Steele an Uncertainty - Part XIII

    Mildred pulled the curtains back and light flooded through the windows.  The room was bright and the air heady with the aroma of flowers, but it was still a hospital.  Putting down her parcels she pulled up a chair and assumed her position at Laura's bedside.  She picked up her book and settled comfortably in the plush chair.

    "Still reading those romance novels Mildred?"  Laura said groggily.

    "Oooh!  You gave me a start sweety,"  Mildred said as she put her book aside and leaned forward.

    "Sorry, didn't mean to frighten you.  Has Marlo succumbed to Roderick's persuasive charms?"  she asked.

    "Not yet but the tension building between those two makes my hair stand on end,"  Mildred admitted.

    "Sounds familiar,"  Laura said softly.

    "How are you feeling this morning honey?"  Mildred inquired.

    "I'm not sure yet, but I did sleep better last night.  I went the whole night without any pain killers,"  Laura said proudly.

    "Now that is good news!"  Mildred clapped.  "I think you are over the hump Laura,"

    "Doctor Bardot told me yesterday that I should be able to leave here in a few more days but that I won't be fit to travel right away,"  Laura replied.

    "Of course not darling why would you even consider such a thing?"  Felecia said from the door.

    "Felecia.  I didn't expect to see you today?"  Laura smiled.

    "Honestly Laura you've said that every day since you've been in here,"  Felecia said pulling up the other chair by Laura's bed.

    "Feeling better today?"  she asked.

    "Much but I'm ready to get out of here,"  Laura grumbled.

    "I'm sure you are but I don't want you worrying about anything.  You're going to stay here with us until you've fully recovered.  It's a 13 hour flight back to Los Angeles darling and that isn't comfortable for a healthy person much less someone that just had major surgery,"  Felecia concluded.

    "Felecia, about your cars...I'm so sorry I was the cause of wrecking them.  I'd like to..." Laura began.

    "Don't even insult me by offering to compensate me.  Goodness Laura what do you think insurance is for?  Everything has been taken care of so please don't distress yourself over the incident.  They're cars Laura, your life is much more important to all of us,"   Felecia squeezed her hand.

    "Is there no arguing with her?"  Laura asked Mildred.

    "Are you kidding?"  Mildred laughed.

    "Well now that everything's settled, I brought you a few things from home,"

    "A "few things" turned out to be pictures from Felecia's children, fresh marmalade with croissants from the kitchen, a bed jacket, floral throw for the bed, chocolates, an aromatherapy machine and assorted toiletries.

    "My goodness!  Did you leave anything at home for yourself?"  Laura giggled.

    "Darling just because you're in a hospital doesn't mean you have to deny yourself a few simple pleasures,"   Felecia rationalized.

    Laura bit into a chocolate, sighed, closed her eyes, sighed again and smiled serenly.  "These are exquisite,"  She purred.

    "I'm glad you liked them, they were a present from Darien.  He wishes you a speedy recovery,"  Felecia chuckled.

    "I'll be he does,"  Mildred snorted.

    "Tell him I said thank you for the chocolates and that they were heavenly,"  Laura said as she bit into another one.

    "What was heavenly?"  Remington said as he came in with an armful of flowers.

    "Chocolates from Darien,"  Felecia gushed.

    "Well that was nice of him,"  Remington smirked as he placed the flowers around the room.

    Mildred looked at Felecia and winked.

    "Well if you two don't mind, Mildred and I are going in search of a decent latte,"  Felecia said as she grabbed her purse and headed for the door.

    "Uh yeah, the one we had here yesterday was horrible.  We'll see you kids later,"  Mildred said as she hurried after Felecia.

    When they'd left Remington sat down in the chair Mildred had occupied and handed Laura a single daisy.

    "Not too subtle are they?"  he grinned.

    "About as subtle as a Mack truck,"  she agreed.

    Laura sniffed the daisy and smiled in reaction.  "The flowers are lovely.  Thank you.  I'll bet the fragrance is drifting out into the hall by now,"

    "Probably.  Would you like me to take some of them down to the children's ward later?"  Remington asked.

