More than a feeling

by Anja

Chapter 21

The next days Ben and Meg enjoyed very much. They went for a ride together, made long walks and Ben tried to help Meg with so many on the farm as he only could. Ben admired Meg that she coped with the work on the farm so well. They just had taken a load of fresh hay to the barn, just still punctual before a thunderstorm went in bulk. They were in the barn door now and watched how the heavy rain fell.

Meg: "We are gonna get wet except for the skin if we now went to the house."

Ben contained Meg's waist and pull her to himself.

Ben: "Then still let us stay in the barn."

He started tenderly to kiss Meg's neck.

Meg: "Ben?"

Ben: "Mmmm?"

Meg: "What do you plan now?"

Ben nibbled tenderly at Meg's earlobes.

Ben: "What do you believe, that I plan?"

Meg: "Now here? In the barn?"

Ben: "I would like to love you just here and now anyway."

He started again to kiss Meg's neck.

"Oh Ben!" Meg moaned.

Ben turned Meg round to himself.

Ben: "What my angel?"

Meg: "I love you."

They kissed each other passionately. Meg pushed Ben back further into the barn. Slowly Ben unbuttoned Meg's blouse and let it glide over her shoulders.

Ben: "Oh my God, you are so beautiful."

They kissed each other tenderly and yet passionately. Meg started to unbutton Ben's shirt. Tenderly she let her hand wander under the shirt and over his warm skin. She could feel his hard muscle under her hand. They looked each other deep into the eyes and kissed each other again. Without interrupting the kiss, Ben lifted Meg up and carried her further into the barn. Carefully he laid her on the hay. He interrupted the kiss and looked at Meg.

Ben: "I love you more than my own life."

Meg: "I love you too."

They kissed each other again. They made love slowly but with much passion. Exhausted they afterwards lay each other in the arms.

Meg: "Ben?"

Ben: "Yes my angel?"

Meg: "Are you as happy as me?"

Ben: "I've never been as happy in my life as I am now."

He leant over to Meg and kissed her.

Ben: "Thank you."

Meg: "For what?"

Ben: "That you love me and that you want to come back with me to Sunset Beach."

Meg: "I love you Ben and I want nothing more than to be together with you."

Ben: "Even if you must leave your family for this?"

Meg: "Yes. I love my family very much and they mean very much to me, but I have my own life. In addition, there are too many bad memories here."

Ben: "I promise you to look after you and to protect you for the rest of my life."

Meg: "Ben Evans, what I have done to earn a man like you?"

Ben: "No, with what have I done to earn such an angel?"

They kissed each other again.

Meg: "The thunderstorm have past. I think we should put on our clothes and go back to the house."

They started to dress themselves, as they heard a car drove up.

Meg: "My God, who can be this?"

She hastily buttoned her blouse and looked out. A cab from which her parents got off, stood in front of the house.

Meg: "Where do my parents come from now?"

Ben: "Let us go over and then we will get to know it."

Hank discovered the two when they came out of the barn.

Hank: "Meg sweetheart, are you all right Meg?"

Meg: "Yes Dad everything is OK. Where do you come from?"

Joan came over here and hugged her daughter.

Joan: "My God, what merely has Tim done to you?"

Meg: "Where do you know of the thing with Tim?"

Joan: "From Miriam. I called her in the morning, to tell her, I'll be back to the bazaar next week. She told me, what Tim had done to you. Meg, why didn't you told me on the telephone about this?"

Meg: "Mum, I didn't want you worried. And nothing that bad happened to me. Ben still came right on schedule."

Joan hugged Ben now, too.

Joan: "Thank you Ben, that you have protected our Meg."

Ben: "It's okay Joan. I wouldn't let it be, that something happen to Meg."

Hank: "I'll at once drive over to the Truman's and give Tim a good talking-to."

Joan: "Calm down Hank!"

Hank: "How shall I calm down, then? Tim first deceives our Meg and then he attacks her too?"

Ben: "Hank he isn't it worth."

Hank slowly calmed down again.

Hank: " Meggie and you are feeling really well?"

Meg: "Yes Dad. Ben has looked after me very well."

Hank: "So and what have you two done in the barn, then?"

He had noticed, that both had hay hanging in the hair. Meg blushed.

Meg: "Ehm, we had just taken fresh hay to the barn before the thunderstorm. And we then have waited for the rain there."

Joan: "Hank!"

Hank: "Is everything good, one may ask well once anyway."

Joan: "Meg will you come with me into the kitchen? It's time for to prepare the dinner."

Meg: "Yes, I will come with you immediately Mum."

Meg gave Ben a kiss on the cheek and followed her mother into the kitchen.

Hank looked at Ben. He felt a little unsafe under Hanks looks.

Hank: "So and you have saved my Meggie for Tim."

Ben: "Yes Sir."

Hank: "And how serious are you with Meg?"

