Caleb was cheerful throughout dinner, telling her about a joke they had played on Toad that afternoon. She smiled and nodded as she forced the chicken down. Bowen was studying her intently, his eyes unreadable.

Bowen offered to clean up afterwards, so they could be alone. Caleb whisked her off to the porch, where they sat in the swing, his arm around her, holding her close. Cora wanted to cry as she listened to him, his voice reverberating in his chest against his ear.

“Cora?” he finally asked when she didn’t laugh at his joke.

“Hmm?” she asked vaguely.

“What’s going on with you?”

He felt her body stiffen.

“Why would you ask?”

“Because all night you’ve looked like you were about to start crying. I wasn’t going to ask in front of Bowen.”

Cora hesitated. Caleb would furious if she didn’t tell him Sharon had stopped by the house.

“Caleb, do you discuss our relationship with anyone?” she finally asked. He looked at her, puzzled.

“No. I mean I tell the guys how beautiful you are and how much I love you,” he grinned, his finger tracing her ear, “And how lucky I am to have you.”

“But you don’t- discuss details of us do you?” she pushed. He frowned.

“Absolutely not. What’s going on?”

“Sharon stopped by the house this afternoon.”

The brick hit Caleb. Sharon had said something.

“What did she tell you?” he asked harshly.

“She wanted to wait for you. I told her no, that I didn’t think Bowen would want her waiting there and I had no idea who she was.”

“What did she say to you?”

Cora hesitated. “That I was your new flavor.”

“What?” he sat up.

“She knew that you had said the first night we met that you wanted to marry me, and that part of your game was to say we had to wait to have sex,” Cora finished softly. Caleb was shaking with rage.

“That whore!”

“Caleb-“ Cora turned to him, tears in her eyes. “Is it true? Is that what you tell the women you date?”

The sight of her blue eyes glittering with tears was enough to calm him.

“No,” he took her hand and kissed it, then smoothed her hair back, kissing her frantically. “No, Cora. I told you we- Sharon and I that is, were engaged once. I felt almost the same way about her as I do about you. I knew when I met her she was going to be someone important in my life. I have never told another woman that. Just you and her. Cora, I’ve had a number of one night stands that meant absolutely nothing to me. I haven’t had but two serious girlfriends, and that’s you and Sharon. Baby, don’t listen to anything that whore says, please. I think she’s going to try and persuade me to come back to her, and I don’t want her, I want you,” he kissed her gently. “Only you. She’s just a trashy whore and I don’t know why she’s back. She’s plotting something, I’m sure. But I won’t let her take you from me.”

Cora nodded, not trusting herself to speak. Caleb held her close to him, hating Sharon and wishing he could hit a girl. The next time he saw her, he would give her an ass chewing she wouldn’t forget.

***

He didn’t have to wait long. Two days later, she showed up at the station house, dressed in a tight, short black leather skirt and a low cut, red halter top. She was entertaining Toad and Smiley when Bowen and Caleb arrived. Perched on the edge of a chair, she laughed gaily and leaned forward. The brothers could see their teammates practically drooling.

“Oh, here he is,” Sharon rose and strolled towards Caleb, smiling as she swung her hips for the guys to watch. Bowen just shook his head.

“What the hell are you doing here?” Caleb demanded. Batting her eyes, she smiled.

“Waiting for you, hon,” she purred, reaching for his arm. He pulled it away.

“Don’t call me hon. C’mere,” he grabbed her the arm and took her outside. “First off, you little tramp, this is going to be the last conversation we have. You are not to come near my house, or Cora's, or anywhere near us, is that clear? I will not have you screw up the best thing that’s ever happened to me. I am going to marry Cora and there is nothing you can do about it!”

Caleb hadn’t realized he was yelling but she flinched.

“I just wanted to be friends,” she said mournfully.

“No. I have no place for you anywhere in my life. You took care of that yourself. My life revolves around Cora now, so get it in your head. I don’t want to be friends with you. I want no part of you. Get out of my life, you wretched little tramp.”

“Cora doesn’t know everything about you,” she said evenly. “You should have seen her face last night when I told her you used the same lines on me.”

Caleb was shaking, wishing he could sock her and get it over with.