    "I'd like that,"  Laura agreed.  "Have you seen Dr. Bardot?" 

    "No, but I did see one of your nurses, she told me you'd be well enough to leave soon,"  Remington told her.

    "Yep.  And I can't wait to get out of here.  If I have my temperature and blood pressure taken much longer I think I'll go off the deep end,"  Laura groaned.

    "As I recall you were never keen on hospitals,"  Remington laughed and looked around Laura's bed.  "I see Felecia has been busy," 

    "How do you like my new bed jacket?  It's almost the same color purple as my eye,"  Laura joked.

    Remington leaned over and ran the back of his fingers against her bruised skin.  "I think it looks breathtaking,"  he said solemnly.

    Laura smiled shyly under his scrutiny.  She felt her eyes getting heavy and resisted the urge to rest.

    Remington saw her eye lids drooping so he leaned over and retrieved the newspaper from her bedstand. 

    "I've got an idea.  Why don't you close your eyes and relax while I read you the morning paper?"

    "You're doing this so I can rest aren't you?"  Laura concluded.

    "That transparent eh?"   Remington replied.

    Laura settled back against the pillows and closed her eyes.  She listened to the calm, soothing tones Remington's voice emitted as he read the headlines.  Remington stopped before he turned the page and looked at Laura.  The even rise and fall of her chest indicated that she was asleep.  He put the newspaper aside and sat back in his chair and watched her sleep.

###

    Sabrina was sipping her coffee when a servant informed her she had company.  She stood up from the table and walked out into the hall.

    "Remington!  I wasn't expecting you,"  she said surprised.

    She motioned for him to go into the breakfast room and closed the door behind them.

    "I know.  Sorry to come by unannounced like this,"  Remington apologized.

    "Nonsense.  I was just having coffee, can I get you some or perhaps you'd like breakfast?"  Sabrina offered.

    "No thank you I'm fine.  Sabrina, the reason I came by was..."

    "I knew you would sooner or later Remington.  I called one afternoon and Felecia told me you and your business partner had been in a terrible accident.  I was saddened by the news,"  Sabrina said earnestly.

    "Thank you.  The reason I came by was to apologize for what happened at the party,"  He said grimly.

    "There's no reason for you to apologize,"  Sabrina said quickly.

    "Yes there is.  I left you standing there without so much as an explanation.  My actions were deplorable and I can only ask that you forgive my rude behavior,"  Remington finished.

    "I forgive you Remington, but I think there is more to this story than just your partner showing up without warning,"  Sabrina concluded.  "I take it yours isn't strictly a business arrangement?"

    Remington shook his head.  "No, it isn't hardly as straightforward as that," 

    "Ah.  So she is the woman that was missing her play thing.  I gathered as much by your abrupt exit from the party.  From the look of it things didn't go very well between you that night did they?"

    "No Sabrina, they didn't.  It went from bad to extremely worse and then the accident occurred.  It was my fault the whole bloody thing came about.  I provoked her to the point of hysteria.  It's a long story and I don't want to go into the details.  Suffice it to say I feel to blame for Laura's injuries and I have to help her get back on her feet.  Regardless of what was said between us I can't walk away from her when she needs me,"  Remington said pointedly.

    "Your actions are commendedable, Miss Holt is a lucky woman, more so than she realizes,"  Sabrina replied.

    "Sabrina...about us,"  Remington said quietly.

    Sabrina held up a finger to his lips.  "Don't say anymore Remington.  We both knew it was only for the moment.  As drawn to you as I am it could never be more than a brief interlude.  I have an obligation to crown and country,"  Sabrina smiled sadly.

    "And I'm not indian,"  Remington finished for her.

    "More importantly, you're not royal,"  Sabrina laughed.

    Remington laughed with her and brought her hand up to his lips.  He kissed it and held her hand briefly.

    "My father allows me my flights of fancy because he knows that eventually I must settle down and accept my responsibilities.  I've been quite content to do just that.  Until now,"  she sighed.

    "You are a wonderful man Remington and you have touched me more than I'd expected.  I wish you the best and can only hope that our brief time together has been memorable to you as well,"  Sabrina said gallantly.

