Tales of the night, part two    

This is the latest installment of the Ben and Monica stories. All
characters belong solely and happily to Alliance and the writers of our
beloved DS! Except for the obvious ones. Much thanks again to Alliance for
letting us play around with them. PS, we all really miss new episodes of
DS and our hearts are heavy while you are not in production. The standard
disclaimer applies here.  

This story involves m/f interaction. It is a love story  Tales of the
Night, part two 

by L.Ross  

The room to the nursery was lit low and soft. The walls were painted in a
sand color. A border with dark green moose and red maple leaves lined the
top of the room. In one corner of the room was a beautiful oak crib
adorned with dark green and black gingham ruffle and bumper pad. Above the
crib hung a mobile which Monica had made to match the border. Against one
wall was a changing table and dresser. On top of the dresser was a small
lamp and several stuffed toy moose. Ben walked around the room holding his
new born son. He swayed the infant back and forth with slow gentle
movements. As he slowly walked around the the room he softly sang an old
song. One he was told, by his grandmother, that his mother sang to him. He
kissed his son on the forehead and held his tiny hand between his fingers.
He moved to the huge oak rocking chair he had specially made for Monica.
Slowly he sat down and began to rock the infant all the while singing the
old melody. It was times like this, Monica wished she could freeze time
and keep this moment forever. Monica looked in the room quietly. She
didn't want to interrupt. She smiled as her heart filled with joy and her
eyes with tears.  

The warm gentle feeling of Ben's lips kissing her neck and his strong arms
wrapped around her waist brought Monica back to reality. She now looked
into the room with a different view. It was not as in her daydream, only
filled with boxes and no curtains hung over the windows. She smiled and
moved her head towards his. He kissed her cheek and then took her earlobe
inbetween his teeth. Gently he nibbled them. He held her tighter, bringing
her closer to him. She could feel him . Feel his heart beating and his
desire also. He whispered in her ear. She smiled and shook her head no.  

"What are you doing?" he continued  

"Oh, nothing. Just thinking, that's all." she said as she looked around
the empty room. "Just thinking." she sighed  

"Aah, well here's something you can think about." he said as he kissed her
neck again  

"And what might that be Constable?" she answered as she moved her hands
behind her and placed them on his bottom  

"Would you like to join me in the shower before I have to leave?" he asked
her as he rocked her back and forth  

"You know Ben. I really wish you didn't have to go tonight. I want you to
stay here with me." she said as she broke from his hold  

"I know. But I have......" he began  

"To go, you have to go. I know, duty calls." she said as she moved down
the hall toward their bedroom.	

"Monica..... what's troubling you? You have been acting strange all day.
You know that you can tell me anything." he said as he grabbed her hand
and pulled her back into his arms.  

"It's nothing Ben. I don't know....it's just.....I have this .....never
mind it's silly." she couldn't explain to him her feelings because she
didn't understand them herself.  

"If it is troubling you then you have to tell me. Let me help. I won't
think it is silly either....I promise." he looked down into her eyes as he
raised her head with his hand on her chin.  

" I have this feeling. It's a feeling like something bad is just about to
happen.....to you." she said  

"Me!... Nothing bad is going to happen to me. Besides I can deflect
anything that comes my way. You know this is true. Anyway you can't get
rid of me that easily." he said with a smile and a wink of his eye.  

"If it does I promise I'll kill you, understand?" she said seriously  

" Understood. ...... Now, how about the shower. After all I might slip and
crack my hea......." he stopped as he saw the look coming from Monica. He
knew he had over stepped his joke. "Oh, dear....... I was only
joking......... . Let's go." he continued as he took her by the hand and
headed down the hall.  