“You intentionally misled her. You are nothing but a whore, Sharon. You always were, and you always will be. A whore. Something men will use for your looks and throw you away because you have no heart. You are incapable of love and that will leave you an old, lonely whore,” he seethed before turning on his heel and storming inside. Sharon smiled to herself. He still wanted her. Passion still burned within him.

***

Cora stared at the papers in front of her, reading the same paragraph for the umpteenth time. She kept hearing Sharon’s voice in her head, laughing.

Setting her pen down she rubbed her temples. While she believed Caleb, she had such a bad feeling about this woman. She knew the kind. Sharon would lurk round, plant seeds of doubt, ‘accidentally’ run into them, call Caleb for any little thing she needed help with. Total manipulation. The woman was banking on reawakening old feelings in Caleb.

Cora didn’t know what to do. She didn’t know how to fight a woman like that. It was up to Caleb. But the thought of losing him left her blood cold. She knew she was in love with him. Trying to imagine a future without him any more was impossible. This was the man she wanted to be with, marry, have a family. She could see them married. They just. . .fit together. Everything was right.

Except this damn woman. Why now?

Staring out over the room at everybody answering the phones and dealing with problems, she almost wished she was one of them. Everything had been simple back then. Well, no not really. Of course there had been the divorce and months of loneliness and then...no, not easier. Maybe just a little simpler.

“You all right?” she looked up as her supervisor stood in her office doorway.

“Yeah, just a headache.”

“Well, I have an opportunity for you.”

“Such as?” she reached for the paper he held out.

“I know your family is in Atlanta. .there’s an opening down there. My position basically, for that Division.”

“But I just moved here a couple months ago.”

“I know,” he smiled. “But you’ve done so well organizing this place and turning it around that I think you’d be a contender for the position.”

“Oh we . . .I’m pretty well settled here,” she turned slightly pink. She couldn’t leave Caleb!

“Well, there aren’t a lot of people qualified so if you change your mind, let me know,” he smiled as he left. Cora shook her head. She wasn’t sure she wanted to be that close to her family anyway. She loved them, but she liked being out west on her own.

On her way home she picked up Chinese food. It was one of the nights Caleb had to spend at the station so she was going to watch a couple movies and spend some time with Lulu.

***

Caleb had drifted off into sleep when the nightmare began. Sharon was strangling Cora and he was tied to a wall, chained by ankle and wrists. Sharon was laughing maniacally as Cora’s face turned a deeper shade of red and her eyes began to roll backward.

“Caleb, wake up!”

Bowen was shaking him. Caleb opened his eyes to see the guys around his bed.

“Caleb, man, you all right?” Toad demanded. “We heard you all throughout the station house!”

Caleb swallowed.

“Just a- really bad dream,” he said weakly. Bowen frowned at him. “I’m ok, really.”

The others dispersed but Bowen remained.

“What was it about?” he asked.

“Sharon. She was strangling Cora.”

“I’ve never known you to have so many dreams about a girl dying,” Bowen said softly.

“Me neither. I- I think she’s my soul mate, Bowen. I’ve never loved anyone like this. I can’t go a minute without thinking about her. I’m terrified of losing her.”

“Maybe,” Bowen shrugged. “I don’t know much about such things. At any rate, I think we need to get Sharon neutralized, and quickly.”

“Me too,” Caleb sighed, lying back down.

***

Caleb flipped through the web pages on the internet, overwhelmed at the options. Immersed in his hunt he didn’t hear Bowen come into the room behind him.

“Diamonds? Caleb, are you serious?” he demanded. Caleb looked up.

“Yeah, I am.”

“Listen, little brother,” Bowen sat next to him. “You jumped the gun with Sharon. I don’t want to see you go through that again.”

“Cora is the one for me, Bowen. I know it. I can feel it. I’ve never felt this way before.”

“Caleb, I know how much your salary is. You can’t afford that thing,” he pointed to the three-stone monster on the computer screen.

“I wasn’t looking at the one anyway, but yes, I can. I got Sharon’s ring back years ago and sold it. Put the money in savings. It’s been sitting there ever since. Besides, I haven’t decided which one yet. It’s kinda confusing. What did you do?”

“Spent too much,” Bowen said cryptically.

“I love her, Bowen. I’d marry her tonight if I thought she’d go to Vegas with me.”