    Remington leaned down and kissed her lips.  She returned the kiss and hugged him to her.  "It has Sabrina, more than you know,"  he informed her.

    Sabrina released him and bid him farewell.  She held her smile in place until he had left the room.  Once he'd gone it slid from her face as if the effort to hold it in place had been too great to bear. 

###

    "Moving day!"  Mildred said as she and Daniel came in carrying suitcases and tote bags.

    "Hello Mildred, Daniel.  I can't believe I'm being discharged today!"  Laura beamed.

    "Mr. Steele will be up shortly, he's parking the car,"  Mildred said.

    Daniel kissed Laura on the cheek and sat down next to her bed.  Mildred opened her case and began packing her personal items.

    "Where's Felecia?"  Laura asked Daniel.

    "Home getting everything ready for your return,"  Daniel chuckled.  "The way she's been scurrying around all morning you'd think you're returning from war,"

    Laura laughed.  "There were times when I felt like I'd been in a war," 

    "I don't doubt it my dear,"  Daniel concluded.

    Remington came in followed by a discharge nurse.

    "How are you doing Madmoiselle Holt?"  the woman asked.

    "Ready to get out of here,"  Laura remarked.

    "Well let's go over your discharge instructions.  I've have some papers for you to sign afterwards then you're free to go,"  the woman informed her in heavily accented english.

    Remington helped Mildred finish packing while Daniel went to find a cart to transport Laura's bags.

    When the small party pulled up to the Chateau Laura gasped when she saw the large banner welcoming her home above the front doors and the array of flowers on either side of them.

    "My goodness!  What a welcome,"  Laura said in surprise.

    "You haven't seen anything yet,"  Daniel informed her.

    True to form Felecia had gone all out in making sure Laura felt welcome upon her return.  The foyer was decorated with streamers and balloons and the salon was brimming with flowers from Felecia's gardens.  Laura gingerly walked into the grand room with Remington's help.  He settled her on the sofa and handed her a frozen juice concoction that the kids had made.

    Laura looked up at Felecia, Rene, her children, Mildred, Daniel and Remington and felt overcome with emotion.

    "This is the best homecoming I've ever had.  You all make quite a welcome wagon,"  Laura said tearfully.

    "It's our pleasure Laura.  We are elated that you are on the road to recovery,"  Rene said warmly.

    "Can we open the presents now?"  Giselle said impatiently.

    "Not now poppet.  I think Laura needs to lay down.  It's been an eventful morning for her,"   Felecia told her daughter.

    "Well can we open them for her and tell her what she got?"  Colin inquired.

    "Absolutely not.  You will just have to wait darling,"  Felecia responded.

    Laura laughed at the looks of dissapointment on their small faces.  "How about we open them later after I've rested a bit, just the four of us.  We'll have a paper ripping party,"   Laura told them.

    "Wow that will be fun!"  Giselle said brightly.

    Remington helped Laura up and led her out the room.  When he guided her toward the door not the stairs she looked up in surprise.

    "I thought we were going to my room?"  Laura said bewildered.

    "Change of plans,"  Remington informed her.

    Laura quirked an eyebrow but remained silent.  When they reached the outside a golf cart was waiting for them with Laura's luggage in the back.

    "What's this?"  Laura laughed as Remington helped her in.

    "Light as you are Laura I felt it was too far to carry you and you can't walk long distances so I thought this was a perfect solution,"  Remington said jovially.

    Remington got in and the cart lurched forward.  Remington drove them to the guest house, jumped out and walked around to retrieve Laura.  He picked her up and carried her through the door and sat her on the sofa.  He retrieved her bags and put them in the bedroom before coming back to get her.  When he'd laid her in bed he proceeded to unpack her belongings.

    "Mr. Steele I'm feeling well enough to do that,"  Laura protested.

    "Nonsense Laura I have things well in hand.  You relax, I don't want you overdoing it,"  Remington replied.

    "There's no need for you to put yourself out like this.  I'm sure Felecia and Mildred can assist me when I need it, there's no reason for you to give up your bed,"  Laura said hesitantly.

    "I'm not putting myself out Laura and there's a pull out in the living room.  I want to do this, so pipe down and rest,"  Remington commanded.

