tuesday, with assurances of gathering together for the holidays lightening the farewell.

"This is such a charming town," Helene looked up at her brother. "Could you possibly show us around a little today, since we're leaving tomorrow morning?"

"Of course, sis! I'm sure Susan wants to show John and the girls her old haunts too," agreed Seth. The group then spent a happy day meandering around the pretty coastal hamlet.

After dinner the adults stayed up and lingered over coffee until Helene remarked to her husband, "My goodness, it's way past our bedtime Shelby, and we all need to be at the airport tomorrow by noon."

"We'll be by around ten-thirty to see you off," said her older brother.

After they left Jessica and Seth cleaned up the crumbs and cups and headed to bed. Jessica was snuggled down in the covers as Seth came in from the bathroom. "I must be tuckered out," he said. "I think I fell asleep brushing my teeth! And the toothpaste tasted funny - at least I hope it was toothpaste."

Jessica hid her face in her pillow as she snickered. "Don't worry, I'll kiss you good night anyway!" They both quickly dropped off into a deep sleep.

... ... ... ... ...

Wednesday morning's alarm clock ringing had both Jessica and Seth groaning as they dragged themselves out of bed and hurried over to bid Susan, John, and the granddaughters farewell.

While hugging Jessica good-bye Susan whispered into her ear, "Thanks for making my Dad so very happy!" Jessica whispered back, "And here I thought it was him who was making me so very happy!" The women pulled back and smiled at each other for a special moment before Susan turned to her father and gave him a final big hug as well as returning the house keys. "I'm so glad that you had this reception," she told him. "It was wonderful seeing everyone again!"

"We sure enjoyed it, too!" Seth smiled at her. "Now, I hate to shoo you all off but you do have a plane to catch."

Jessica and Seth walked the group to the rental car and then stood by the curb, waving them down the road. "Well, there goes the last of our visiting guests. It's just us chickens, now. What would you like to do first?"

"Actually, I could really, really use a… nap. I'm sorry," a chagrined Jessica exclaimed. "I know we had plans for when we finally had time by ourselves, but I'm just beat!"

"Say no more, my dear! I'm in the same state as you. So, let's go and refresh ourselves - we'll still have the rest of the day - and the night - to enjoy later."

... ... ... ... ...

Or so they thought.

... ... ... ... ...

Jessica woke in the early afternoon to knocking on the front door. After a quick look in the mirror with a fluff and pat on her hair she slipped on her shoes and made her way downstairs where she opened the door to Helen and Lillian Appletree, two elderly sisters, neighbors from a few streets over, bearing a basket with a platter of tea cakes inside.

Seth was descending the stairs as he heard Lillian say, "My dear Jessica, forgive us for dropping in unannounced, but we saw Seth's car out front and knew you were home. We just wanted to drop by this little present and invite you over for dinner next week."

"This is so very kind of you," thanked Jessica. Then, noticing it was two o'clock, genetically just couldn't help but ask, "Would you like to come in for a cup of tea?"

I'm going to hear about this later, she thought as she detected Seth come up behind her. To her surprise he piped up, "Well, hello ladies. This is an unexpected pleasure. Let me go put the kettle on, Jess." And with that he headed for the kitchen.

After seating their guests, Jessica joined Seth in the kitchen, ostensibly to gather cups and saucers for tea. Actually, she really just wanted to ask him, "So, when did the aliens take over your body? I was sure you'd be upset that I invited our neighbors in for tea."

"Woman, I'm not that bad. We have to be kind to our elders - at our age there aren't many of them left, you know! Besides, these two are world class bakers. Why, after I treated them for the flu one winter they thanked me with a plate of the most wondrous petit fours! I can still taste them," he said, smacking his lips. "At any rate, I'm hungry."

Jessica just shook her head and laughed. "I'm glad you feel that way because I have a sneaking suspicion that this town is still in a celebratory mood and we may well have more visitors dropping by today."

... ... ... ... ...

She was right.

... ... ... ... ...

A steady succession of cheerful neighbors dropped by, usually for just a few minutes, to chat with the newlyweds about how much they enjoyed the reception on Sunday. As dusk began to fall Seth grumbled, "Lock the door, Jess - and bar it! I'm afraid that as long as the car is out front we'll still be getting company. Problem is, even if I pull in around back to the dooryard the neighbors will know we're home. Do we have time to build a garage?"

After a light dinner and long, hot baths they were nestled in bed, with Jessica's head tucked against Seth's shoulder and her forehead leaning against his jaw. They were in the comfortable, fuzzy state between consciousness and sleep as they murmured their thoughts to each other about their busy day.