“Caleb, make sure you are doing this because you want to. Not to prove a point to Sharon.”

“Leave Sharon out of this. This is about me and Cora,” Caleb snapped.

“Look, I know you think you love her but this is the first time in years you’ve been thinking long term, to the point of looking at rings. That’s a serious step little brother.”

“I am serious,” Caleb turned back to the computer screen and clicked on the FAQ page.

***

Cora was laid back in the bathtub, neck resting against the small pillow, surrounded by bubbles when she heard Lulu bark. A moment later the back door opened and she recognized his steps.

“You have any idea how sexy you look right now?” he asked, leaning in the doorway. The lights were off and only two candles glowed. She turned her head and smiled at him, sending his heart racing. Her hair was pinned up except for a few dark red curls stuck to her neck.

“Come join me,” she said softly. Caleb needed no further encouragement and within a moment had stripped down to nothing. Stepping in behind her she moved forward as he sank into the steaming water. Wrapping his arms around he pulled her into his chest, kissing her wet shoulder.

“I missed you today,” he murmured. She made an agreeing noise as she leaned back into him. Now she could relax, knowing he was home safe with her. Without a word he began to massage her neck, eventually working his way down her back. The water was cooling off as their body temperatures began to rise. Finally he slid his arms around to cup her breasts as she turned her head to kiss him. After a slow, deep kiss she turned to face him, on her knees. With some assistance from him she wrapped her long legs around him, sitting in his lap as their passion rose. Running her hands over his hair as she kissed him, she slid her body onto his, letting him. He moaned in pleasure as she began to ride him slowly, burying his face in her breasts and he gripped her tightly. Orgasm was swift and strong and he lay back against the tub, her body relaxing on his as they lay together in the lukewarm water, still kissing.

Silently they rose from the tub, water streaming down their bodies as she turned into his arms and he pulled her close, their lips finding each other hungrily. Caleb stepped from the tub, holding her securely as she stepped out. Wrapping a towel around them both he wanted her right there. Instead she took the towel and began to dry him off, starting at his chest. Surprised by her boldness he let her rub the towel over him slowly as she began to kiss his neck. Closing his eyes he let himself be carried away by the touch of her fingertips, her soft lips against his skin. She fed his desire and finally he pushed her back towards the bedroom. It was only a few steps until they fell on the bed and each other. Caleb knew how to make her wild very quickly and he began to kiss the inside of her thigh, moving up until he was in her and she was moaning and writhing. Wanting her desperately, he found the condoms quickly and slid into her, kissing his way up her body. Her legs wrapped around him tightly as he kissed her eagerly, needing her again.

Cora’s hand was on the back of his neck and within moments felt her body began to climax. Caleb hit his orgasm at the same time and for a shining moment, both were swept away into a golden moment of perfect glory, perfect peace. Unknowingly, they saw the same image, them, exchanging wedding vows, forever joined.

“I love you,” they whispered together. Caleb’s eyes widened.

“Do you mean it?” he asked. She nodded.

“I do. I love you,” she murmured, kissing him.

“I love you, Cora, so much. Completely,” he kissed her repeatedly as their desire began to flame again.

Cora lost herself in his touch, stunned by the orgasm she has just had. She had never felt such a sweeping effect, such a completeness.

“We’re soul mates,” he whispered in her ear. “I know you felt what I did. It was the most glorious sensation I’ve ever had and I’m so glad it was with you.”

“You think that’s what it means?” she asked drowsily.

“I’m sure of it. We belong together,” he kissed his way down her left arm to her hand, holding it carefully and kissing it, studying it to judge the size covertly of her ring finger.

“I think you’re right,” she whispered, snuggling closer to him.

***

Sharon had Caleb’s routine well mapped out. The nights he wasn’t at the station house, he was at hers. Twenty fours on duty, forty eight off. He was home only briefly at night, then rushing over to hers. The white dog waited for him, it seemed. Her blood boiled at the thought of that Amazonian woman enjoying his toned and virile body. Stamina was the word for him, she remembered, stamina and passion. The two best qualities in a man. During the day, when she was at work, he was at Bowen’s house. Every day he worked out, concentrating on his shoulder. Sharon had even followed her to work one day.