    Laura watched in quiet embarrassment as Remington put away her clothes and undergarments.  He kept up a constant stream of conversation while he re-arranged his clothing in the drawers and closet to make room for Laura's things.  His swift, proficient manner put Laura at ease and she was soon dozing.

    Finished with his task Remington gathered her luggage, put it in the closet and quietly left the room.

    Later Laura awakene and was disoriented until she remembered where she was.  With her hand over her incision she slowly pulled herself off the bed.  She closed her eyes and grimaced from the pain the movement caused and took deep breaths to get herself under control.

    "Laura you shouldn't be up,"  Remington admonished as he helped her back on the bed.

    "I'll be fine in just a minute.  I think I just got up too quickly,"  Laura breathed.

    "Do you want to lay down again?"  Remington said with concern.

    "No, I want to get up,"   Laura said with determination.

    "Ok, I'll help you into the living room,"  Remington said as he slowly helped her off the bed.

    "That's fine,"   Laura said when he settled her on the sofa.

    "Would you like a pain pill?"  Remington asked her.

    "No, I can manage,"   she said quietly.

    "Laura if you need one you should take one.  There's no reason to suffer,"  Remington persisted.

    "Need I remind you of the time you got run down at Millicent Fairbush's house?"  Laura recalled.

    "Point taken,"   Remington relented.  "But if you need a pill..."

    "I'll ask for one,"  Laura grinned.

    "Fair enough.  How about some lunch?  I'll be you're famished."

    "Actually I am."  Laura affirmed.

    Superb!  I've whipped up one of your favorites, wont be but a moment,"  Remington said and dissapeared into the kitchen.

    Remington returned a few minutes later with a tray laden with food.  He sat it down on Laura's lap and took the seat next to her.

    "Tarragon chicken salad with green onions on a croissant,  salad greens with garlic vinaigrette and mixed berry cobbler with whipped cream on top.  Oooh this looks delicious!"  Laura said eagerly.

    She took a bite of her sandwich and sighed in bliss.  "Aren't you going to eat?"  Laura asked between bites.

    "Yes, but I wanted to see that look you get whenever you bite into a tarragon chicken salad sandwich.  It's priceless,"  Remington laughed heading back to the kitchen.

    After lunch Remington cleaned up the dishes and convinced Laura to play cards with him.  They played bid whisk and Laura beat him shamelessly.

    "Give up Mr. Steele?"  Laura said triumphantly.

    "I concede to your superior knowledge of bid whisk Miss Holt,"  Remington said bowing in front of her.

    That night Laura had a nightmare and woke up screaming from her dream and then groaning in pain when she'd tried to get up and was reminded she'd recently had surgery.  Remington ran in and straight to her side.

    "Laura!  Are you alright?  What's wrong, what happened?"  he said worriedly.

    "I...I was in the car driving and you were chasing me and then I was rolling down a hill,"   Laura cried desperately.

    "Shhh.  Laura steady, it was a bad dream.  You were just re-living the accident.  You're safe now and I'm here with you.  I'm not going anywhere,"  he said in a soothing voice.

    "It was awful.  I couldn't stop it.  I tried to get control of the car but I couldn't,"  she sobbed.

    "I know, I know.  I tried to keep it from happening, Lord knows I should've done something sooner.  I'm sorry Laura.  I'm sorry that whole bloody night had to happen,"  he said painfully.

    Lying on the bed next to her he gathered her in his arms and stroked her back whispering calming words over and over until she fell back asleep.  He layed there for almost 30 minutes before getting up.  He covered her up and retreated to the living room.  Sleep was impossible for him at the moment so he went to make himself a cup of tea.  He went on the deck and sat heavily in a chaise lounge but left the door open so he could hear Laura if she needed him.  He ran unsteady fingers through his hair and sighed loudly.   The guilt he felt was palpable and so great he almost choked on it.