Jessica released a satisfied sigh. "You know, I've come to cherish this time of the day with you. There something so very… intimate, about lying in each other's arms and revisiting the happenings of the day while we plan for tomorrow - our future, as it were."

"Mmmm, I'd have to agree. My favorite parts are the first kiss in the morning and the last kiss at night. Of course, I also like all of the ones in between! I'm really looking forward to spending tomorrow with only you. Let's draw the shades, disconnect the phone, keep the lights off, and I'll hide the car. I just want to be alone with you."

"Sounds like a great idea to me," agreed Jessica as she cuddled a little closer. "Sweet dreams dear," she wished as she tilted her head up and over a little and kissed him good-night.

... ... ... ... ...

It was just after dawn on Thursday morning when the phone rang, waking Jessica with a start.

"What in blazes…?" muttered Seth from under the covers while Jessica fumbled on her nightstand for the phone.

"Hello?" she groggily mumbled into the handset. "Who? Oh, Dr. Beckwith. Yes, just a minute, please," she said, becoming more alert.

Holding her hand over the mouthpiece she elbowed the sluggish figure beside her. "Seth, wake up! It's Dr. Beckwith at the hospital; it's an emergency."

Seth was instantly awake as he took the phone from her. "Yes, Jonas?" he said and then listened quietly.

Calls at this time of the day are never good news, Jessica understood as she got up and donned her robe. I'd better make a quick breakfast, I think Seth is going to need it.

As soon as the call ended Seth looked at his wife and reported, "There was a bus full of tourists coming up for the day. It seems the driver swerved to avoid a moose crossing the road over on Route 27 and overturned into a ditch. There are a lot of cuts and broken bones and the hospital is short staffed, what with it being the end of summer and a lot of folks on vacation…"

"And you have to go," she finished.

"I'm sorry, Jess. I know we had plans," he acknowledged regretfully as he rose.

Jessica came over to him, put her arms around his neck and kissed him warmly. "Don't give it a second thought. One of the things I love about you is how you care for your patients. Now, go and get cleaned up and dressed and I'll put a little breakfast together for you."

"I love you, too!" is all he could manage to say in return. After another quick kiss they were both off to their assigned tasks and in a very short time Seth was ready to leave. "I doubt that I'll get a chance to call, but at any rate I won't be home until late," he resignedly told Jessica as she saw him out the kitchen door with a smooch on the cheek.

"Well now, what shall I do with this day?" Jessica wondered aloud. "The house could certainly use a good cleaning. I wonder what state Seth's old place is in. I'm sure it's neat, but I'm also sure it could probably use a good scrubbing, too."

Hmmm, oh, and that's an interesting idea… she pondered as she gathered up cleaning equipment and got busy.

After an hour's hard work the house on Candlewood Lane was shining, while linens whirred in the dryer in the basement. Jessica took a breather and sat down at the kitchen table with a cup of coffee.

I wonder how Seth's day is going. Probably busy beyond belief. The man is such a contradiction on the surface! The biggest curmudgeon in town, yet one of the kindest souls, with a heart of gold! My life is so much… deeper, and richer, now that we're married. Married! To each other! I'm still amazed on a daily basis… I hope that I'm making him as happy as I am. I must be… He certainly smiles and laughs that great big belly laugh of his more often than before. I love being married again, to Seth.… passed through her mind as she sipped her coffee. Glancing around the kitchen her eyes fell on her old Royal typewriter, set off to one side on the counter.

Jessica laughed out loud as she got up and hefted the hunk of steel over to the kitchen table. "Well, old friend," she addressed it, "what's say, that for old time's sake, I write up the dedication to that last book of the trilogy on you?"

Tap, tap, tap, tap, went the keys on her old trusty confederate. She was not surprised that only one proofing and re-write of the dedication was necessary before it was perfect.

Now then, she decided with satisfaction, I may as well run this down to the post office today and send it off to Ted via overnight mail. He and my editor will get a kick out of it actually being done on a typewriter. I'll just write a cover letter while the laundry's finishing up.

The cover letter was quickly typed and while she was sealing the envelope to her publisher the buzzer on the dryer demanded her presence.

While Jessica was fluffing and folding, the idea that had hatched earlier in her brain developed into a plan that made her smile and her cheeks pink up. After gathering up the laundry and putting some cleaning supplies into a canvas bag she climbed the stairs and dropped the bag on the kitchen table, then added a spare empty duffle to it. Next, she went upstairs and packed two small suitcases with items she deemed would be essential to her plan and put them in the closet.

Finally, she wrote a note for Seth, should he unexpectedly come home early, and pulled two homemade chicken pot pies out of the freezer and put them into the fridge to thaw for dinner.

