After lunch, Linda thought about taking up the doctor's advice and sleep for a while. But she was up for another medical visit.

"Well, if it ain't our little Miss Adventure back from the snowfields of Canada."

Linda smiled and blushed at such embellished reception. "Hello, Dr. Wilson."

Smiling, the doctor sat down by her bed, and the nurse that came in with him examined her chart. "I hear you had quite an adventure up there."

"Yes, sir, you can say I did."

"And maybe all you needed was some sort of winter vacation, because I have to tell you: I got some pretty good news about your case. I am very excited."

Linda agreed. "You do look very optimistic, doctor."

"I am more than that, Linda. I talked to Dr. Lennyard, and I am sure you know we made some tests while you were recovering from that wrong medication you took. How do you feel right now?"

The girl shrugged. "I woke up feeling great pain in my legs, but now it is better."

"This is a very good sign, Linda." The doctor could not get his smile off his face. "The exams showed less blood-flooded in some areas in your brain than before. The charts came up clearer now from those strokes you suffered. We are now able to tell you that it was the blood in your brain that prevented the stimuli from reaching your brain."

"Doc, what does this mean?"

"It means that your hopes of walking again are higher than they have ever been. It may be a little while before you know for sure if you will be able to run or jump again, but I am positive that you will be walking in less time than you may think".

Linda felt a jolt of joy ripping through her body as she heard that. She would walk again! "When will I be able to walk again?"

"Well, Linda, I don't want to dampen your mood, but it may be a while. In terms of recovery, it is quick, but it may be sometime. We have two stages of treatment: we need to keep on cleaning your brain from the blood-flooded area, and I am sure we can do that with medication. The second part involves physical therapy. After all this time without walking, you will need to be retrained again."

The girl was thoughtful. "So I will be using crutches?"

"Not at this particular point. You will need to get ready for the crutches, and that is what we will be doing now. But we need to assess your sensitiveness first. Are you up to a quick examination?"

"Sure, doctor."

"All right, then." He turned to the nurse, "Miss Lewis, please, I need your assistance."

The nurse got closer to Linda's bed and took away her covers. Linda felt the difference in temperature and told Dr. Wilson. He then started some tests.

The doctor put some pressure on her legs, and she felt it (at least in a numb away). Then Nurse Lewis covered her eyes and she was to tell the doctor what was he touching her legs with. She felt something cold (the metallic medical charter), then soft, warm (his hands), and something hard and thin (his pen).

Nurse Lewis helped Linda sit up, then put her legs dangling in the air. Her eyes were covered again, and the doctor asked if she could feel anything. "Just the step under my foot", was the answer. The small stairs that helped patients get on the chair had been placed under her left foot. The other foot was hanging on the air.

Dr. Wilson kept her sitting up and asked if she could move the foot still touching the step. Linda tried; she even sweated of trying it so hard. But try as she might, she could not move an inch. She was a little sad about it. Apparently, it showed, because the doctor patted her back.

"That is to be expected, Linda. You are recovering all sensations on your legs, and that is very positive. It would be too much to ask for you to move voluntarily your foot at this point. You are doing fine. No need to feel down because you cannot move a foot."

Linda sighed in relief. She could not wait to begin the exercises, even though she was getting tired just from the exams. "Could I lie down please?"

"Of course."

Nurse Lewis helped Linda get back under the covers as the doctor scribbled something on his note pad. "I am prescribing a medication against ischemia and blood-clotting, and I will also want you to begin the therapy as soon as possible. I suspect you will be able to begin crutches exercises in about two weeks or 20 days."

The words thrilled Linda. "That is good. And... do I still have to take those spinal fluid tests?

The doctor smiled and put a hand on her shoulders. "Now this is the best news. Those are gone forever. Now that we know why you were unable to walk, there is no need for them."

Linda thought she could cry. "Oh, doctor. You don't know what it means to me."

"I knew you would be glad. Now get some rest. We will resume tomorrow, is that OK?"

"Fine. Thank you for everything, Dr. Wilson."

"Follow your doctor's order, Linda."

He left and Linda napped a short while and a soft noise woke her up. She was surprise to discover who was there in her room.

"Constable Turnbull?"

The Mountie seemed to be struggling to put the chair near her, but at a respectable distance. Unfortunately, the chair brushed by the bed, and the sound was louder than he supposed, making him all jittery. When Linda pronounced his name, the poor Mountie seemed ready to absolutely faint of pure dismay.