They often went out to eat, and it was sickening to watch as they sometime fed each other. Everywhere they walked, they either held hands or Caleb’s arm was around her securely. They went for walks in the park, sometimes with the dog, they went to movies, they sat on his back porch in the swing and just cuddled. Waiting in line at the movies, he stood behind her, arms wrapped around her tightly. Sharon seethed with rage.

Caleb would be hers. She would get him back. She had to.

***

Caleb sat on the bed, rubbing Cora’s foot. She was half asleep and he had woken her when he came in but she didn’t care. The world was brighter. Everything was good. She had Caleb, whom she knew she was going to marry and Lulu seemed to know it. The dog lay at their feet when they were cuddled on the couch, more than once Caleb had woken to find Lulu curled up on the bed near his feet. Caleb didn’t care, he loved the dog, Cora, and he loved their life together.

Having dragged Bowen along to the jewelry shops, he finally ordered her ring. When the moment was right, he was going to slip it on her finger and declare his eternal love. No big wedding, he wanted to whisk her off to Vegas as soon as possible.

“That feels good,” Cora murmured. Grinning he kissed the top of her foot lightly.

“Long day?”

“Very. Two people called off so I was on the floor all day. It was crazy.”

Caleb began to massage his way up her leg. Barely moving, she lay back happily.

“I’m off light duty next week,” he said suddenly.

“Which means?” she asked sleepily.

“I’ll do more than just drive the truck finally. I can take full shift,” he said happily. She opened both eyes and sat up, hair tumbling over her milky shoulders.

“You mean, back inside the fires and everything?”

“When needed, yeah. But I’ll be able to do more than just drive. I can actually wrestle the hoses and everything,” he kissed her bare stomach, his finger sliding into the waistband of her black and white striped panties. She wore only those and a pale blue tank top that outlined her full breasts beautifully.

Cora lay back, her heart pounding. What if-

“Baby, don’t even think about it,” he kissed her lips gently as his hand began to tease the lower half of her body. “I’ve been doing this for several years, nothing has happened.”

“Except you were pinned by a beam and could have died,” she whispered.

“No, baby, no,” he was kissing her as her body began to respond to him. “Don’t worry about a thing. Nothing. I’ll be ok. I’ll always come home to you.”

Eagerly she pulled him into a deep kiss as he slid his hand down along her leg.

***

The following weekend Matt and Bill were having a barbeque at their house. Caleb escorted Cora, who knew most of the frat boys. Caleb stayed close to her, not liking the way their eyes followed her hips. Earlier he had slipped into her house and slid her ring under her pillow. Tonight would be the proposal. He was almost shaking he was so excited. Enduring the frat party was something of a pain in the ass, he wanted to take her home and ask her to marry him.

As the sun sat and the boys got drunker, Caleb finally stole her away. She was tipsy herself as he drove them home. A luxurious shower in which they made love had set the mood and Caleb made sure to have their favorite candle burning by the time they moved into the bedroom.

As they lay kissing slowly, cool air from the window blowing over them, Caleb finally pulled away, his finger tracing her lips.

“How are you?” he asked. She smiled seductively.

“Mmmm, couldn’t be better.”

“You sure about that?”

“Mmmhmmm,” she kissed him again. No need to bother him with the fact she was two days late for her period. It had happened once or twice before, she would wait a bit longer before saying anything.

“Should we buy our own house or live here?” he asked suddenly. She chuckled.

“You still haven’t really asked me, you just assume,” she teased. He feigned surprise as he slid his hand under the pillow.

“Oh yeah. .guess I should do that, huh?”

Giggling, she kissed him again but he pulled back and propped himself up on his elbow, taking her left.

“I love you, Cora. And I want to spend the rest of our lives in this bed, making love and being together. I want Lulu to be mine too, and share everything I have with you. I want you to marry me,” he held out his hand with the black velvet box. Her mouth fell open as she sat up, luscious red hair spilling over her shoulders..

“Seriously?” she demanded. In answer, he smiled and opened the box, making her gasp.

“It’s not a traditional style, but. . .” his voice trailed off.

“It’s perfect,” she whispered. The one carat marquis diamond was a pale peach color, flanked on both sides by two smaller peach diamonds.

“I’ve never seen them this color,” she whispered.

“They’re not real common yet,” he said, pleased. Her eyes widened. “New heating process or something.”