Gathering up the two bags from the kitchen table Jessica took them and the envelope and secured all in the basket on the front of her bike. She steered her iron steed down the street to her first stop, the post office.

After completing all of her tasks Jessica pedaled homeward with a rising wind at her back and thickening clouds flying aloft - returning to her comfy abode in the late afternoon after her industrious day. She was elated to find a message flashing on the machine from Seth, but sad to hear its content: "It's worse than we thought, Jess. We've had to call for help from the hospital in Portland, but it'll be a while before they get here. I'll be home very late - don't wait up. Love you."

After a solitary dinner, Jessica settled herself on the couch with a book and a cup of Earl Grey. She had dozed off when the depression of the adjacent cushion on the couch brought her around.

"Seth!" she said to the weary man settled next to her. "My dear, how are you?"

"Tired, hungry, and in need of a kiss. But not in that order; I'd like the kiss first."

"I can take care of that!" Jessica leaned in and pressed her lips to his soundly. "Let me warm up some dinner and then it's off to bed for you. How did everything go?" she asked as she led the tired doctor into the kitchen.

Seth scrubbed his hand over his grizzled face. "No one died, that's always a blessing. I think I set a personal record for setting bones and sewing up cuts today," he replied as he stretched his neck and shoulders. "I've stiffened up, even with that thirty minute scalding shower I took before I came home. Oh, and the moose was okay, too."

After he yawned his way through a toasty pot pie Jessica led him off to bed at midnight. "Do you need to go back tomorrow?"

"Just for a couple of hours in the morning to check on a few patients who were in pretty rough shape. We got a lot of help from Portland and many of the nurses who were off duty came in when they got the call, so there's more than enough staff now."

... ... ... ... ...

Friday morning brought steady winds that whistled through the treetops. As thy snuggled in bed before getting up Jessica recounted, "The weather man said last night that there's a strong cold front coming down from Canada and it's going to meet that warm front coming up the coast later today. We're likely to have spotty showers through the day and even some boomers this afternoon and evening along with a cool night. The next couple of days will be below average before it warms back up to normal."

"That's not too unusual for this time of year," grunted Seth. "Ah, let me get up and over to the hospital. I won't be too long. I'm hoping we still can have some time together later today," he said as he kissed her forehead, then her nose, and finally, her lips.

"Oh, we will," resolutely replied Jessica. "I've made plans for us for this weekend."

"You have?!" Seth looked at her with astonishment. "Everything's been booked up for weeks here at the end of the season. How did you manage to find someplace? And how far away is it? Are we flying or driving?"

Before he could continue Jessica silenced him with a kiss. "We'll be driving, it's someplace not too far away, easy to get to, well known, but we'll be all alone. And I've already packed our bags. There! That's enough clues. Now, Dr. Watson, er, Hazlitt, you have until this afternoon to deduce our destination."

"Oho! Testing me are you, Sherlock Hazlitt? I accept the challenge and will see you back here as soon as I can manage it, with an answer. What is the prize, pray tell?"

"A massage to a body part of choice," she flirtatiously answered.

"Oh, really? In that case let me get going right now!" Seth eagerly said as he hustled out of bed with a big smile stretching his face.

... ... ... ... ...

Seth returned home from his rounds at the hospital a little after two o'clock that afternoon in a cheerful mood despite the dark skies, gusting winds, and occasional rain squalls. "Good thing I wore my slicker," he called in from the mud porch as he hung the garment up.

"Come in and have some lunch - we're having a little clam chowder with fresh baked bread. Light, but good and hot."

Seth inhaled deeply as he sat down at the kitchen table. "Mmm, smells heavenly. It's perfect on a day like this."

As he began to tell her about the improved status of things at the hospital an electronic tzzzt caused them both to stop and glance around the house. "It looks like we've lost power," surmised Jessica. "Oh well, we won't need it, since we're leaving as soon as we're done with lunch. By the way, Doctor Watson - Hazlitt," she teased. "Have you deduced our destination yet?"

"Not yet, but I expect to gather a few more clues on the drive there. So warm your hands up and don't forget the oil," he countered sassily.

Jessica laughed despite herself and took his hand in hers while she looked at him lovingly. "I still can't believe that we play silly lovers' games at our age - but I'm really enjoying it!"

Actually coloring a little and with a goofy grin on his face, Seth rubbed his thick thumb in a small circle over the back of her hand. "I do too," he confessed. "Are we ready to go now? The sooner we're all alone, the happier I'll be."

"I'll clean up the kitchen while you go upstairs and get the suitcases; they're in the closet."

In no time they closed up the house and headed to the car. "Hey, what luck! It stopped raining for a moment," noticed Seth as he put the bags in the back seat. Once inside he asked, "Okay, which way do I go?"