"Oh! Miss Linda! I am sorry, I did not mean to wake you up. Oh, my dear Queen Mum! How embarrassing!"

"It is all right, Constable. I was not really sleeping. And I have to be up anyway, so you actually did a good thing."

"Good. I know you need your rest. The nurse told me so."

Linda smiled. "It is very kind of you to visit me, Constable."

"This is not merely a social visit, Miss Linda. I am here on a mission."

"On a mission?"

"I just spoke to Inspector Thatcher and she ordered me to get this message to you at the first opportunity."

"A message?"

"Regarding Constable Fraser."

Linda's heart raced. "Something happened to him? Is he all right?"

"Oh, yes, yes, Miss, rest assured. The Inspector's message is precisely to assure you that his treatment is going fine, and he is expected to be considered fit to travel in just a few more days. When he is released, then he will come back."

"Did the Inspector tell you when that would happen?"

"I am afraid she doesn't know that herself, Miss Linda. She just wanted to make sure you knew that. Also, she said there are some legal aspects that are still holding her back at Ottawa, but she expects to be able to come to Chicago as soon as tomorrow or the day after that."

Linda cracked a smile. "That is great news. I appreciate your coming here so promptly, Constable. It is quite nice."

The young man was blushing. "I was just doing my job, Miss."

"No, Constable, you have always been very kind to me. Ben is very grateful to you."

Linda watched the Mountie smile melt. He dropped his head down and muttered, in the saddest voice Linda had heard.

"No. I know he hates me. You are just too polite to tell me."

The girl was shocked. "No, Constable, that is not true. What makes you say do?"

Turnbull looked truly miserable. "This whole confusion. It is my fault. I got you kidnapped and whisked up to Canada, and then I made Constable Fraser and Detective Vecchio get arrested because of that."

Linda was getting horrified, but she kept her voice calm and soft. "Turnbull, you are being too hard on yourself. It was not your fault."

"I told the men who took you away where to find you. They said they were friends and I believed it. I am too gullible and stupid."

"Turnbull, they were friends. They were just too young to know they were doing the right thing in the wrong way. You should see how they apologised to me later, when they realised what they had done. Everything turned out fine in the end. I was not harmed, and that was never their intention anyway. You did nothing wrong."

"But Detective Vecchio and Constable Fraser got arrested."

"That was something that went out of anyone's control, including the FBI, I assure you, Turnbull, you had nothing to do with it. I did not know you felt so bad about it. Did you talk to Ben?"

"Good heavens, no. I... I... could not face him."

"Turnbull..." Linda was filled with sorrow for that young man. "You have been such a great friend for me and Ben. Don't ever think otherwise."

"I know and I am grateful that you consider me so highly. It is a great honour. At least Constable Fraser was not... as vocal about it as Detective Vecchio."

"Oh, God, no. Did Ray yell at you?"

"Quite loudly, yes."

"I am sorry, Turnbull. You know he doesn't mean what he says sometimes."

Turnbull finally cracked a smile. "Yes. He apologised to me later. The Detective was very nervous when you disappeared, and everybody thought you had been kidnapped. At least, this Detective Vecchio apologised nicely."

"What do you mean by this Detective Vecchio?" Linda even joked. "Is there another Detective Vecchio I don't know about?"

The young Mountie failed to see the humour. "Why, yes. The other Detective Vecchio. Of course, now we know his real name is Kowalski."

Linda did not miss the hurt on Turnbull's face when he mentioned Kowalski. "Did he mistreat you, Constable?"

"No. Well, not on purpose, I am sure. But sometimes he could be a little... curt. I shouldn't say that, though. I know he is a friend of Constable Fraser's."

"Yes, Ben likes him very much. I don't know him that much, especially now that he has gone undercover, so I cannot say much about him. Although, I must confess: he scares me a little bit."

"Don't judge him bad, Miss Linda. He was a very interesting refugee when he was seeking asylum in the Consulate."

"He did?"

"Oh, yes. You do know that by that time Constable Fraser lived in the Consulate premises, don't you?"

"Yes, I do. Ben told me his apartment building was burned down. I guess that both of them lived in the Consulate, if Kowalski sought asylum."

"Actually, Detective Kowalski's presence there was quite short-lived. Yet, it was unforgettable."

"Why is that?"

"Detective Kowalski seems to be a very complex, hectic kind of man. I could tell you things about his association with Constable Fraser that would probably surprise you."