Ben: "Very serious. I love her more than my own life."

Hank: "Well, I don't like to see it, if my little girl is hurt."

Ben: "I would never hurt Meg Sir. I love her with every fibre of my heart."

Hank: "And what happens to Meg, if you return to California?"

Ben: "Meg will return to Sunset Beach with me. We can't and don't want to live without each other any more, Sir."

Hank: "Hm, good. But don...t hurt my Maggie."

Ben: "I swear, I'll make Meg as happy as she makes me, Sir."

Hank: "Good. And Ben?"

Ben: "Yes Sir?"

Hank: "Stop to calling me Sir. And now, I'll see where you have taken the hay." he's referring to the hay in Ben's hair.

Ben relieved smiled.

Ben: "Good Hank, let us go."

Joan and Meg were engaged in preparing the dinner in the kitchen.

Meg: "Mum?"

Joan: "Yes Meg?"

Meg: "Mum, I'll return to Sunset Beach with Ben."

Joan: "Yes, I know it."

Meg: "You know it? Where from then?"

Joan: "One only needs to look at you both and one know how much you love each other."

Meg: "Yes Mum, I simply can't imagine a life without Ben any more."

Joan: "And when you think you'll depart?"

Meg: "I think, that Ben would like that we go back tomorrow already. He had cancelled everything in Sunset Beach and when came to Ludlow."

Joan: "How did Ben know that Tim had attacked you?"

Ben: "I quite simply felt that Meg was in danger and immediately made me on the way here."

The two men had unnoticed entered the kitchen.

Ben: "Have you already told your mother, that you'll return to Sunset Beach with me?"

Joan: "This she didn't need at all. I see anyway how you both love each other very much. In addition, I regard it's better that Meg comes as far as possible away from Tim. When do you want to leave?"

Ben: "Honestly, first thing tomorrow. My business partner weren't enthusiastic that I just departed to Ludlow. I've been here a week now and I have enjoyed the time also very much but it's time that I care about my business again."

Joan: "Yes, I understand this. Meg, I think you then should begin to pack."

Ben: "And I'll call Gregory, so that the company jet pick us up tomorrow morning."

Meg: "Mum, Dad I hope you understand this?"

Hank: "Meggie, we always want the best for you. And I have the feeling Ben is the best, that could happen to you."

Meg fell her father around the neck.

Meg: "Thank Dad, you are the best father of the world."

Meg and Ben left the kitchen and went upstairs in Meg's bedroom, so that Meg could pack and call Ben Gregory.

Chapter 22

Meg: "Ben can you help me?"

Meg tried to close the suitcase. Ben came in to the room just again.

Ben: "Is this the last suitcase?"

Meg: "Yes, however I can't close the darned thing."

Ben: "Let it try me."

Ben tried close the suitcase but it didn't work.

Ben: "What do you have in this suitcase? Do you need everything?"

Meg: "I have only wrapped up few of my favourite books."

Ben: "Let me try, maybe they still fit in my bag."

He opened the suitcase and looked inside. A couple of books lay on above about Venice. Ben took one out.

Ben: "Oh Venice? Have you been there before?"

Meg: "No, however I would like to go to Venice once. It is the most romantic......."

Ben: ".......City of the world. I love Venice. It is a wonderful town."

Meg: "Have you been there before?"

Ben: "Yes and I promise you, that I'll take you there once."

Meg: "Oh Ben, this would be a dream."

Ben pulled Meg to himself and kissed her.

Ben: "I would like that all your dreams get true, my angel."

Meg: "Ben?"

Ben: "Yes my angel?"

Meg: "At the moment, I simply would like to go to Sunset Beach with you."

Ben kissed Meg again.

Ben: "Well, then let us drive."

He took the books from Meg suitcase and put her into his bag. After this the suitcase could be closed. Ben took the bag and the suitcase and both left Meg's room. Outside Joan and Hank wait by the car. Meg hugged her parents.

Meg: "Mum, Dad I'll be missing you."

Joan: "We'll also be missing you, but it is your life and you must do what is the best for you."

Hank: "And you can come to us back any time."

Meg: "You come to pay a visit to us, as soon you can, promised?"

Joan: "Of course sweetheart. We want to see how you live in California anyway."

Meg hugged her parents once again.

Ben: "Meg, it becomes time."

Hank shook hands with Ben to farewell.

Hank: "Take care of my little girl."

Ben: "Hank I love Meg and I'll take care about her."

Joan hugged Ben.

Joan: "Thank you Ben."

Ben: "For what?"

Joan: "For this, that you love Meg."

Ben: "I must thank you, that your have taught Meg to be such a wonderful woman."

Once again Joan and Hank hugged Ben and Meg. The both climbed into the car and drove off. Joan and Hank waved to them. At this sight, Meg run few tears over her cheek.

Ben: "It isn't as easy as you thought, is it?"