    In the weeks that followed Laura and Remington settled into a routine.  They had breakfast at the main house then played games with Felecia's children in the play room.  Afterwards Laura rested while Remington prepared lunch for them.  After lunch Remington would allow Laura to pick a place for them to visit that afternoon.  Remington showed her the nuances of Monaco and she quickly fell in love with it.  They would take Mildred with them on occasions and she too reveled in the sheer beauty of their surroundings.  They visited the palace of Prince Rainier, the Cathedral, the famous Japanese Garden, the aquarium and museums.  Laura brought a camera and took loads of pictures of their travels.  One morning Remington took her on a trip to Cap d'Ail, a neighboring village.  He showed her the Saracen Tower, the Chateau de L' Ermitage and the breathtaking views of Italy from the coastline. 

    They had lunch at a quaint cafe before returning to Monaco.  On the drive back Laura turned to Remington and smiled brightly.

    "Thank you for today.  It was an incredible experience.  I can't begin to describe how wonderous everything has been the last few weeks.  You know I haven't thought about work once?" she said with amazement.

    "Good Lord, will wonders never cease?"  he joked.  "You're welcome Laura and I agree, it has been incredible being back here after so many years.  It's a great feeling being able to experience this with someone that's seeing it for the first time,"  Remington said with excitement.

    That evening they had dinner at the main house and typical for Felecia's love of entertaining, it was a formal event.  Rene's parents came as well as Daniel's lady friend Dominique.  She brought her brother Lucien with her which was a delight to Mildred.  Laura had purchased a gown while on a shopping spree in town, it was pale purple that almost looked silver, sleeveless and it fit her like a glove from the top to bottom.  Remington whistled when he saw her step out of the bedroom.

    "You dim the lights Laura,"  Remington said when she circled around in front of him.

    "Why thank you Mr. Steele,"  she beamed.

    "Hmm.  You know charming as it is Laura I think something is missing,"  Remington observed.

    "Missing?  Well I tell you Mr. Steele there isn't much more that could fit into this dress,"  Laura said trying to adjust it.

    "You're right about that.  I think something in this box might be just the thing,"  Remington said as he held a velvet box in front of her.

    Laura was astonished as she retrieved the box from his hand.  She looked at him in surprise and he nodded for her to open it.  Slowly she pulled on the top and it creaked open.  There laying on a bed of gray velvet was a strand of black pearls and matching earrings.

    "Oh my God these are dazzling!"  Laura gushed staring at the pearls. 

    "They won't bite you I promise,"  he said and took the box from her hands and removed the jewels.

    He clasped the pearls around her neck while she shakingly put the earrings on.  When they'd finished he guided her to the mirror to display their handiwork.  Laura looked at herself in the mirror and almost gasped.  Her ansemble was impressive and she couldn't believe how incredible she looked.

    "You are lovely,"  Remington complimented again.

    "I feel lovely,"  Laura admitted.

    "Perfect, let's go to dinner,"  he said pulling her toward the door.

    Felecia had a way with dinner parties and this one was no exception.  They enjoyed a meal that made Laura's mouth sing in gratitude.  She passed on the alcohol and had sparkling cider instead.  After dinner Felecia herded her guests onto the terrace where she had a small quartet playing music by candlelight.  There were lights in the trees all around them and everyone was captivated by the milieu Felecia had created.

    "You've outdone yourself this time Feline,"  Rene whispered in her ear.  Everything has been delightful but then you knew that,"  Rene accused.

    "Yes I did, but I never tire of hearing praises coming from you,"  she said sweetly.

    "This feels like a chapter right out of a fairy tale,"  Laura said gleefully.

    "Really?  And who am I in this ethereal tale eh?  The handsome prince or the horrible villian,"

    "Why the handsome prince of course.  You've saved the damsel from distress and now you've taken her to the ball to dance the night away,"  Laura giggled as Remington spun her around.

    It was after midnight when they reached the guest house.  Remington turned the lights on and stepped aside to let Laura enter.

    "That was a wonderful party.  Felecia has a true calling for being group activity leader,"  Laura laughed.

    "She does seem to have a knack for it doesn't she?"  Remington agreed as he took his jacket off and removed his tie.

    Laura slipped her shoes off, sank on the sofa and pulled her legs up under her.

    "Tired?"   Remington asked.