"I would like to hear that. You know how reserved Ben can be sometimes."

A nurse came in at that moment and announced, "Sir, there is a call for you."

Turnbull stood up. "Thank you, Ma'am. Where can I take that?"

The woman pointed Linda's nightstand. "Right there is fine. I will have them patch it to you."

"Thank you so much."

She left and Turnbull addressed Linda, "I hope you don't mind... I should have consulted you, but..."

"There is no problem, Turnbull. It might be some urgent business from the Consulate."

The phone rang. The young Constable was up in a flash. "If you will excuse me." He picked up and answered. "Yes? Yes, Sir. Of course, Sir. Is there something wrong? No. Oh, she is fine. Actually, yes. Yes, I have her by my side right at this... Oh, certainly, Sir."

Linda was surprised when Turnbull handed her the talking piece. "It's Inspector Thatcher, Miss Linda. She wants to talk to you in person".

"Meg?" She clutched the piece to her ear, for she could not hear anything. "Meg, can you hear me?"

"Yes, Linda, and quite well. Look, I have a surprise for you. Can you hold on a minute?

"Sure."

Linda waited, then a male voice appeared, "Linda?" Linda's breath caught as she recognised the voice. It sounded like a caress on her ears. "Ben? Oh, Benny, it that you?"

"Yes, Linda, it's me."

She was trembling and her voice was also shaky. "Benny, where are you?"

"I am in Ottawa. Are you OK? Turnbull could not tell us what happened. Linda, why are you in a hospital?"

"I am fine, Ben. More than fine. My legs have been improving. I can feel some sensations, and now I will begin a new therapy."

"Really? That is very good news. What else did the doctor say?"

Linda was proud to say. "I will walk again, Ben."

She heard a short gasp on the other side of the line. "Linda, I... I am... I am so very happy, Linda. I can't wait to see you."

"What do the doctors say about you? When are you coming home?"

"I have to gain a little more strength. But they keep telling me I am fine. Inspector Thatcher has just told me she will be catching a plane tomorrow. She called to tell Turnbull about the details, and then found out he was with you."

"Turnbull is very kind to visit, Ben."

"Yes, he is. And a good friend, too. By the way, did you see Ray?"

"Not yet. He has been released, and it seems the charges have been dropped. But he was busy with some details of the case, so I was not able to see him. I miss you, Ben."

"I miss you, too, and we will be together soon. Don't worry."

"I love you."

"So do I. But now I am afraid Inspector Thatcher needs to talk to Constable Turnbull and work out the details so he can pick her up tomorrow."

"Tell her I am very grateful we could talk. I have no words to thank her enough."

"Don't worry, I will do that."

"Take care, Ben. Love you forever."

"I love you, too. You take good care, too."

"Bye."

"Bye, sweetheart."

Linda handed the receiver to Turnbull. "The Inspector wants to talk to you, Constable."

He was smiling when he picked up the phone and Linda felt some wetness on her face, something she could not place. Only then did she realised she had been crying all the time she was talking to Ben. It had been good talking to Ben. She was glad to hear his voice, and she wished they could be together soon. She missed him so much and it ached a little, but she knew they would be together soon. That was all she needed to focus on.

She wiped her tears and turned to see the young Constable hanging up the phone. He smiled awkwardly at her. "The Inspector is arriving tomorrow. Good news, isn't it?"

"Yes", Linda sniffled. "Best news. Ah, Constable Turnbull, I would like to thank you."

"Thank me?"

"I have a feeling you and the Inspector have set Ben and me up."

He blushed. "Why would you say such a thing?"

"It was too much of a coincidence that the Inspector would call you when you came to visit. Besides, if it is visiting hours, Ma would not fail to be here."

Turnbull turned into a deeper shade of red, smiled and nodded. "Ah, we thought it might... well..."

Linda interrupted gently. "I appreciate it. From the very bottom of my heart. And Ben, too. He called you a good friend."

Turnbull's new smile brought a new light to Linda's room. "That is, ah, good to know, Miss Linda. "

She called him with her finger and he came closer. Linda could kiss him gently in the cheek. "Thank you for everything."

Linda could swear Turnbull would run a fever, because his skin was practically purple. He nodded. "You are, ah, very welcome. Now, if you excuse me, I have to take care of the arrangements for the Inspector's arrival."

"Sure. Good luck on that."