"Drive through town, slowly. Then turn left onto Gnarled Oak Road," instructed Jessica. "I'll give you more directions once we get there."

Seth shook his head slightly. "You're not giving me many clues to go on, now are you? Is that fair? Hmmmm?"

Jessica just smiled.

As they drove through the main street in Cabot Cove Jessica rolled down her window and returned many a wave from shoppers who had come out before the sky began to drip again.

Once they reached the appointed turn Jessica gave more directions.

After driving around for ten minutes Seth spoke up, somewhat suspiciously, "All right, Woman! We've circled the entire town and waved to everybody and their dog. The rain clouds are moving back in. Now where?"

Smiling brightly at him, she waved at the coming right turn. "Take this road for one and a quarter miles. Turn left and then stop."

Seth scrunched his eyebrows together. "That'll lead us directly to my office!"

"Why Seth, you're right! You win the bet! Be sure to pull into the garage so no one sees the car and disturbs us."

"Heh, heh, heh, heh!" he laughed as he got the idea. "This is a great plan of yours! Everyone saw us drive through town like we were going away, no one will be able to see the car, and we can keep the front shades pulled down. I just hope the house isn't too messy, the power is still on, and there's something left in the refrigerator."

"Don't worry, dear. I have all of that covered," his wife reassured him.

They parked the car in the garage and got the luggage in through the back door just as a few raindrops began to patter against the walkway. "Go on it, Jess. I'll close up the garage door."

Jessica switched on the light and was relieved to find the house still had power. Seth came in after her with one hand behind his back.

They walked into the living room, dropping their bags by the foot of the stairs along the way.

"Why, the place is spotless! And there's kindling already set in the fireplace," a surprised Seth noticed. "Good grief! This is your doing, dear. You shouldn't have gone to so much trouble - I was going to have the house cleaners in next week."

Jessica was enjoying the look of surprise on his face. "It wasn't much - I just spiffied it up a little. Besides, I thought that we deserved some time to ourselves after this last week. A small, second honeymoon, as it were."

"My dear, I just love the way you think. And I'm really happy that we think the same way. These are for you." And with that he pulled a bouquet of a dozen long stemmed roses in bright summery hues, highlighted by white baby's breath, from behind his back. "Happy ten week, six day anniversary!"

Jessica gasped slightly and her eyes widened with delight as she took the flowers and held them close, carefully inhaling their scent. "Oh Seth, they're beautiful! Thank you, my love," she told him as she moved close to press a grateful kiss to his lips.

Seth put his hands on her hips and kissed her back. "I'm glad you like them, and thank you for working so hard to make his place special - for us. Now then, about the bet that I won…" he mischievously reminded her.

"Seth!" his wife chuckled, "Aren't your hungry? You only had a cup of soup for lunch. Perhaps a little dinner first?"

"I'm ravenous," he replied with a glint in his eyes. "But I suppose a little food first would be a good idea."

"Well then, you set the table while I put these in water and then come and help me cook."

"Mmm, what're we having?"

"Angel hair pasta in a lemon butter sauce with shrimp, crabmeat, and… oysters…" Jessica said with dramatic flair.

Seth's laughter resounded throughout the house. "Now that's certainly appropriate!"

Laughing along, Jessica added, "Oh, and we'll also have a soft, buttery chardonnay and a crisp garden salad with champagne vinaigrette to along with it."

"And you for dessert?" he inquired with raised eyebrows and a smile.

"… or chocolate mousse," she replied, matching his smile and winking.

They talked and teased each other as they worked side by side to prepare the meal, even forgetting about the storm blowing again outside until dinner was set on the formal dining room table; complete with a white linen tablecloth. The room was decorated with the vase of roses on the sideboard and candles set on the table and all around the room.

"My, doesn't this look elegant," Jessica effused as she carried in the salad bowl and looked around the gently lit room.

"I thought I'd better put a few candles about since we don't know if the power will last. And yes, I thought it would be more romantic, too," admitted Seth.

Jessica walked over and kissed him. "You were right; it is. And apparently there's hope for you yet."

Seth just rolled his eyes. "I'm glad to hear that. Shall we dine graciously, now?"

They ate slowly, enjoying the fine meal and each other's company. After they finished Jessica suggested, "It's still early, even though it's dark due to the storm. Let's save the chocolate mousse for later and finish the rest of the wine by the fire after we do the dishes."

... ... ... ... ...

Once the kitchen was clean they retired to the living room with the remnant of the wine in an ice bucket. "I'm stuffed," happily complained Seth as he put down the bucket on the table behind the leather couch and stepped over to light the fire.