    "Oddly enough I'm not.  I seem to be running on adreneline,"  Laura concluded.

    "To be honest I'm not the least tired either,"  Remington said.

    He sat on a chair opposite her and put his feet on the coffee table. 

    "So what do you want to do now?"  Remington inquired.

    "How about a game of cards?"  Laura suggested.

    "Cards it is.  I'll get the deck and no whist tonight,"  Remington clarified.

    "What a minute, you can't play that card!"  Remington said quickly.

    "I can too!"   Laura protested.

    "No you can't it's not your turn.  You put down twice,"  Remington said handing her the card back.

    "I did not, that 5 was yours,"  Laura argued.

    "It was not,"   Remington denied.

    "Was too!"  Laura challenged.

    "Laura Holt I never thought you'd stoop to cheating to win a game of speed,"  Remington said indignantly.

    "Are you calling me a cheater?"  Laura said incredulously.

    "Well if the glass slipper fits,"  Remington countered.

    Laura let out a battle cry and bolted from where she was sitting on the floor.  Remington bounded from his side of the table and fled.  Laura pulled her gown up a few inches and gave chase.  They ran around the chair and Laura promised Remington he'd pay for his insults.  Remington laughed that she couldn't catch him if her life depended on it.   Undaunted by his taunts Laura continued the pursuit.  She had him cornered behind a plant when he darted around it and headed for the front door.  Laura picked up the nearest thing she could find and flung it at him.  A large accent pillow clobbered him in the back of the head. 

    "Oh ho, the lady wants to play dirty,"  Remington said as he picked up the pillow and started back towards Laura.

    She tried to get passed him but he was too quick.  Grabbing her around the waist he picked her up and held her a few inches off the ground.

    "Let me go!"   Laura laughed.

    "Ah not yet fair maiden.  I think the handsome prince just took a hike and the villain has replaced him and some true torture is in order,"  Remington said as he began tickling her.

    Shrieking Laura bucked and fought to get away from him.  One sudden movement caught Remington off guard and they went tumbling to the floor.  Remington turned quickly so that he wouldn't land on Laura.   Laughing he resumed tickling her without mercy.

    "Give up?"  He asked

    "Never!"  Laura roared between giggles.

    "Ok have it your way,"   Remington said as he increased his torture.

    "Ok, ok!  I give up,"  Laura said almost hysterical with her laughing.

    Remington halted his actions and released her.  Without warning Laura rolled over and jumped on him.

    "Umph!"  Remington gasped as Laura knocked the wind out of him.

    "Serves you right,"   Laura said without sympathy.

    Laura was laughing heartily at him but when he suddenly grew still she looked down in question.

    "Remington?"  she said in question.

    Without warning Remington grabbed Laura's face and kissed her.  She responded and the kiss deepened.  When he finally released her they both stared at each other in shock.    

    "Laura, I...I..."    Remington began.

    "Are you going to apologize for that kiss?"  Laura inquired.

    "Laura, in all the years you've known me, when have I ever apologized for kissing you?"  Remington said incredulously.

    "Never.  Then what were you going to say?"  she said quietly.

    "I was going to say I think it's past time we discussed a few things,"  he finished.

    Laura sat up and leaned back against the table.

    "I don't know if that's wise.  The last time we cleared the air..."  she said nervously.

    "That was weeks ago Laura and we've been the epitome of civility since then,"  Remington reminded her.

    "I know, so why do we have to mess that up?  It's been great not arguing or disagreeing.  I'm scared we'll lose that if we rehash things,"  Laura admitted.

    "Laura, I agree that the truce we've silently declared has been refreshing but it can't last forever,"   he concluded.

    "I guess you're right.   Nothing has ever been that simple between us has it?"  she said sadly.

    "Why so glum?  So we have heated discussions from time to time, who doesn't?"  Remington smiled.

    "Heated discussions?  I wouldn't call what happened the last time we squared off heated.  It was more like a blazing inferno,"  Laura shuddered.

    "Yes it was but we can't sweep it under the rug and act like it didn't occur.  It did and we said some very disturbing things to one another but I'd say there were long past due wouldn't you?"

    "Yes they were, but need I remind you that you did most of the talking that night,"  Laura said stiffly.