“Caleb, this must have a cost a fortune!”

“Don’t worry about it, baby. It’s yours. Made just for you. Those are the matching bands.”

Her wedding ring lay next to it. Matching 14 karat gold with a row of five small peach diamonds. His band was wider but they matched.

“Oh Caleb,” she breathed.

“Is that yes?” he asked, amused.

“Yes!” she squealed. Grinning, he slid the cool band over her finger, pleased that it fit perfectly. Staring at it, turning it in the light, she watched it sparkle. Caleb watched her with delight, his heart soaring when she leaned over and kissed him.

***

Cora sat at her desk, turning her hand and watching the diamonds sparkle and glitter at her. Caleb loved her. He really did. He wanted to marry her. A wedding. Her heart skipped a beat. Before it had been big wedding, a big, beautiful wedding. Did she really want to go through all that again? Caleb said they should go to Vegas tonight and marry. It was tempting. But her family would kill her. Well, there could be a second wedding, just a simple one, outside, just her and Caleb and their families. Not a big ordeal like last time. Something simple, something pure, like their love.

“Well, now I know why you turned down the Atlanta offer,” her boss stood in the doorway. She blushed.

“Yeah, that’s the main reason.”

“Well, I hope he knows how lucky he is,” he grinned. She smiled happily.

***

Caleb grinned to himself. The guys had all seen the ring and when he strolled in, smiling from ear to ear they applauded him. Those who had seen Cora nodded in appreciation of her.

“Big wedding?” Toad asked. Caleb shrugged.

“Don’t know. I don’t care, truthfully. Whatever she wants. I’m all for Vegas but you know how women are about these things. She’s been married before so she may not want something big.”

“Oh, she’s already broken in then,” Toad laughed. Caleb rolled his eyes.

“Caleb, you got a phone call,” Ken, an older fireman looked in the room. Caleb went to answer, expecting Cora’s sultry voice.

“Caleb?” asked an unfamiliar female voice. “This is Sharon. Now don’t get mad, I need your help,” she said beseechingly.

“What could you possibly need?” he snapped.

“Well, my car won’t start. I was hoping maybe you could come look at it. I didn’t know who else to call.”

“Try a mechanic,” he said roughly.

“Caleb, please. I didn’t know who else to call,” she said softly.

“I’m on duty, Sharon, I can’t leave,” he sighed. “I won’t be free until seven tomorrow morning.”

“Well, I don’t have to go anywhere. Could you come look at it?” she asked sweetly.

“You have no one else to call,” he sighed.

“No, no one.”

“Fine, tell me where you live,” he sighed in disgust.

That evening he had called Cora to tell her he would be late in the morning but not why. Her insecurities would flare up and he wanted to spare her that.

Upon his arrival at her place, blurry eyed and tired he noted she wore short shorts, any shorter and she might as well not have them on, and a low cut tank top. Hair was in a ponytail but he could very clearly see her shape. It did nothing for him. She was too thin, her legs just short poles. Her breasts were small even though he knew she had implants. He could remember the hard feel of them and repressed a shudder. They were nothing like Cora’s full, soft breasts.

Looking under the hood he found nothing wrong. It wouldn’t start however so finally he moved his car next to it to jump it. Immediately it started up.

“You have a dead battery,” he grunted.

“Where do I get new one?” she asked innocently.

“Sears. And no, I will not take you. I’ve just finished a twenty four hour shift and I’m going home to my fiancée,” he grumbled.

“Well, how will I get there?” she asked helplessly. He stared at her in disgust.

“Call a cab. Or drive it over right now while it’s running.”

Knowing her plan, he left moments later. Damn whore. If he hurried he could see Cora before she left for work.

By the time he got there, she had already left, so he patted Lulu and went to Bowen’s to crash on his bed. She would come for him when she got home from work.

In his dream, she sat on the bed and began to lick him. It took a moment to awaken and realize it was Lulu, up on his bed, licking him enthusiastically. Shoving the big dog back, he smiled at his fiancée, sitting on the edge of his bed.

“Hi beautiful,” he sat up to kiss her, glad Lulu hadn’t licked him on the mouth, only the neck and ear.

“Hi,” she ran her hand over his cropped hair. They were both smiling at each other. Sitting up, he drew her close.