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******	

The beads of warm water hit Monica's back and ran down her like a water
fall. She tilted her head slightly back letting the water soak her long
dark hair. She momentarily forgot her feelings of worry. She couldn't
concentrate on anything but Fraser and what he was doing. Surely she was
just over reacting and there was nothing to worry about. His kisses were
strong enough to wipe any memory of anything from her mind. She was
totally under his control. Her sense of reason went right out the door
when she was with him. But she didn't mind, because he never asked or
expected anything from her. This made it just that much more easier to
love him. Ben kissed her chin and then her lips. She placed her arms
around his neck. Then he placed shampoo in his hands. He lathered up her
hair and let his soapy hands slide down her back slowly. Monica moved her
wet body even closer to his until she had no trouble feeling his firmness.
He kissed her hard on the mouth. Longing to taste her, to have her. Heat
raced through his body and his motions quickened. His hands roamed over
her body , Exploring every part as if this was the first time. All he
could think about was how much he needed her and loved her. How empty his
life had been before her. They turned in the shower as they passionately
kissed. They held each other tightly and close to one another. As they
turned the water cascaded off them and steam filled the room. Now it was
Monica's turn for exploration. She took the soap in her hand and lathered
his back. She dropped the soap on the shower floor as she began to caress
his back. She moved her hands slowly in front to his broad chest and
shoulders. Their passion for each other mounted. Not one word had been
spoken by either of them. No words were required for they both knew what
was in the others heart. The only sounds made were slow soft moans that
were released as the passion accelerated. Fraser turned Monica to face the
wall. He began lathering the front of her body. Moving himself closer.
Gently he slid her up. She stood on the tips of her toes as he entered
her. She moaned loudly as her hands reached high on the shower wall.
Fraser continued to kiss her on her neck as he held her close.	

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*****  

The night air was cold and crisp. The ground was covered with a light
blanket of snow. Fog covered the windows of the 72' Riviera. The two law
enforcement companions sat watching their breath in the cold. They both
had come to the same conclusion. That was, that stakeouts aren't as
glamourous as people thought them to be. Especially on cold winter nights
like this. Ray wiped the fog from the front windshield so that they could
see out.  

"So, Benny, when are you going to ask her?" Ray asked as he lifted the
small box from Ben's hand, opening it to look at the beautiful diamond
ring.  

"I thought tomorrow night, perhaps." he replied "I'm just not sure how I
am going to do it. I want this to be something she will remember forever.
It has to be .......perfect. Aah....I do have something to ask
you....would you be my best man, Ray?" he said with a smile.  

"Me?! Yea, sure....I'd like that Benny. Thanks......Best man, huh?" Ray
was smiling and shaking his head  

"Best man. Thank you kindly, Ray. " Ben continued after a short pause " I
have to admit, Ray......I'm some what nervous about all this. Things have
just taken a rather sharp turn.....suddenly.....I mean.....don't
misunderstand, Ray....I love Monica and I know that this is the right
thing to do.....about the baby and everything.....And I do want to spend
the rest of my life with her. Never before have I felt happier. " he said
some what confused and muddled	

" Then what's the problem Benny? I mean she's a great girl and she loves
you. I mean anyone can see that you two belong together. It's almost......
sickening when the two of you are together." he said . Then seeing the
bewildered look on Fraser's face he quickly added " In a nice way and all
I mean. I'll tell you something Benny, you're a lucky man. A love like
this doesn't come around for a person twice. So take my advice and don't
blow this, man. I messed up bad with Irene and now I can never have that
feeling again, you know?"  

"Yes, Ray...... I understand what you are saying......Thank you." he said
as he patted his friend on the shoulder.  

The two faced out the windshield and waited....and waited...... and waited
into the the night... in silence. Ben knew that Ray was being a good
friend. But Ray couldn't know, couldn't understand his fears. After all he
was having a difficult time putting them into perspective himself. He knew
what he was doing was right. He knew with out any doubt that Monica was
the woman for him. He now realized that his feelings for Victoria were
very much misplaced. He had learned from Monica and her family that true
love doesn't have such a high cost. He learned that true love doesn't mean
hurt or fear. True love means ..respect...safety.... trust. But most of
all it means happiness. A happiness that up until now had been unknown to
him. Watching them showed him a life that he had always dreamed of. Yet
still all his years of being alone......no it was losing his mother at
such a young age that had truly molded his life. Having his father gone
all the time. He felt resentful towards him for that. Deep down he blamed
him. This was his real *fear*. His fear was that he would be unable to
change his course in life. After all everyone always said how very much
like his father he was. He couldn't be,wouldn't allow the same thing to
happen between he and Monica. But especially between he and their child. A
man's past can certainly keep him from things he truly desires. Ben was
now realizing this.  