    Remington tilted her face up to meet his gaze.

    "Yes I did but I can assure you that I didn't mean everything I said to you that night.  Did you?"  he said quietly.

    Sitting in silence for a moment Laura tried to remember their argument that night.  "I can't remember it all but I'm sure I didn't.  Though I did mean to throw you into the pool,"    Laura declared.

    "I can't tell you have much that night has plagued me Laura.  I've gone over it in my head repeatedly.  In retrospect I know there are things I could've done differently.  God knows I'm dreadfully sorry about being responsible for your accident,"  he said remorsefully.

    Leaning closer to him Laura put her arm on his shoulder.  His hand immediately covered it and squeezed.

    "You weren't all to blame for that.  I was out of my mind for driving when I was so upset and when I saw you get out of that car, the pain I felt was so great...I just couldn't endure it,"    she admitted.

    "I realize that I should've handled your affair with Tony better than I did but I....it cut me to the quick Laura and I couldn't stand around and watch the two of you together,"  he said harshly.

    "About me and Tony...I wasn't being truthful to myself or either of you.  I was running away again, I thought a relationship with him would be easier than one with you.  In some ways it would've been, I wouldn't have been giving myself completely like I would've had to do with you.   It was a cowardly thing to do and I see now it was completely selfish and thoughtless of me.  In the end it was Tony who opened my eyes,"   Laura said truthfully.

    "Antony?  How so?"   Remington said suprised.

    "He saw right through me.   He made me realize I was a woman hiding from and denying her own feelings and hurting others in the process.  I knew if I got on that plane it would be over between us but I had to come.  I told myself it was because I was worried about what you were doing and how it would effect the agency.  That was another lie.  I saw a paper Mildred had with you and some other women and I couldn't breath for the pain in my heart.  It wasn't the agency that brought me here, it was realizing that I had knowingly given you up by my stupidity.  When I got here and discovered that Felecia, Daniel and Mildred had set me up, I was angry at being duped but in a way I saw it as an opportunity to try to repair the damage I'd done.  Felecia said some very honest things that helped me see that I had a lot to learn about relationships.  I was coming to talk to you about everything when I saw you and... Princess Sabrina here,"   Laura choked out.

    "Nothing happened the night of the party Laura,"  Remington told her.

    "Maybe, but seeing the two of you together, seeing the intimacy between the two of you, I knew you had become lovers.    How could I say anything about it?  I'd chose to sleep with Tony after all these years of...denying you.  I knew then that I could never get you back.   There was nothing I could ever do to make up for the pain I caused you by sleeping with Tony,"  Laura said tearfully.

    "I went to talk to Sabrina the morning you were dischared from the hospital.  I told her that I had an obligation to you despite what transpired between us at the party.  I had to be here for you and I couldn't see her anymore.  What I didn't tell her was that despite my bravado and claims otherwise, I couldn't walk away from you because I was still in love with you.  I think she knew it though and yet still wished me well.  She is an incredible woman Laura."

    "She have to be,"    Laura said compassionately but still reeling from his declaration of love.

    "It's true Laura, I find that I can't just give up on what we have.  It's daft, fickle, demanding and completely unexplainable but yet here it is,"  Remington smiled.

    Tears did come in earnest now as Laura smiled at him in astonishment.

    "I wasn't sure if we could salvage what was left between us.  I now realize I am so in love with you and have been for years.  I didn't think you'd forgive me,"  Laura cried.

    "We've both done some absurdly foolish things Laura so I think we should wipe the slate clean, eh?"  he said stroking her cheek.

    Words failed her so she shook her head in agreement.

    "Laura, we're going to grow into a couple of old, lonely detectives if we don't do something about it." 

    "I agree, Mr. Steele,  but the big question is, what are we going to do about?" 

    "The way I see it Miss Holt, there's only one viable solution that will appease us both,"  Remington said as he pulled her up from the floor and into his arms.

    "At this point I'm willing to try anything.  What is it?"  she asked.

    Remington tilted her face up to his and gave her the infamous Remington Steele smile.   "Marry me, Laura."     

To be continued...

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