Meg: "No, however I already look forward to our life together into Sunset Beach."

Ben: "I also look forward to a life with you."

They reached the airport soon. They were already expected by Jack there.

Ben: "Hi Jack. Is the jet ready for take-off?"

Jack: "Good morning Mr. Evans, good morning Ms Cummings. Yes, we can start at once."

Jack packed the baggage and Ben and Meg climbed the jet. Jack followed for a short time later.

Jack: "Mr. Evans, Mr. Richards told me to tell you that you absolutely must come into the office"

Ben: "Thanks Jack."

Jack: "Please fasten your seatbelts, we can start at once."

Ben: "Good."

They fastened their seatbelts and the jet starts few minutes later. During the flight Ben and Meg talked about their future together. They were still deepened in their conversation when the jet started to the landing.

Ben: "Shall I bring you first at home or would you like to come with me to the Liberty Corporation?"

Meg: "I would like to accompany you. Last time, I hadn't seen your office."

Ben: "Well, I won't need for a long time either."

When the jet had landed, Ben took the baggage and they went to his car. They packed everything in and drove off. When they arrived at the Liberty Corporation, they got out and Ben took Meg's hand. They entered the building together.

Ben: "So, then I want to show you my empire."

They entered the anteroom to his office.

Tina: "Hello Mr. Evans."

Ben: "Hi Tina . I would like to introduce Ms Cummings to you. When ever she call or come, I always have time for Ms Cummings."

Tina: "Good. Nice to meet you, Ms Cummings."

Meg: "Nice to meet you too and please call me Meg."

Ben: "Tina please would you tell Mr. Richards, that I'm back again."

Tina: "Of course Mr. Evans."

She lifted the telephone receiver and started to dial. In the meantime Ben led Meg into his office and Meg looked around.

Meg: "So it's here you spend most time?"

Ben has sat down in the recliner at his desk. He pulled Meg on his lap.  

Ben: "I promise you, I'll spend the most time with you."

He started to kiss Meg. The two didn't hear, that it knocked at the door.

Gregory: "Ehm, I don't want to disturb you both, but Tina have told me, that you are back again, Ben."

Frightened the both drove from each other.

Ben: "Hi Gregory. Can't you knock?"

Gregory: "I have knocked, you two only didn't heard it."

Ben: "Gregory, may I introduce the love of my life to you? This is Ms Meg Cummings. Meg, this is my friend and business partners Gregory Richards."

Gregory and Meg shook hands to the welcoming.

Meg: "Nice to meet you, Mr. Richards."

Gregory: "Great to finally meet the woman, who has resurrected Ben again. And please call me Gregory."

Ben: "And have you already come further with Mr. Foster?"

Gregory: "No, it's still the same. I have changed our supply once again, but he still finds something to stop it."

Ben: "Mmm, I don't understand this. He perceived contact with us and offered us to take over his company."

Meg got up.

Meg: "It's better, I let to you both alone."

Ben: "No, stay quietly, you don't disturb. I only want to go over this file quickly with Gregory."

Gregory: "Good look at it once again, before I fax it to England."

Ben studied the documents.

Ben: "I can't find anything, which still could disturb him now."

Gregory: "I hope for this he is content now. We can't still further go highly."

Meg: "May I look once at the documents? I have a degree in business economy and maybe I find something, that disturbs Mr. Foster."

Ben: "You still haven't told this to me at all."

Meg: "I also didn't have any opportunity of this."

Gregory: "The idea is good. We have already dealt too much with that to still be objective."

He hands Meg the file and she started to read it. She looked up after some minutes.

Meg: "Therefore as I see this, it is a really generous supply of you. Well, it still must give another reason for the hesitation of Mr. Foster. If I have understood this correctly, he is here begun to you to sell his company to you?"

Ben: "Yes. He would like to retire from the business life, however, he has nobody, who can or wants to take the company."

Meg: "And do you know, why he just has chosen your company for himself?"

Ben: "No, we have never spoken with him about this."

Meg: " Mmm, and how was your personal impression of him?"

Gregory: "We haven't met Mr. Foster in person yet. Everything's been ran only by the advocates, on telephone or fax."

Meg: "Maybe you should change your tactics here. I can imagine, that Mr. Foster is businessman of the old school, a personal conversation and a handshake are dearer to him as papers."

Ben: "You could be right there Meg."

Gregory: "It would be worth for us to test. Who of us will fly over to London Ben?"

Meg: "May I make another suggestion to this?"

Gregory: "Go on!"

Meg: "I think Ben should fly since he is Englishman. I can imagine that this was a reason also that Mr. Foster has just chosen your company."

Gregory: "Sound sensible. Ben you should as fast as possible fly with your new assistant."

Ben: "With my new assistant? I didn't know that I have one at all."

Gregory: "No? I think that Meg is excellently suitable for the job."