He grabbed his Stetson and nodded, while going towards the door. "Than you kindly. All the very best, Miss." Then he exited, hurriedly and all flushed, and Linda smiled

Her smile was taken as a very good sign a few minutes after Turnbull left, when at least four Vecchios came inside: Ma, Frannie, Ray and Maria.

"Bambina!"

"Hello, Ma. I am glad to see you."

With an endless grin, Ma emphatically put her hand on Linda's cheek. "You look good, bambina, very good. I see Benton's friend had a very good surprise for you."

Linda also blushed. "Yes, and I can bet all of you participated on it. I thank you."

"Did you talk to Benton?"

"Yes. He is feeling much better and he can't wait to get home."

Frannie sat on Linda's bed. "I bet he will be thrilled to hear the news about your health. Dr. Wilson was very excited about it, Linda. He told us everything about it."

Ray kissed Linda's forehead. "Hey, ragazza. I missed you on the last part of the trip."

"I missed you, too, Ray. I am so glad you are free now."

"All charges were dropped, as we expected it to be. Now we are dealing with that Carbonelli guy. I talked to the lieu, and this time you may have to testify. The charges are assault and conspiracy."

"Ray, can't we cut a deal with him? I mean, he treated me well, and he has information, you know." Linda did not want to talk about the baby in front of Ma, or she might get upset. But Linda was very hopeful about seeing her child again.

"I am working on that, Linda. I am trying to convince the FBI. I talked to Carbonelli, and he is not talking."

She sighed, all excitement dissipating. Ray took her hands between his and reassured. "Don't worry. We will work it out somehow. Now all you have to do is get better. I hear Benny is coming, and he wants to see how much better you are."

Linda smiled at him. "Ok, Ray. Can you get me a glass of water?"

Maria cut in and fetched the water. "Here, Linda. You look very good. I bet you even gained some weight."

"That is very possible, Maria. I did not have a wheelchair to make any sort of workout, and my diet was very... unique."

"What were they feeding you up there in the north?"

"Whale blubber and raw seal meat." The noise ceased in the room when Linda answered, and she felt frightened at the look in everyone's faces, including Ray's. They all seemed appalled. "Did I say something wrong?"

Frannie wanted to be sure. "What did you say they fed you?"

"Whale blubber and raw seal meat," she repeated. "The shaman said it is traditional food for sick people."

"What did it taste like?"

Linda frowned as she remembered. "Not good." Then she smiled. "I missed Ma's cooking every day. But Ilaqali, the lady who cooked for me, was very kind. I did not want to hurt her feelings. She took care of me."

Ma sat beside her and patted her hand fondly. "It is good to know that you were well-treated. We were worried about you."

"Yes, Ma, they treated me very nice. Sometimes I even think I was unfair to them, because I was so scared and so ill and I missed everyone so much. I cried a lot in the beginning. At least when I began to feel better, that is."

Frannie was curious. "You were ill? You were fine down here."

"They took me on a very long trip by truck right after that spinal fluid test, and it seemed my body reacted badly. I had a fever, and a lot of horrible nightmares."

"Tell me more, bambina," asked Ma gently. "How they took care of you? With that strange food?"

Linda told them of the various things that had happened in Canada, including those hours she spent alone in the snow. The women seemed enthralled with her narrative, and asked a lot of questions, curious to know what happened to Linda in those weeks she was with the native people of the North. Ray was smiling, enchanted by the innocence and tenderness of the girl. No wonder Benny loved her so much, he thought. He knew he did, too.

As soon as it was possible, Linda began her new treatment destined to enhance her feelings in the legs and to reduce the blood in brain areas. Although physical therapy was heavily emphasised at this point, Linda also took medication. According to Dr. Wilson, the downsize of her new medication was a mild tendency for her to get dizzy as if she was going to faint. Sometimes it induced sleep, too.

Dr. Lennyard seemed very impressed with Linda's willpower. In a few days, her progress was remarkable, according to Dr. Wilson. She was willing to get Fraser a nice reception when he arrived. However, release from the hospital was not recommended. Dr. Wilson, in special, wanted to follow Linda's improvements as close as possible. Besides, with Fraser also injured, Linda would have to relay on the Vecchios to take care of her: an imposition she had made clear more than once that did not suit her. Once Fraser was back from Canada, that problem would be solved, of course.