"Actually, I'm full too," Jessica commiserated, patting her belly. "We need a walk."

"A-yuh, but it's pouring outside," observed Seth as he peeked out the window.

Jessica snapped her fingers. "I know! Let's tango!"

He looked up from the cheerful little blaze in the marble fireplace in disbelief. "You're not serious? Oh yes, you are serious! Sorry, but I don't know how to tango."

"I do, and I'll teach you. This room is perfect for it. Let's just move the coffee table aside."

"Woman, I'd fall on my face!"

"Yes, but then you'd land on me…"

Seth began to grin. "Now that wouldn't be so bad, but I wouldn't want to hurt you. So, I guess I'll just have to hold you extra tight."

After clearing the floor Jessica began to instruct her husband in the dance. "Let me lead until you get the basics down. We'll take the steps slowly until we have it pat."

With a half and hour's instruction the couple was doing a passable, albeit very simple, version of the tango. The teaching was made much more pleasurable by the partners stealing kisses from each other throughout the dance.

"You've really picked this up quickly," complimented Jessica at the end of another half hour of twirling around the living room.

"It's a lot easier since I get to hold you close, but I sure wouldn't want to try this at its regular speed. I do think we should practice the last step more, though." And with that Seth drew to a halt, dipped Jessica back slightly, and kissed her long, full, and lovingly. Their arms tightened around each other and they lingered in the kiss, making it clear that dancing was over for the evening.

The flames in the fire however, continued dancing as they embraced in front of it. Finally coming up for air, Jessica noticed Seth was breathing as heavily as she was and murmured, "Perhaps we should rest for a moment. I'm sure the wine is well chilled by now."

"As you wish," he said as he danced her over to the couch, twisted about, and then plunked himself down on it with Jessica still held in his arms, and now sitting on his lap.

Her arms tight around his neck due to the unexpected ride, Jessica laughed lightly, "Why thank you, kind sir, for managing such a comfortable seat for me. May I pour you a refreshing libation?"

"Yes, dear lady. I would love a bit of chilled grape juice," joked Seth back to her. To his glad surprise she leaned into him and poured two glassed of wine from the bottle on the table behind them.

They sat nestled together until the wine was gone. Then Jessica observed, "You have a big knot here on your neck. Let me take care of that for you." And she began massaging the back of her husband's neck with fingers made strong my years of typing.

Lolling his head back and forth with her ministrations Seth made a sound like a low purr.

Opening his eyes to find Jessica smiling widely down at him, Seth stridently suggested, "I think it's time we took this upstairs, don't you?"

Jessica gave him a quick kiss before sliding off of his lap. "I couldn't agree more."

They blew out the candles, secured the fireplace, and went up the stairs, holding hands, to the master bedroom. Each carried a hurricane lamp.

"Let me set these up just in case we lose power," offered Seth once they got into the spacious room. "I'll also light a little fire in here, too."

"You know, I think I'll go and change into something more comfortable. Thanks for running the suitcases upstairs," mentioned Jessica as she picked up a few items from her case and headed for the master bathroom.

"You go ahead and get comfortable, I'll take care of this. It's just as well that the temperature's dropping into the 40s so we won't be too warm with a blaze going."

While Jessica was busy, Seth lit several hurricane lamps and candles and set them around the large bedroom, casting a golden glow about the cozy space. Then he got the fire going and, as much as anyone, was unable to resist the temptation of jabbing at the burning logs with the fireplace poker for no real reason. He had just replaced the poker to its stand when he heard soft footfalls coming from behind him, and turned around.

Oh, My Lord! was the first thing that popped into his mind when he beheld Jessica glide into the room; the robe of her peach silk peignoir set flowing behind her while the somewhat sheer gown and deep neckline of the patterned lace bodice hugged her curves in all the right places.

A smile of satisfaction twitched at her lips as Jessica's matching color soft-slippered feet quietly moved over to where Seth stood speechless, wide-eyed, and opened mouthed.

"So, do you like it?" she asked in a seductively low voice.

Seth snapped his mouth shut and gulped.

"Wow! Just. Wow!"

Vastly enjoying unsettling her husband to such an extent, Jessica draped her arms loosely around his neck and clarified, "So, that's a 'yes,' then?"

Still nearly inarticulate, Seth could only shake his head up and down as he stared at her.

While his lips couldn't move, his hands could, and they found their way past the embroidered edge of the robe and onto his wife's waist. While holding her flashing blue eyes with his, he ever so slowly ran his thick hands down her sides to her thighs and then back up to her arms, reveling in the feel of the silk sliding against the soft mounds of her body and the desire that lit in her eyes.