Ben smiled.

Ben: "Of course you are right. What do you say Meg do you accept the job and accompany me to London?"

Meg: "Do you both mean this for seriously now?"

Ben: "Yes."

Meg: ", Mmm, I already think, that this could like me."

Gregory: "Well Meg, then I say warmly welcome at the Liberty Corporation."

Ben pushed the switch to his Counter-intercom.

Ben: "Tina, please could you come in for a moment?"

Tina: "Of course Mr. Evans."

Tina entered the office few moments later.

Ben: "Please, would you book a flight to London as fast as possible for Ms Cummings and me and reserve a suite in the hotel? We drive home now. Please, call me there, when you have everything ready."

Tina: "Good Mr. Evans. Shall I book the return flight also?"

Ben: "No, we leave still this open since I don't know yet, how long we'll need."

Tina: "Good."

She left the office.

Ben: " I think Meg and I should drive home now and pack our suitcase for London."

Gregory: "Good and report as it runs in London. Meg, I have been pleased to become acquainted with you. You come over to a dinner, when you are back from London."

Ben: "Well, we'll do this."

All three left the office and Ben and Meg drove home.

Chapter 23

Ben and Meg had already been in London for two days now. The meetings with Mr. Foster had gone very well. They just returned with the signed contracts to the hotel.

Meg: "Shall I book our return flight?"

Ben: "I thought we actually still stay a couple of days and I show you where I have grown up."

Meg: "This is a very wonderful idea Ben. I would like to see the places where you have run around as a little child."

Ben: "I'm only sorry that my parents couldn't become acquainted with you."

Meg: "How long have they been dead now?"

Ben: "It becomes ten years in November. After their accident I moved to California."

Meg: "Have you been here any since then?"

Ben: "I've been here three or four times. I then always have paid a visit to the best friend of my mother. She is my godmother and I would like that you get to know her."

Meg: "Oh Ben, I look forward to this."

Ben: "Well, then let us pack and check out."

They had left London with the car an hour later.

Meg: "And where we'll drive now?"

Ben: "We go to middle England to Leicester. I think you will like it there"

Meg: "Ben together with you I like it everywhere."

They reached Leicester after some hours drive.

Ben: "Uhm Meg?"

Meg: "Yes Ben?"

Ben: "Please don't understand me wrong if I introduce you only as my assistant at first and not as the love of my life. Jenn is a very lovely person, she have already tried to find a woman for me for years."

Meg: "Fortunately for me without success."

Ben: "Yes. I think she won't need a long time to notice that we belong together and she shall have a feeling of success. And how I know Jenn, then she'll begin at once to plan our wedding, too. However, I'm afraid that it then becomes a wedding as like this one of Prince Charles and Lady Diana."

Meg laughed.

Meg: "And you don't like this thought?"

Ben: "I like thought about the wedding, but then I would like to plan this together with you."

Ben stopped the car in front of a little country house.

Ben: "So there we are."

They got out and Ben rang at the front door. A neat woman within the middle years opened the front door.

Ben: "Hi Jenn."

Jenn: “Ben! However boy, this is a surprise!"

She hugged Ben.

Jenn: "What are you doing here? Where do you come from? Why haven't you called?"

Ben: "I had to work in London for the short term. But I didn't want to go back to California without paying a visit to you."

Jenn: "Well, I wouldn't have forgiven you so fast for this either. Come in."

Ben: "However Jenn, I still have brought somebody along. This is my assistant Meg Cummings, Meg may I introduce Jenn Dinsdale to you."

Jenn shook hands with Meg to the welcoming.

Jenn: "Welcome Meg. May I say Meg?"

Meg: "Of course Mrs Dinsdale."

Jenn: "Please call me Jenn. So Ben? Meg is only your assistant?"

She looked at Ben and blinked him at this. She led the two into the living room.

Jenn: "Sit down, I...ll cook us fast a tea."

She left the room and returned with a tray some minutes later.

Jenn: "I hope you'll remain a couple of days."

Ben: "I thought, we...d stay two or three days."

Jenn: "Well, I then will prepare the guest-rooms at once."

Ben: "However, we won't to make any fuss and go to the hotel."

Jenn: "Nonsense. You stay here. So Ben now tell me a little bit of your life."

Ben: "What do you want to know?"

Jenn: "Of course everything about your life. Is there finally a woman in your life again? I said to you at once that Maria wasn't the right woman for you."

Ben: "I'm well. Maria and I are divorced now for three years."

Jenn: "Yes I know, but she is married again, but you're not."

Ben: "Jenn, this is something, which about I wouldn't like to talk now."

Jenn: "Well, however believe me, there is certainly somewhere a woman who will love you. We must only find her. And what is with you Meg? Are you married or engaged?"

Meg: "I was engaged, but I have noticed shortly before the wedding that Tim has deceived me."

