after the celebration [closed to John]

[5thcolumnfed]

John and Erica, having been invited to a renewal of wedding vows at the beach, took the opportunity to have their first child-free date since Madeline was born. It's also the first time Erica's dressed up since having the baby, and she's just a little self-conscious about her middle. Especially after looking at Zoe in her wedding dress - it was

Comments

[yippiekiyaymf]

"Oh, is it?" The voice is casual, but the eyes are crinkling. "I'd no idea." Yeah, he's lying. He walks with her quietly for a few more steps. "Man, it's been quite a year."

[5thcolumnfed]

Erica squeezes his hand.

"A lot can happen in a year."

Losing her son, having a baby. Being held hostage by Gruber. She shakes her head. "And look at us. Still raising hell," she smiles, bringing his hand to her lips and kissing his knuckles.

[yippiekiyaymf]

He stops and turns as if to say something, but as he looks her over, his mouth closes, then his eyes settle on hers, deep and dark, and what comes out of his mouth is,

"My God, you're beautiful."

[5thcolumnfed]

Erica's smile is slow and warm, and she steps closer to him, forehead pressing against his. "You think so, huh?" she asks with a soft tease to her voice.