Jessica inhaled sharply, shocked by the heat emanating from his palms through the garment and onto her skin, leaving trails of sparks in their wake. Imperceptibly, she tightened her arms slightly as she gazed back into his eyes and watched in awe as the smoldering passion there burst into flame.

After his hands reached the lace bodice Seth slid them around her back and unconsciously drew her to him; the need to capture her lips with his overwhelming all else.

Their mouths found each other with a hunger that grew, rather than was appeased. Searching lips sought sweet refuge in the other's. Tongues tormented, then soothed; then started over again.

Hands caressed, causing bodies to delightfully shiver with the trills of electricity coursing through them. Arms tightened possessively, never wanting to let go; only loosening slightly when, at last, breathing became an overriding necessity.

"Yes," Seth finally croaked, after their lips had parted. "You look… amazingly beautiful! Like some glamorous, stunning movie star from a bygone elegant era."

"I'm glad you approve…"

"Oh, I do. I do. But, I've got to confess, as much as I like it on you. I'd like it even better off of you."

"Why Seth, you say the sweetest things," Jessica deadpanned. "But, I must admit that I think you are much too much overdressed." And with that she slid her hands purposefully down his lapels and then moved them under and up and over his shoulders to slide off his jacket, tossing it on the edge of the settee at the end of the bed.

Seth began to grin even as the storm outside began to rumble as it gained momentum.

"Have I ever told you how much I like this tie?" Jessica queried as she grasped an end of the red, silver, and black striped bow and tugged, loosening it. "Of course, I like it even more when it's off of you!" And with that she quickly and smoothly whipped it from around his neck and threw it onto the jacket without even looking.

Seth gasped, and then his grin widened as lightening flashed through the curtains.

"And since we're getting comfortable, why don't we loosen a few of your shirt buttons," she suggested as her deft fingers slid between each of the round discs and she slowly undid them, as well as her husband's control, as she pushed off his shirt and her hands found their way across his bare chest, sides, and back.

Uttering a half groan - half growl, Seth seized her lips again and walked them three steps away from the fireplace until her legs backed up against the bed, still holding her tightly in his arms with his mouth never leaving hers.

When they finally separated, Seth looked at her and breathed, "Speaking of buttons, how about if I loosen up these three little ones holding your bodice together?"

With that, he moved his left hand up and fumbled for a moment with the small, fabric coated impediments, failing to open them. Then he looked at Jessica, his eyes glittering somewhat wickedly, and winked; just before lowering his head and biting off the offending fasteners.

They too, wound up on top of his jacket.

A tremulous moan escaped Jessica as cooler air, warm lips, and moist tongue all suddenly touched delicate flesh.

In another moment Seth slid the peach robe off of her and caressed the lace straps of the gown from her shoulders. A pool of colored silk gathered around her feet.

Suddenly, he scooped up his wife, stepped to the bed, and deposited her gently atop the crisp sheets.

"You are so beautiful," he whispered as he admired her.

Sporting only a great big grin Jessica tugged on his belt buckle. "Oh, really? Come here and say that!"

"Gladly!" agreed Seth as he abandoned the remainder of his clothes and slipped into the warm, open arms waiting for him as thunder answered the previous flash of lightening.

After wriggling under the cover they kissed for a long time, gently and sweetly at first, enjoying the building passion until desire took on a life of its own and cast its consuming spell over them.

Thus bewitched, words were forsaken for little gasps of surprise and soft moans of delight murmured against plumped and eager lips.

Fingers trailed and explored over skin made silver by the constant flashes of lightening outside the window as the storm grew in intensity. Shadows and light played against each other as they softly shifted on bodies moving in tandem.

Thunder rolled continuously as the storm outside, and within, gained its peak.

A brilliant flash of lightening illuminated the whole room, joining the souls within it for a wondrous moment. A thunderous crash followed, releasing the enjoyable tension.

A second flash followed and a split second later an actual bolt of lightening struck down the street, resulting in a explosive BOOM! that rattled the windows of the whole house.

Surprised that their hearts could beat even faster than they already were, Jessica and Seth lay tangled in the sheet, and each other, wide-eyed and trying to catch their breath as things began to settle down a little.

When she finally could find words and air enough to speak, Jessica looked into the warm sylvan and butterscotch eyes so lovingly gazing at her and asked mischievously, "Good grief, Seth! Did we actually just make the Earth move with our lovemaking?"

Seth dissolved into laughter with Jessica joining him as they snuggled together and dozed, not waking again until sometime deep in the night.

"Hmm, I believe you said something about dessert, my dear," came the low, gravelly voice Jessica loved to hear.

"I did. Let's be sybarites and have it in bed," she encouraged as she began to disengage from Seth's arms to get up.