Jenn: "I'm sorry Meg, but you are a delightful young woman and Tim must be an idiot."

Meg: "This is he indeed. Unfortunately, I have only found out this very late."

Jenn: "Don't worry, you'll certainly still find the right one."

Ben: ", Jenn, I think we should fetch our baggage out of the car."

Jenn: "A good idea. You then can freshen up and we can have dinner when Keith gets home in an hour."

Ben fetched the baggage out of the car and Jenn showed them the guest-rooms in the upper floor.

Meg: "Thank you Jenn. May I use the bathroom, a shower would be good for me now?"

Jenn: "Of course feel like you're at home. It is the second door on the left."

Meg: "Thanks."

Meg went into the bathroom. Jenn looked after her moment and then she turned to Ben.

Jenn: "Your assistant is really delightful. I think this would be a woman for you."

Ben: "Please stop it, Jenn. I'm adult and know by myself, what is good for me and what isn't."

Jenn: "Are you sure? I don't think. You have a beautiful assistant and you only think of your work."

Ben: "Jenn!"

Jenn: "Yes, is already good. I'll go down into the kitchen and prepare the dinner. See you."

She went down into the kitchen. Ben went in Meg's room and waited there for her. As Meg came from the bathroom, she was frightened.

Meg: "Ben, what are you doing here?"

Ben: "You still ask this? I wait for the woman, which I love."

He pulled Meg to himself and kissed her.

Meg: "And if Jenn come in now?"

Ben: "Don't be afraid, she is in the kitchen."

Ben kissed Meg once more.

Meg: "Ben, you should either tell Jenn the truth or go now, before she catch you here."

Ben: "You are right. I better go take a shower now."

Meg: "Good and I'll go to Jenn into the kitchen, maybe I can help her."

Ben: "But first, I still would like a kiss."

He pulled Meg to himself and kissed her once again passionately. After this he left the room. Meg got dressed and went down into the kitchen.

Meg: "Can I help you?"

Jenn: "No Meg. Sit down and tell me a little bit of yourself. Do you know Ben for a long time?"

Meg: "No only for a couple of weeks."

Jenn: "Have you lived in California for a long time?"

Meg: "No, I've just moved to Sunset Beach. I come from Ludlow, Kansas."

Jenn: "Is this a big town?"

Meg laughed.

Meg: "No, really not. My parents have a farm and I grew up together with my sister there."

Jenn: "And why have you gone away from there?"

Meg: "There were too many bad memories after the thing with Tim."

Jenn: "This I can understand. I wish Ben would finally go a step further in his life, too. I hope he finds soon a woman who sincerely loves him."

Meg: "What is with your family? You mentioned Keith just now. Is this your husband?"

Jenn: "Yes, Keith is my husband and we have 4 children, Andrew, Stu, Jo and Kate. Everyone comes to the dinner tonight. I think, I'll seat you next to my Andrew. He is a lovable boy and he'll you take to other thoughts certainly."

Jenn's family got home for a short time later. They spent a funny evening together. Jenn told many stories from Ben's childhood. However, the evening was slowly drawing to the end.

Jenn: "Keith I think we should give a dinner party on Friday. Some would be certainly pleased to see Ben again. Can you still remember for Sue Ellen and Mary, Ben?"

Ben: "Sue Ellen Thompson und Mary Hampton?"

Jenn: "Yes exactly, I mean these two. They still live here and aren't married yet. They will certainly be pleased to meet you again."

Ben: "Please, stop with that, Jenn. I'm adult and live my own life."

Jenn: "All right, but I'll nevertheless invite them."

Ben: "Jenn, thank for the excellent meal, but I'm tired and will go to bed now. Good night and sleep well."

Ben left the room. Meg got up and started to put the dishes together.

Jenn: "Meg, you leave this. Kate and Jo will take care of the dishes. The journey was certainly exhausting and you should go also to sleep."

Meg: "Yes, you are right, I'm really tired."

Jenn: "Good night and sweet dreams."

Meg: "Good night and sleep also well. Thank you for everything."

Jenn: "You...re welcome. See you."

Meg went up into her room. She put her nightgown on and put herself in bed. Although she was tired she couldn't fall asleep. She missed Ben. She loved it, to fall asleep in his arms. Suddenly she heard as the door to her room was opened quietly.

Meg: "Who is there?"

Ben: "It...s me."

He quietly closed the door behind himself.

Ben: "I feel so alone in my bed."

Meg: "I'm just feeling the same. And what will we do against this now?"

Ben: "I thought I lay down in bed with and hold you in my arms."

Meg: "And if Jenn gets something?"

Ben: "She will not notice anything. Tomorrow I'll creep back into my room early."

Ben slipped to Meg into the bed and took her in his arms.

Ben: "This is much better."

Meg: "Yes, I love it to sleep in your arms."

Ben: "And I love to hold you in my arms."