“Hi,” he kissed her.

“I missed you last night,” she said softly. Nodding, he pulled her to him to lay next to him.

“Me too. I’ll be home tonight, don’t worry,” he kissed her again and she pulled him closer when the phone rang. Both ignored it and his hand had just begun to unbutton her blouse when Bowen knocked on the door.

“Caleb, it’s for you. She’s insisting,” he called through he door. With a muttered curse he picked up his phone.

“What?”

“Caleb, I really need your help. I didn’t know what battery to get and the men weren’t very helpful. Could you-“

“No,” he hung up on her. Cora raised one eyebrow.

“Sharon. She claims she needs a new car battery and doesn’t know which one to get. The guy didn’t help her. Lying little whore.”

“Why is she calling you?” Caleb saw the flash of panic in her eyes.

“Because she’s a bitch,” he kissed her to take her mind off of Sharon.

“Do you thinks she really needs help?” Cora asked.

“No. I think she’s trying to lure me over there and I’m not playing her stupid game. The only place I’m going tonight is your house so I can make love to you without waking Bowen,” he chuckled. “I know how loud you can get.” She grinned.

***

Cora reached for the bridal magazine and added it to her purchases. The dress on the cover was pretty. Maybe she did want a wedding again. At least the dress, she smiled to herself.

“Cora, hello! How are you?” Cora turned, her smile evaporating as she saw Sharon getting in line behind her.

“Hello,” she said coolly.

“Ooo, are you going to start looking for a dress? Caleb loves cleavage so I would definitely think about showing that off. But you probably already know that,” she let out a peal of laughter that Cora did not join in on. “Whatever you do, make sure you wear something with garters underneath. I’m sure you know how much he loves garters. He loves that whole skinny model look from Victoria’s secret. You know how he sometimes just loves that naughty stuff from Fredericks.”

Cora signed her slip and walked away, ignoring the cheerful ‘talk to you soon!' that followed her.

Putting her groceries in the car she realized she was shaking. How she hated that Sharon had carnal knowledge of him. Ok, so they had been in love once. What right did the bitch have to run around and torment her? And why did Cora let her get to her? Sharon wanted to cause trouble. Did Caleb really like garters? He loved it whenever she wore any type of lingerie but he had never said anything about preferring garters. ‘Skinny Victoria’s Secret” look?

Getting in her car, Cora hurried home, to where Caleb was waiting for her. Willingly he carried in the groceries for her and helped put them away. Her jeans were clinging to her in the most appealing way. Maybe because they had had so little time together lately but he didn’t hear half of what she was saying as his eyes followed her. When she turned, surprised by his silence she frowned at him.

“What are you staring at?” she asked.

“You,” he pulled her close to kiss him but she was tense, “What’s wrong?”

“Do you think I’m fat?” she asked suddenly. His jaw hit the floor.

“Hell no. Baby, you’re perfect. I’ve told you that. You’re all soft, and lush-“ he realized he was growing hard as he kissed her neck. Surely she noticed too, as she relaxed slightly. “Why would you ask me something so stupid?”

“Would you- like it if I got some new lingerie?” she asked softly. “Something more. .naughty?”

Caleb raised one eyebrow. “I wouldn’t object, but I know you’re not comfortable with that. What brought all this on?” he demanded.

She hesitated. “I- nothing. It just-“

“You’re a terrible liar,” he leaned against the counter, still holding her in his arms.

“I know,” she sighed.

“You ran into Sharon, didn’t you?”

Her silence was enough. With a grunt, he shook his head.

“Sharon is a master at manipulation, baby. You know that. She’s trying to get to you. She’ll play on any crack she senses. C’mere,” he pulled her close and held her tightly against his broad chest. “You’re the one I want. You’re the one I’m going to marry.”

Cora snuggled close to him, holding on to that.

***

Caleb glanced out the window and sighed. Her car was down the street again. She was everywhere they went. The grocery store, the movie theatre, restaurants, even the park for a walk. She’d be out there somewhere, gazing at the ducks on the lake or sitting on a bench. More than once Caleb had seen her car parked down the street. Since she hadn’t done anything to hurt either one, and the places she showed up were public, Caleb knew he couldn’t file any kind of harassment charge. She didn’t speak to them, just watched.