Inspector Thatcher, who promptly came from the neighbouring country, was the one who provided information on Fraser. Too bad they were not able to speak on the phone like that one time, felt Linda. But she knew he was getting better. According to Meg, Fraser was kept on the hospital only because he had no one to take care of him outside it in Canada, but he soon became in conditions to be released.

The RCMP in Ottawa was divided. They had the option of allowing him to get back to Chicago by issuing him a travel permit - a medical document that certified him as still in recovery and granted him disabled privileges of embarking. But they might also study the possibility of placing Fraser to travel near a fellow Mountie who was headed to the States. It seemed, however, few RCMP personnel were scheduled to visit the US in the next days, and Fraser was getting restless to get home as soon as possible.

Inspector Thatcher was the main source of news from Canada, but Constable Turnbull also dropped by at least once a week with some flowers. Linda made sure he did not feel guilty anymore about everything that happened. A very clandestine visit Linda received was from Diefenbaker. Ray brought the wolf in the middle of the night and no one could get him off her bed. He licked her intensely and she held him close, whispering how much she missed him, and telling him everything about Fraser and how he would be arriving soon.

But the day finally came. Linda hardly could sleep the night before, excited as she was, and Dr. Lennyard even had to prescribe a mild sedative. Ray was to pick him up by the end of the afternoon and was less than thrilled at the prospect of driving at the Dan Rather Expressway at the peak of rush hour. The minute he expressed these feelings, he looked at Linda: the expectant look in her eyes at the imminence of Fraser's arrival was enough to make his annoyance melt away.

Francesca stroked Linda's hair with the brush for the nth time and studied the girl carefully. "Nah, I think the other way was better".

"Frannie", chided Maria, "Don't you think she is nervous enough?"

"I am only trying to help!"

Ma smiled at Linda. "Don't worry, bambina. You are pretty enough."

Linda inspired, unable to contain her anguish. "Does anybody have the time?"

"It almost seven," said Tony. "But the traffic should be hell. Don't worry about it. You guys have been at least two months apart. A few more minutes won't hurt ya."

She had to remind herself to keep breathing. The exercises were especially recommended due to her medication. She easily fainted, and the continuous flow of oxygen was the doctor's indication to avoid her collapsing when extremely nervous or excited.

A nurse came in and made sure the family knew she was there on business. Taking Linda's vitals became part of daily routine due to the new medication. The nurse took Linda's pulse, then checked her temperature. She wrote the readings in the chart by the end of the bed. "You are not running a fever, but the heartbeat is fast. I will tell the doctor."

"I feel fine."

"Of course, but I will just report this." She looked around. "Are you guys having a reunion, or something of the sort?"

Frannie jumped in. "Linda's boyfriend is coming back today."

"Oh, that is nice." The nurse put the chart back. "And it explains the heartbeat. I will tell the doctor."

She went out as Linda blushed by her remark, still reminding herself to breathe properly. She just couldn't wait until Ben showed up.

When the door opened, she thought it was the doctor, but Ray was the first to appear inside, a grin spreading all over his face. "Wow, Benny, everybody is here. Come in."

Fraser walked after him, Stetson in hand, bag flung across the shoulders and brown uniform framing a figure that Linda found frail and much, much too pale. Still, her heart raced the minute she set eyes on him, as the Vecchios noisily greeted him. As he was hugged and welcomed by Ma and her children, Linda could feel the blue eyes bearing on her anytime it was possible.

Finally, he set the bag and Stetson down, approached the bed and saw her, the sparkling green spheres adoring him. He controlled himself to bent and planted a chaste kiss on her lips. "Hello."

Linda was smiling shyly at him, trying her best not to cry. "Hi, Ben."

His eyes were beaming in a furious shade of blue. "You look good, Linda. I am glad to see you so well."

"I am glad, too, Ben. I am glad you are here." She dropped her voice. "I missed you."

Fraser took her into his arms and held her tight against his body, unable to control himself anymore. "I missed you, too, my love", he whispered in her ear, inhaling the scent of her hair.

Ray was beaming of happiness as he saw his two friends embraced. Francesca broke the spell of the moment by saying, "You look good, Fraser. Linda was kindda worried about your wound, but you look fine."

He sat on Linda's bed, never letting go of her hand, and smiled to Frannie. "I feel better, thank you."

Ray jumped in. "Ma, Fraser has been released from the hospital but still needs some recovery time. I was thinking he could stay at the guest room."

"Of course, Raymondo. Benton is still weak."