Ben kissed Meg.

Ben: "Good night my angel."

Meg: "Good night Ben."

Both had fallen asleep few minutes later.

Chapter 24

The next morning Meg woke up by a noise at the door. Frightened she noticed, that Ben still laid beside her and slept tightly. She saw horrified as the door opened slowly. She fast pulled the blanket over Ben's head. With a cup in the hand Jenn entered the room.

Jenn: "Good morning Meg, I see you have already woken up."

Meg: "Good morning Jenn."

Jenn: "I have a cup of tea for you here."

Meg: "Oh thanks, this is very nice."

Jenn: "Meg, I may ask you a couple of questions?"

Meg: "What do you want to know, then?"

Jenn: "It's about Ben. I'm worried about him."

Meg: "Why's that?"

Jenn: "Well, he has been divorced now for three years, but it doesn't seem like there are a new woman in his life."

Meg: "Maybe he simply hasn't found the right woman yet?"

Jenn: "How he shall this also? He only takes care about his business."

Meg: "You don't need to worry about Ben. As far as I know, he has a lot of friends."

Jenn: "Friends yes, but in my opinion is he missing a woman at his side."

Meg: " I think Ben know exactly, what the is best for him."

Jenn: "Really? Meg have you not noticed, how Ben always looks at you?"

Meg: "What do you mean by this?"

Jenn: "Every time when he looks at you, he gets a sparkle in the eyes at once."

Meg: "A sparkle?"

Jenn: "Yes, I think Ben see you as more than only his assistant."

Meg blushed.

Meg: "Uhm...."

Suddenly Ben sat up.

Ben: "Jenn please, could you leave Meg alone?"

Surprised Jenn looked at Ben.

Jenn: "Ben! What are you doing in Meg's bed?"

Ben grinned.

Ben: "I only follow one of your advice and have spent the night with the woman whom I love."

Jenn was speechless for a moment.  

Jenn: "You two? I have knew it. I knew at once that Meg is more than an assistant for you. Why didn't you tell me anything?"

Ben: "I wanted that you get to know Meg, without you knowing how much I love her. And I knew, if you like Meg, you would try everything to bring us together."

Jenn smiled.

Jenn: "Well you are right there. And I knew at once that Meg is a very special person."

Ben: "Yes she is. I immediately saw it, when I for the first time looked into her lovely blue eyes."

Meg blushed again.

Meg: "Ben!"

Ben pulled Meg to himself and kissed her.

Jenn: "I will leave you both alone again. However, at the breakfast you'll tell me everything."

Jenn left the room.

Meg: " I hope Jenn isn't now angry with us."

Ben: "No. She likes you and has taken you into her heart. What you think of this, if we get up now and I after breakfast show you where I have grew up."

Meg: "This sounds good."

They got up. Ben pulled Meg once more to himself and kissed her.

Ben: "See you at the breakfast and don't let wait me too long."

Meg: "I will hurry."

Ben: "Good."

He kissed her once again and then left the room. A short time later, they sat together with Jenn at the breakfast table.

Jenn: "So and now start to tell me."

Ben: "Where shall we start, then?"

Jenn: "Where have you become acquainted with each other?"

Ben: "In Kansas."

Jenn: "In Kansas?"

Ben: "Yes. I had been on business there. On my way to the airport I had a breakdown with the car. Well, I had to go to the next farm to call a garage and there this angel here opened the door."

Meg: "Yes, suddenly Ben stood in front of me and I got quite soft knees there."

Ben: "The car had to stay in the garage and the Cummings invited me to live with them for the time being."

Jenn: "Sounds as if it was love at the first sight."

Ben and Meg: "Yes!"

Jenn: "And what did happen then?"

Ben: "'Well, then I must go back to Sunset Beach again, but Meg paid me a visit there a couple of days later."

Jenn: "And it has remained like that since then!"

Meg: "No!"

Jenn: "No?"

Meg: "Unfortunately, I had to go back to Ludlow after a couple of days again, because there was an emergency on the farm."

Jenn: "And of course Ben has accompanied you, didn't he?"

Ben: "No, I had to do some business in Sunset Beach and couldn't accompany Meg. But a couple of days later I followed her anyway, since I felt that Meg was in danger."

Jenn: "In danger? Why?"

Meg: "My ex-fiancé Tim attacked me since he didn't want to give me up."

Jenn: "My God, Meg did anything happened to you?"

Meg: "No, Ben still came on schedule and overwhelmed Tim. A couple of days later when my parents came back to Ludlow I left Kansas together with Ben."

Jenn: "And I hope you stay together now."

Ben: "Don't be afraid Jenn, this angel here I won't let go any more."

Ben pulled Meg to himself and kissed her.

Jenn: "And have you already wondered about when the wedding shall be?"

Ben: "We aren't ready for that yet. We enjoy our life, like it is at the moment."