**************************************************************************
*  

The phone was ringing as Monica fumbled with the keys. Why was it always
when you had an arm full of things and were standing just outside the door
did this happen? Finally she opened the door, as the third ring ended. The
answering machine came on as she dropped the bags, her purse and the keys.
It was Ben! She dove onto the couch and grabbed the phone.  

"Hi, it's me." she said out of breath " I just got in from having lunch
with Lorna and Ashley. How's your day going?"  

"Not as interesting as yours. I can assure you that. How are you feeling?
Still sick to your stomach?" he inquired  

"No, not right now, but I'm sure it will return. I am a little bit tired
though." she replied as she kicked off her shoes  

"Not too tired to go out tonight I hope?!" he asked  

"Oh....I don't know Fraser. Maybe we can just stay in tonight?" she said  

"No!, I'm afraid that won't do! I have something special planned for
tonight. And I won't take no for an answer. Alright then! I want you to
wear my favorite dress, please and I'll pick you up at 7:30 pm." he said
firmly	

"Oh really! My..... aren't we getting bossy." she said sarcastically  

"Oh, dear. Did that sound bossy? I'm sorr..." he started  

"Fraser!" she piped in " Relax...it's OK you can be bossy and firm from
time to time......in moderation that is......Anyway what dress are you
talking about?"  

"The black one." he answered  

"Fraser, I have four black dresses. Could you be a little bit more
explicit, please."  

"Alright. The one you wore for my birthday dinner." he smiled as he
thought back to that night "You remember don't you?"  

"Oh.....that one. " she too was smiling as she remembered that dinner! "
Sure, I can handle that!"  

"I hope you can!" he said devilishly  

"Ooooh, Fraser!" she said as she wondered what he was up to  

"7:30 sharp! Bye. Oh and Monica....I love you." he said  

"You better......I love you too. Bye" she said	

**************************************************************************
*********  

It was 7:15pm and Monica was still not ready! She heard Ben come in the
front door as she placed her ear ring on. Quickly she ran the brush
through her hair and blotted her lipstick on a piece of paper. She turned
off the light to the bathroom as Fraser called for her. As he entered the
bedroom she slipped on her shoes. Monica looked up at Fraser and smiled.
How she loved the way he looked in his red dress uniform. Red was
definitely his color! He stood in the doorway shaking his head and
smiling. He did so like that dress on her! It fit her body like a glove.
His stomach was turning round and round as he placed his hand in his
pocket to feel the small box. He was not going to let his fears interfere
with his emotions anymore. Everything had to be perfect tonight! Looking
deep into Monica's sky blue eyes, he knew it would be. Now if he could
just not freeze up when *that* moment came.  

" I'm ready, you handsome looking slab of Canadian bacon, you. You look
good enough to eat!" she said as she kissed his lips  

"Oh, dear, ooooh dear." he said with a smile as he turned off the light to
the bedroom  

"So where exactly is it we are going, constable? she asked taking his arm
as they walked down the hall  

"You'll see.......you'll see." he said very mysteriously "Close your eyes
and no peeking."  

"WOW!" she said excitedly  

"Give me your hands and I'll guide you. Remember No peeking."  

"OK, OK, no peeking! I promise. I love surprises!"  

Fraser carefully led Monica out the door. Stopping on the porch, he let go
of her hands and told her to open her eyes.  

"Your carriage awaits my lady." he said as he bowed and extended his arm
forth towards the white carriage  

"Benton Fraser!"  

He took her hand once more and helped her down the stairs and into the
carriage. Dief was sitting high next to the driver, Sam. They had come to
know Sam. Fraser often took Monica on these carriage rides. But never
before had she been picked up at her house. Fraser sat next to Monica,
putting his arm around her shoulder and drawing her near to him. Gladly
she snuggled next to him, feeling safe, protected and very warm. The
carriage took off and headed for the park.  

"It's freezing Ben."  

"Oh, I'm sorry. Here's a blanket." he placed a wool blanket over the two
of them " That better?"  

"Thanks........This is really crazy and off the wall to be riding a
carriage on a cold night like tonight...but I like it!	