"That is one of my favorite places for it," he said meaningfully in a throaty voice as he pulled her body back to him and covered her mouth with his.

Lightening struck twice in the room the night, while the storm outside blew itself out to Sea.

... ... ... ... ...

Sunlight glowed through the window and bathed the newlyweds at the crack of dawn.

They lay close by, facing each other with hands held and feet touching, as first Jessica's, and then Seth's, eyes fluttered open. "Mmmm," murmured Jessica as a smile crept slowly across her face with the memory of the previous night.

"Mmmm, indeed," echoed Seth's rumbly voice, even lower than normal thanks to the early morning.

"I never told you before, but when your voice is so low like it is now, well, it deliciously reverberates through me," quietly admitted Jessica.

Looking deep into her eyes, Seth felt himself swirling into an endless blue. Gently he put his fingertips on her cheek and pressed his lips to hers. "I don't believe any part of me has ever been described as 'delicious' before. Good morning."

"Good morning, my love," she returned as she kissed him once, then again, then smiled. "It looks like the storm's over. What say we go for a walk after breakfast? We could hike up to the cliff."

"Ah, good idea! That way we probably won't run into anybody."

Their plans set, they showered and then had a hearty breakfast. While Seth locked up the house Jessica folded and stuffed several pieces of paper into the pocket of her jacket. Once in the station wagon the duo set out for one of their favorite spots; a flat cliff top just outside of Cabot Cove. It sat high above the ocean with an invigorating, but fairly easy, hike to get to.

They parked the car at the end of the lot and grabbed their windbreakers out of the back seat before setting out on the path up to the cliff.

On the way up Seth puffed slightly, "We haven't been here since what? Before New York, for sure. Was it in early May? Just after the last of the snow melted, I think."

"That's about right, I believe," agreed Jessica. "If you think about it, we've been coming here for years and years. It's been 'our spot' for quite a while."

"We've had some heavy discussions on the top; heartfelt and truthful ones," reflected Seth as they neared their destination.

Coming onto the flat area first Jessica waited on Seth, who was a few steps behind her. "Of course, we've always come up here before as best friends…" she noted as they held hands and walked over near the edge of the cliff. A panorama of the Sea stretched before them.

"And now we're husband and wife."

Jessica smiled when she added, "And lovers."

"Most definitely!" Seth heartily agreed as he put his arms around her. They embraced in a close hug for a long moment, enjoying the serenity of the place. "Here's something else that's a first time for us up here," he said as he leaned in and placed a soft, sweet kiss on her lips.

Jessica looked at him with a twinkle in her eye. "You know, I liked the way you kissed me for the very first time. I felt the promise in it - like you would kiss me that way forever."

He kissed her again in response. "Oh, I fully intend to!"

Jessica looked over the rolling blue of the water, the wind filtering through her hair as she inhaled deeply of the briny air. She fell silent for a few minutes before turning back to Seth and musing, "We've lived long enough to know that no life is without its pain and difficulties; but being best friends in the past, and then falling in love, makes me believe we have a wonderful chance for a perfect future."

Seth kissed her a third time. "Yes," he simply said.

Four seagulls squawked their agreement as they flew overhead, eliciting a laugh from the couple.

The waves below resounded with a mighty din as a particularly big set crashed against the lower cliff. They walked a little closer to the edge and looked over, enjoying the view of the spume splashing high up against the rock.

Pulling the packet of folded papers from her pocket Jessica offered all but one to Seth. "By the way, you guessed correctly while we were walking on the beach down South. The low sandy banks they have versus our high granite ones gave me the idea of how to finish the book. Here's the last chapter."

"Entrusting me with State Secrets! I'm honored," he teased before sitting down a large boulder and falling silent while he read. Jessica busied herself with watching the antics of the gulls soaring far overhead.

Other than one "Whoa!" Seth was quiet as he read. Then, he looked up at Jessica with an expression of astonishment on his face as an idea became clear to him - and he started to chuckle.

"Jessica, let me see if I get this story straight. In a nutshell, the protagonist is a former Marine Staff Sargent of a K-9 unit, (I see an Adele influence here), who is mustered out after she and her German Shepherd are injured in battle. Meanwhile, her twin brother inadvertently falls in with some rather shady characters and goes missing, then is found murdered."

"She becomes a private investigator and winds her way around the continent to track down the killer - who turns out to be a guy she dated for a while in high school. In the final sequence, (great fight scene in an old barn, by the way), she runs the guy to ground along a cliff in New England, at night, and in a hurricane."

"He'd kidnapped and tied up the dog, not wanting to hurt an animal, but has no problem shooting her and leaving her for dead, and then fleeing. Only, she's not dead, just stunned and when she can, she takes off after him, not realizing her dog's tied up on the other side of the barn."