Jenn: "A pity, I would have a couple of very beautiful ideas. But you'll let me known, when it will be."

Ben and Meg: "Yes!"

Jenn: "So and what has you two planned for today?"

Ben: "I wanted to drive with Meg to Birmingham and show her, where I grew up."

Jenn: "A beautiful idea. Did you know, that your parents' house was sold again?"

Ben: "No. I only know, that the Miller's bought it."

Jenn: "Yes and I heard that they sold it a year ago again."

Ben: " Oh, and do you know to whom?"

Jenn: "Unfortunately no."

Ben: "A pity, I would have enjoyed showing Meg the inside of the house. The Millers would have permitted this to me certainly."

Meg: "However, we can have a look at the house of the outside, can't we?"

Ben: "Yes, however I also would have enjoyed showing it to you from inside. Let us drive now, there also are a couple of other places, which I like would to show you."

They ended the breakfast and drove with the car to Birmingham. Ben stopped the car in front of a big building.

Ben: "This here is a quite important place."

Meg: "So? It looks like a hospital."

Ben: "It is. I was born here at the 17th December 1965."

Meg laughed.

Meg: "Then you are right of course, a very important building. And what will we see next?"

Ben: "My High School. There we can leave the car and go through the park. The house in which I grew up is on the other side of the park."

Skilfully Ben steered the car by the traffic and reach the High School after 20 minutes. Ben parked the car and they got out.

Meg: "Well so here you went to school? And I bet, you have broken many girls' heart."

Ben grinned.

Ben: "Well yes, actually Derek was the one of us, which permanently have changed girl friends."

Meg: "However, you don't want to tell me that you didn't have any girl friend anyway."

Ben: "However, not so many as my brother. So and now, let us go further."

He took Meg's hand and they strolled through the park.

Meg: "The Park is marvellous. Were you often here as a child?"

Ben: "Yes. When we were young, our parents often took us for a walk here. Later Derek and I have often played with our friends here."

Meg: "And what have you played?"

Ben: "Our favourite games were 'hide and seek' and soccer."

Meg: "You have played soccer?"

Ben: "Yes, I was a good forward. So, still around this corner and then we are just at my parental home."

Meg: "When were you last here?"

Ben: "After the death of my parents, short before I moved to California."

When Ben and Meg went around the corner, they almost bumped in someone.

Ben: Excuse me!....Oh my God! You? What are you doing here?"

Chapter 25
 

Ben: "Excuse me!....Oh my God! You? What are you doing here?"

Ben stood rigidly with fright and got quite white in the face. He held Meg's
hand quite tightly in his. And Meg also lined up there and stared at the man
who stood in front of them and looked as Ben's mirror image.

Derek: "My God Ben!"

Ben: "Derek!"

Ben looked at the woman at Derek's side.

Ben: "Maria!"

Ben wasn't able to say more. He turned round to Meg and pulled her aside.

Ben: "Come on Meg, let us go."

Derek: "Ben! Please, wait!"

Ben: "Why? So that you take everything that I love away from me again?"

Derek: "No, however, we should finally talk with each other."

Ben: "I don't know, what we still have to talk about!"

Meg noticed, that Ben became furiously.

She pushed easily his hand to calm him down and show him that she was there
for him.

Maria: "Ben, please. We can't run away from this for the rest of our lives."

Meg: "Ben, maybe they are right. And don't forget, I am with you."

Ben looked at Meg and he could read in her eyes, how much she loved him. He
sighed.

Ben: "Yes, perhaps we really should do this."

Derek: "Yes Ben, we should do this."

Derek shook hands with Meg.

Derek: "Hello, I'm Derek Evans and this is my wife Maria."

Meg: "Hello, I’m Meg Cummings."

Ben: "She is the love of my life."

He put the arm around Meg's shoulders and pulled her to himself.

Derek: "Nice to meet you. Ben you don't need to be afraid, I already have
found the love of my life in Maria anyway for a long time."

Tenderly he looked at Maria at this.

Derek: "Ben, there is still somebody, whom I would like to introduce to you."

Now Ben noticed the baby carriage, which Maria shoved.

Ben: "Is that…..am I?"

Derek: "Yes, you are an uncle. I may introduce our son Simon Benjamin Evans
to you."

Ben: "Simon Benjamin? Have you named him after our father and me?"

Derek: "Yes."

Ben leant over the baby carriage.

Ben: "Hi Simon, I'm your uncle Ben."

Simon smiled at Ben.

Maria: "He likes you."

Ben grinned.

Ben: "Yes, is also simple since I look just the same as his father. How old
is he?"

Maria: "Nine month."

Derek: "Ben, why we don't go to Maria's and my house, so that we can talk
quietly?"

Ben: "You live near?"

Derek: "Yes, just around the corner."

Ben: "Say not ......you don't have?"