"I'm glad. You know Monica I owe you alot....I mean, you've taught me alot
of things...about enjoying life and *letting go*. I've spent most of my
life living in the confines of a strict code. A code that I placed for
myself when I was very young. Never allowing myself to cross over it.
Never daring to be emotionally free. I'm not saying that I am. But I'm
learning. And that is because of you. You are the one who has shown me how
to love and be loved. Unconditionally, to be true to my feelings and to
let the fear go. I have to be honest with you. These past months with you
I have felt like a new person. I am also scared...... about the future. I
want very much to be the kind of father that our baby deserves. More
important than that is.....well....I mean.. you....you....you aren't going
to help out at all here are you?"  

He was drowning and he knew it! He looked at Monica as he continued to
fumble all his thoughts into words. He paused looking to her to throw him
a life line. But Monica sat back and smiled.  

"Not a chance mountie! You are going to have to do this all on your own,
mister!"  

Fraser cleared his throat. He knelt down on one knee as he took the ring
from his pocket. The air was indeed cold and his breath was like steam
coming from a run away train headed straight for a cliff. He cleared his
throat again and swallowed hard. Taking her left hand in his he looked
helplessly in her eyes. She never wavered. She just patiently sat waiting.
She would wait as long as it took.  

"Sam!" he cried in a cracked voice  

"Sorry Fraser, you are on your own, buddy!"  

"Oh, dear!" he swallowed again closing his eyes. When he opened them he
smiled shyly " Miss McKinnon, I was wondering...hoping? that you would do
me the.... I promise to spend.....spend ...." he stopped and looked down
running his thumb over his eyebrow. His tongue nervously racing from one
side of his lower lip to the other. Monica almost took pity on him but she
refrained. Finally the words where there. He had no fear. He was
convicted. He looked up at his love.  

" Monica, I want to spend the rest of my life making you happy. If you
will say *yes* I would be honored to marry you."  

He did it! That wasn't as difficult as he thought! Alright, yes it was.
That had been the most difficult thing he had ever had to do. He was proud
of this accomplishment, no, he meant milestone! He smiled and took a deep
breath of relief. That actually felt rather good! But wait, she was just
looking at him. Why hadn't she said yes! Could it be that she didn't want
to marry him?! He hadn't thought about that! What if she said *no*?! Fear
raced through his entire body once again. Had he miscalculated?! She sat
back and put her hand on her chin. This was not a good sign! He held his
breath.  

"Could you give me just a moment, please"  

His eyes widened and he felt as if he was in a plane that was twirling to
the ground at top speed!  

"I'd like to confer with my associate for a moment. Dief."  

She looked at the wolf who had jumped to the seat across from theirs.
Fraser was frozen, still on one knee. He looked at Monica, then Sam and
finally Dief. So this is what it all came down to. His entire future and
happiness relied solely on the decision of a wolf! A very opinionated wolf
at that!  

Wolf sounds  

"Yes, Dief I know he can be. But we have to remember all his other
qualities too."  

More wolf sounds and growls  

"Well who else is going to help him from himself if we don't? I know, I
know your right."  

Wolf finishes with his input  

"Ok, I will." she giggles "I wish I had a camera! You should see the look
on your face, mountie!"  

Taking his face in her hands, Monica moved in close to kiss him softly on
the lips. Tenderly she whispered to him.  

"Constable Benton Fraser, I promise that I will now and forever be your
mate, your love.....your eternal companion. I will spend the rest of *my*
life making sure that you are the happiest man on earth. Because *you*
deserve it. You have earned it with a life time of pain and loneliness. I
love you, Ben, more than I had ever thought I could ever love someone. I
know you have concerns about your mom and dad's relationship. But I know
you. I know your heart. You will not be the same, we will not be the
same....... So to answer you question, Yes! Yes, I will marry you."  

They smiled at each other. Fraser got off his knee and sat down next to
Monica. She crawled into his lap and he placed the blanket over them. The
carriage moved out of the park and down the street. Monica wrapped her
arms around Ben's neck. Her childhood dreams had come true she was
marrying *Prince Charming*! As the carriage moved on she began to hum a
tune from Disney's *Cinderella*. It had always been her theme song when
she felt sad. The song was about dreams. Dreams being the wish that a
heart makes. And now the one wish of her heart was coming true. Into the
cold night they rode on, just holding on to each other. Words for them
were not always needed, or wanted. Sometimes less is good!  

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**  

This story as well as, True Nature of Love, It Happened One Spring Night
and Tales...Part one are copyrighted by Laura Ross 1996  

E-mail: Lross960@aol.com