Fraser became embarrassed. "No, please. Uh, Ma, Ray, that was more of a recommendation than actually..."

"Nonsense", said Mrs. Vecchio. "Benito, you are to stay with us. You need to rest and recover properly, and you can't do it alone. Besides, there is nothing to eat or drink in your apartment. Also, the poor dog is dying to meet you, so it is all settled, eh?"

Fraser smiled, and Linda could not get the grin off of her face. It was their family, taking care of them as families do. Fraser was still talking to Ma. "Thank you for taking care of Diefenbaker."

"Oh, he is family, too. And a very nice dog."

Ma would never admit Diefenbaker was a wolf.

They chatted for ten more minutes; then Ma looked around. "Now that Benton is safe and back to us, we better go. Tony, get the coats. Raymondo, will you take Benton back home later?"

"Sure thing, Ma."

"Good. Take your time, and I will have the gnocchi ready by then."

"Please, don't bother, Mrs. Vecchio."

Frannie complained. "Ma, Fraser has just arrived. We could hardly see him."

"Chesca, do as your mother says. Benton and Linda need some time by themselves."

That was enough to make both blush uncontrollably, and Ray smiled as Linda lowered her head in embarrassment. Biding farewells, Ma shooed the family dragging Ray in the process, leaving Fraser and Linda alone for the first time. As the noise died away, they faced each other, exchanging long silent stares filled with emotion.

"Ben." It was a whisper. "Please hold me."

Fraser came to sit closer to Linda and wrapped his arms around her body, enveloping her totally with kindness and love. Linda sighed in contentment, closing her eyes to feel his arms around her, thinking how much she missed this sensation of safety. She felt secure, comforted and loved. "I love you", she said softly, and she was surprised to find out a tear rolling down her cheek.

What really touched Linda, though, was finding out big blue eyes filled with tears staring down at her the minute she raised her head to face Ben. He was shaking, his emotions running deeper than Linda remembered seeing. He never looked so vulnerable and frail before. "Oh, Ben..."

"I missed you so", he said softly, his voice at the edge of control. "I though I had lost you", and then his voice cracked, as a tear escaped his eye and a sob raked his body.

Linda put her hand in his face lovingly, trying to reassure him. She wanted him to know that it was all right. Fraser looked inside her eyes, and saw companionship, love and understanding. With her, Ben knew he did not have to be Mr. Proper Mountie, squeaky-clean and infallible. He could open up to her. To her, he did not have to be strong all the time, or right all the time, perfect all the time. She accepted him and loved him for who he really was.

"You won't lose me that easy, Benton Fraser. As long as you want me, I will be yours."

She stretched up to capture his lips with her. It was a gentle kiss, one destined to soothe the pain from such a long time apart. Ben drew her body closer to him, deepening the kiss. He gently got his tongue inside her mouth using it to probe gently the wet hidden treasures in there. Linda received his mobile tongue and lovingly rubbed her own against his, before sucking on it languidly. Their breathing patterns changed. Without ever breaking contact with each other's lips, they started to use their hands to caress each other heads and arms, touching their bodies chastely as if only to get reacquainted with their touch and smell.

Then Ben drew back and sighed. "I don't know how I managed to stay away from you for so long."

"It's been such a long time, Ben." Linda caressed his hair with the tip of her fingers. "There were times when you seemed so distant... I wonder if you were thinking of me."

"You have never left my mind." He also put the palm of his hand on her cheek and she gently turned her face to feel it a little more. "There were times I thought I could not bear it. Not without you."

Linda took his hands into hers and smiled. "Now you are here, and so am I. It is all over and gone."

"I want to know everything, although Ray has told me so much already." Fraser seemed very excited. "I cannot believe you have been to Canada without me."

"Me neither. I met Buck Frobisher, and he calls you Benton boy." He blushed and Linda found that so sweet. "He is a nice man, and helped me a lot when I needed so much."

"He is a good man, and I knew he would help."

Linda sighed and her eyes twinkled just for him. "There is so much I want to tell you, Ben."

"In that case, please begin with your health. Ray told me you are in a therapy to use crutches." He seemed delighted. "Will you be able to quit the wheelchair?"

"Not totally at first. But Dr. Wilson prefers to envision the possibility that the crutches will only be temporary until I can walk on my own again."

The smile Ben gave her combined with the sparkle in his eyes could have lit the entire hemisphere for a few hours. Ben felt his heart threatening to explode, and he took her both hands in his and kissed them. "I am so happy."