Derek: "Yes, I have bought our parental home from the Millers last year."

Ben: "Really? I wanted to show it to Meg."

Derek: "Then let us go."

A short time later they stood in front of a big house. Derek unlocked the
front door.

Derek: "Please, come in."

Everyone entered the house.

Ben: "It still looks almost that way as I have it in my memory."

Derek: "We have renovated it, but I have tried to get it ready so it looked
like before."

Ben: "May I lead Meg through the house?"

Derek: "Of course."

Ben lead Meg through the house and showed her every room.

Meg: "It is lovely. Almost every room have a fireplace. I imagine this very
comfortably in the winter."

Ben: "It also was. When we were children and came back from playing, we often
sat in front of the fireplace. Our mother then brought us hot chocolate and
homemade cookies."

They returned after the tour to the living room. Maria had prepared tea in
the meantime.

Derek: "Please, sit down."

Ben: "How does it come, that you live here in England?"

Derek: "When we left Sunset Beach that time, we went to San Francisco first."

Ben: "To San Francisco? I have often been on business to work there. How come that we have never met?"

Derek: "Oh, a few times, we almost did. We could avoid it just about in the
last moment."

Ben: "And then? When have you moved to Birmingham?"

Derek: "When we have noticed, that Maria was pregnant, we wanted to get away
from there. We simply wanted to avoid that you meet us once more and got more hurt than you were already. I got the offer to take a small computer company here in Birmingham. We thought about it a short time and then immediately moved over here."

Ben: "Because you haven't expected to meet me here?"

Derek: "Yes. By chance I then have experienced, that the Millers wanted to
sell the house again and I have bought it. But now, tell us about you."

Ben: "Well, when Maria left me, I buried myself in my work and built up a
wall around myself. I never wanted to get that hurt again."

Maria: "Ben we certainly didn't want you hurt, but ....."

Ben: "At that time, I couldn't understand this Maria, but today I do it. When
I stood the first time in front of Meg and looked into her eyes, I knew, that
she is the love of my life. A smile from her has sufficed to break down the
wall around me. Meg has given me my life back."

Tenderly he looked at Meg at this and took her hand into his one.

Ben: "However, we don't want to disturb further now. I still would like to
show Meg something."

Derek: "You still are welcome to stay. You don't disturb at all and it's been
great to talk with you again."

Ben: "Yes, it was good to talk again, but Jenn expects us to the dinner."

Derek: "Oh, you are staying at Jenn's? How is she and her family?"

Ben: "Jenn and family are very well. She is still as lovable as before."

Derek: "I'm pleased to hear this. Tell her greetings from me. How long are
you staying actually?"

Ben: "Unfortunately, we must depart the day after tomorrow again."

Derek: "It would be fine, if we would see each other once again before you
leave. Do you want to came for the dinner tomorrow?"

Ben: "I don't know. Jenn wanted to give a dinner party tomorrow. I wouldn't
like to spoil her plans, she has been so pleased about our visit."

Derek: "I can understand this. A pity, I would have enjoyed meeting you once
again."

Ben: "I call you tomorrow, perhaps we can meet tomorrow afternoon once again."

Derek: "Yes, this would be nice."

Ben: "In addition, you can come now to Sunset Beach and pay a visit to us any
time. Has Carmen already seen her grandson actually?"

Maria: "No, she knows Simon only of photos. You know, that she is frighten to
fly and till now, we didn't want to come to Sunset Beach, because we don't
wanted to hurt you still more."

Ben: "Now you can come every time."

Ben and Meg got up. Derek shook hands with Meg.

Derek: "Meg, it was nice to meet you. I'm glad that Ben has finally found his
great love."

Ben: "Meg is more than my great love, she is my soul mate."

Meg: "It was nice to meet Ben's brother, too."

Derek: " I hope we'll stay in contact with each other."

Ben: Yes promised."

Ben and Meg left the house and went back through the park to the car. After
Ben Meg still had shown something in Birmingham, they returned to Jenn again.
During the journey Ben was very quiet.

Meg: "Ben?"

Ben: "Yes?"

Meg: "Is everything all right?"

Ben: "Yes, I only was in thought."

Meg: "Has it been hard for you to talk with your brother?"

Ben: "At the beginning it was however, I have made it with you at my side."

Meg: " I think it wasn't easy to talk with him again after so long time."

Ben: "No, especially when we last met we had a bad conflict and we both said
things, which hurt the other."

Meg: "You also had all reason to be angry with him. Finally Maria divorced
from you because of him and has married Derek."

Ben: "Yes. However, I see it different in the meantime. What I felt for Maria
wasn't so intensive like my feelings for you."

Meg smiled at Ben.

Meg: "Since we have met, I believe in the destiny and you, Ben Evans, you are
my destiny."

Ben: "Meg Cummings I love you."

Meg: "I love you too, Ben Evans."