"The P.I. finally catches up to the murderer and they fight at the edge of the cliff, now slick with mud, while the hurricane rages. Just when all seems to be lost and her demise imminent, the cliff gives way from under them - but the heroine manages to hold on to an exposed root, and the killer onto her boot. Eventually, the boot slips off, (and she really liked that pair!), and he plunges to his reward. But now, her hands are slipping. Of course, the dog comes to the rescue, having chewed through the rope, and that gives her something to pull herself up with."

"I really like that last line of hers as she hugs the German Shepherd: 'Woman's best friend, you're getting steak tonight!' What a great book title too, On the Edge of Murder."

Trying hard to suppress a smile Jessica asked, "So, what did you find so amusing?"

"Why, the fact that the ending of your long awaited trilogy is... an actual cliffhanger! And it happens on the quintessential, 'dark and stormy night.' It's pure genius! Your fans will love it!"

A little abashed by his lavish praise, Jessica heaved a sigh of relief. "I'm glad you liked it and you got the inside joke."

"Like it! I love it! And I love you too!" effused Seth as he got up and handed the papers back to her.

"That reminds me, Jess. I have something for you that I found while we were in South Carolina." He pulled out his wallet and took out a small item from inside. "Perhaps you can put it to good use," he teased as he held a small, square, flat, thin, wrapped gift out to her in his palm.

Taking the minute parcel with a raised eyebrow Jessica wondered, "What on earth? What is it?"

"You know the saying, 'good things come in small packages.' Open it."

With a single fingernail Jessica pulled the bit of paper away to reveal the gold page marker.

"Seth! This is exquisite. Where did you find it?" she exclaimed with delight.

Seth recounted finding the flanged page marker at the antique store outside Riverton. "Remember that 101 year old merchant? Well, she recognized me from our picture in the paper when she found me looking at this while you were off having a gander at a cookbook. She told me an interesting story about it."

He continued, "This page marker was a gift to her sister from Buford's and my grandaddy when they were courting way back in the day. They married other people, of course, but the sister, a librarian, kept the gold page marker as a memento. Grandaddy's first name was Spencer, by the way. Now, turn it over and read the inscription."

Jessica flipped the gold square over and read aloud, "Though you be lost in your books may your heart always find its way back to me. S.H."

Misty eyed with emotion she looked up at Seth and watched as the breeze ruffle through his white hair. "This is priceless, thank you! My heart is yours, my love..." she managed to say as she drew the single sheet of paper out of her pocket and handed it to him. "This is for you; it's the dedication in the book."

Seth took a deep breath as he unfolded the paper and read,

To my husband, Seth

You are the whipped cream on my life,

The chocolate sprinkles on my soul,

And my favorite Seth in the whole wide world!

Forevermore, My Love,

Jessica

Raising her right hand to his cheek, she drew his face to hers and gently kissed away a tear that had escaped his eye. "I love being here with you. I love my life being your wife and having you as my husband. I'm looking forward to living out a lifetime of the great love that we've found in each other. And most of all, I love you, Seth," she murmured against his lips.

Seth put his arms around her and crushed her to him in a hug. Then he pulled back a little to look deeply into her eyes, sparkling with the reflection of the cobalt water below and softly said, "I'm so glad we're married, too. You are my life, and my heart belongs to you. I believe that together we've caught lightening in a bottle, and I love you more than I know how to tell you, Jess…"

"Perhaps you can show me," Jessica suggested with a twinkle in her voice, as she gazed into the warm golden-green of his eyes.

The breeze freshened again, blowing Seth's silvery locks around to intermingle with Jessica's golden curls; the Moon and the Sun thus entwined, as Seth breathed, "With pleasure," as he again tightened his embrace of her.

As they stood there, next to the never ending Sea, they melted into each other's arms and pressed their lips together in what felt like an everlasting kiss.

A kiss full of wonder and joy, and brimming with great promise of all good things to come.

... ... ... ... ...

{A/N: Lillian and Helen Appletree were main characters in the delightful episode "Mr. Penroy's Vacation"; Season 5, Episode 3. This also happened to have been Mort's first murder case in Cabot Cove. Boy, was he in for a surprise!}

{The tango scene is in tribute to Angela Lansbury's hilarious rendition of that dance in the 1978 film Death on the Nile.}

{The book dedication for On the Edge of Murder was actually written for jnm.}

... ... ... ... ...

And so ends Past Perfect Future.

To paraphrase Dr. Seuss: Don't be sad because it's over. Smile because it happened!

Thank you, dear readers and farewell - until we meet again!

ClearDarkNight