"Me too, Ben. I can feel my legs now. I can tell if it is warm or cold, and I can feel pain, too. I don't move them yet, but in a few weeks I may have strength enough to swing them. When I am able to do that, they will clear the crutches to me. Meanwhile that, I get to take that medication to clear the blood from my brain. It should speed up the recovery, said the doctor."

He soaked up each one of her words, enthralled by her emotion, the sparkle in her eyes, the aura of sheer happiness Linda was emanating. She looked so beautiful she glowed, and Fraser felt his chest tightening with joy. "It sounds wonderful, Linda."

She blushed and said. "There are still some things that may take a while. I still don't have bowel control, but I can feel something in there. Dr. Wilson says that is supposed to be like that. And... now I have felt something new."

Ben saw her redden face and was intrigued. "Something new?"

"Yes. Just now. At this moment."

"Really? What is it?"

"There are other things I can feel from my waist down." Linda got even redder in the face. "You know, things related to... desire."

Fraser put his fingers gently under her chin and gently lifted her face, eyeing directly into her eyes before huskily suggesting, "Then we must get into it as soon as we can."

Linda could feel her body responding to his insinuation and it shook her more than she imagined. Their eyes never stopped the contact, the unspoken language filling the room and conveying dozens of messages. Only their breaths broke the silence in the room, and it was getting heavier. Linda looked at Fraser's perfect, straight lips, a bit swollen from their previous kissing. Without thinking, she leaned in and -

and at that precise moment the door opened.

Fraser jumped back from her and up to his feet in a second, and Linda instinctively lowered her head, trying to capture her breath again. Dr. Lennyard's voice was heard. "Ah, Constable, I heard you were back in town." He offered his hand. "Welcome back."

Taking the proffered hand, Fraser quickly recovered. "Yes, thank you, doctor."

The doctor observed him. "You look a little pale right now. Better follow your doctor's orders about your recovery."

"Ah, yes, sir. I just came from Ottawa and I decided to uh, stop by so we could, uh, well, I mean, actually..."

Dr. Lennyard smiled. "I am sure Linda appreciated your visit, Constable. But I need to check her vitals now. The nurse said your blood pressure is irregular." Then he eyed Fraser. "I can see why now."

There were furious blushes and goofy grins at the doctor, who snickered amusedly as he took Linda's temperature. After he monitored her pulse, he took the bottle of pills by her nightstand and told her. "You need one of those. Your heart is really accelerated, and it may interfere with the flow to the brain. It means you can start to faint even more often than you already do. Dizziness will no longer be a problem, but keeping you awake."

Fraser felt his heart quickening. "She has been fainting?"

"It is a side effect from her new medication. She needs to control her blood pressure and heartbeat to do that, so these strong emotions can make her pass out." He took the glass of water. "Here, take the pill."

Linda obeyed, but protested. "I will be sleepy."

"No, you won't get sleepy. You will get sleep, because you need it, and the Constable here also needs to rest and recover. His friend, Detective Vecchio, is already in the hall waiting for you. I will send him in. Now rest well, Linda."

"Yes, doctor. " She sounded a little defeated.

He smiled. "Good night." And left the room.

In seconds, it was Ray's turn to stick his head inside the room, and he joked, "Everybody decent?"

"Ray", chided Linda with humour. "Come in. Dr. Lennyard said you were outside."

"Yeah, I thought I would give you guys a moment of privacy." He looked around and began to pick up Fraser's things. "But it is getting late. I gotta get him at the house, or Ma will kill me."

"Will you take Ben home safely?"

"I won't let him get damaged, I promised. Now get some rest. The doc says you need it as much as he does."

"I will." Linda kissed Fraser's hand. "Come back tomorrow?"

"Sure." He kissed her forehead. "Good night."

"Love you, Benny."

"I love you more."

And they kissed.

Ray grinned. It always amazed him how could these two get through so much and end up even sweeter than before. He took Ben by the shoulders. "Let's go, lover Mountie. Ma has probably started the sauce for the gnocchi, and it will blow your brains out. Linda, Ma will probably send you some of the gnocchi, and you will love it, too."

"Of course I will. See ya, Ray."

The cop also kissed her on the forehead. "Bye, ragazza. Be a good girl."

Linda watched both men turn off the light and go away before sliding down under the covers, sighing in content. Ben was back. Life was perfect again.

On to Part 9