For the umpteenth time in the last hour, John sighed as his hand drifted behind his neck so as to massage the knot that was beginning to form there. Readjusting himself, he let the hand move from where it had finished that one action, then up towards his eyes, which he gave a slight rub. Another sigh...Another glance towards a clock on the wall just opposite where he was at...Another sob rising in his chest. When he had awoken that morning, all he could think was that this was going to be such a beautiful Wednesday, and not any "hump day" either. This was the fourteenth of February and the first Valentine's Day of the new century and the new millennium. It would be Biebe's second one at the Nest, but like his Christmas, he was anticipating something special with his chosen companion....*His soulmate*

The Valentine Day party was due to start in a couple of hours. Most of the couples were already together, and had been for the majority of the day, or in some cases -- as with Lady, Trisha, Ilaria and Kath -- several days. Even Laura had managed to get off from work a little earlier, and had arrived a short time ago, much to Maximus' excitement. Michelle had started her vacation and would be staying at the Nest for nearly the entire time, so she had arrived that morning -- and she and Colin hadn't been seen since. Each time a car or taxicab pulled into the parking lot, John would go to the Tavern door and look out, holding his breath in anticipation. And each time it would be a vehicle different from the Chrysler Sebring he was used to seeing her drive.

"Maybe she'll be in something else besides the Sebring though, mate. Maybe her rental company didn't have one this time round," Lachlan had told him, which only made it worst for John. Now every car entering the Nest property was scrutinized and scrutinized again, until at last, he had returned to his apartment above the Tavern. There was a window seat in his bedroom, one which gave him a great view of the main driveway, as well as a good deal of the hotel and the gardens. Fixing a glass of iced tea, he situated himself on the affixed cushioned bench, enjoying the feel of the sun's warmth against his flesh. She would tease him sometimes about getting more of a tan, and he was somewhat browner than he had been on his arrival in October of 1999, but when she wasn't there, he tended to stick more to the areas which reminded him of Mystery. Still, it felt good, relaxing, almost lulling him to sleep....

A knock on the door jerked him awake. The first thing he did was try to stretch to see if he could check out the parking lot. This wasn't a good vantage point, but off-hand, there didn't seem to be any new vehicles out there. The knock came again, harder this time, and the Alaskan practically ran, calling out, "Coming!" as he did. But when the oaken door was swung open, he was surprised and somewhat disappointed to find not only Laura and Maximus there, but Colin and Michelle, who had finally decided to come up for air.

"Oh," he mumbled, his face dropping.

Maximus cocked an eyebrow. "Oh? And hello to you too, John."

"Sorry," he apologized, realizing he hadn't meant to take out his frustrations on his friends. "Just a little.... Sorry."

"You and Tina okay?" Michelle asked, her arm slipping about Colin's waist.

"Me and...." His voice trailed as he shook his head. "Tina's not here yet."

"She's not?" "Did anyone try to reach her....?" "Where is she?" "What happened?" "You haven't heard from her?" "Did she call?" The questions were coming fast and furious, and John raised a hand to calm them.

"She left a message at the front desk 'cause I wasn't around just then. Said something about some court case she had never been subpoenaed on, and they notified her yesterday evening that she was needed." The small group moaned. "Oh, it's some four year old murder case she did something minor on; the prosecution didn't even need her, but the defense won't stipulate the evidence she gathered." Another collective moan. "So their process server shows up at ETU yesterday evening with a subpoena for her to appear -- Wednesday morning. Wednesday freaking morning!" His voice had raised slightly, then it quieted.

"But this morning..." Laura looked puzzled. "I don't get it. If the subpoena was for this morning, why isn't she here yet?"

"Because I've been to court; I know how this all works. They tell you to show up at 9 or 9:30, and then promise to get you on as soon as possible. And soon as possible stretches into lunch time; the jury is given breaks after every intense line of questioning to give them a rest. Before you know it, the afternoon's shot and they still haven't put you on the stand. Then court's adjourned for the day...."

"And then they want you back the next day?" Colin growled, shaking his head.

Michelle sighed. "Then...Then Tina may not make it at all?"

"She was hoping to get here after lunch cause they swore they'd have her on before then, but like I said, anything can happen. Maybe a witness ran long, or...." He shrugged, frustration obvious.

Shaking her head, Laura whispered something to Max, then looked over at Michelle. "Do you have your cell phone on you?"

"No, left it in my room."

"Yeah, left mine behind too. I guess Peaches would let me use the desk phone.."

"It's an emergency -- of course she would. And while you do that, do you want me to see if someone has their laptop available? I could send her a note to all her e-mail addresses...see if she responds that way."

"Great idea."

Biebe smiled slightly. "It's almost six here though. I'm not even sure she'd try to make the trip with it getting late, and if she has to go back to court tomorrow...."

Max patted John on the shoulder. "She'd still come if she can, you know that.. This is Tina we're talking about."

Laura and Michelle were already stepping away. "We'll get right on it, John. As soon as we hear something, we'll let you know," the Chicagoan told him as the two women headed towards the staircase.

"Thanks ladies -- I appreciate it."

"Mate," Colin began, "if there's anything I can do for you...."

"Thanks Colin -- Max. No, I'll be okay."

"Well promise us that whatever happens, you'll come down for the party regardless," Max said. "I realize it might be difficult, but I hate thinking of you alone in your room."

"I'll see," John promised, watching as the two men followed in the footsteps of their companions, then shutting the door not long afterwards.

*Come down for the party regardless* Biebe sighed as he crossed through the sitting room, returning to the bedroom. Momentarily, he paused, looking down at the bed where he and Tina had spent so many wonderful hours in their relationship. Although they both loved her dream suite at the hotel, they enjoyed it here as well -- the way the numerous windows allowed in light, so that even with the closed shades and curtains, a bit of sunlight always managed to slip in a crack. There were times he would just lay there, watching her sleeping so peacefully, for a short time putting her Real World life on hold so as to savor what she could with him. Then she might roll over, as if sensing his close attention, her brown eyes flickering open, a soft smile appearing on her lips. How many times had she told him how happy he made her, even after their trials back during the summer? Christmas had been the apex of their relationship it seemed, then New Year's the wonderful climax. But he had not seen her in nearly a month, although she stayed in touch -- through letters written on cream colored stationery; through e-mail for she knew John had opened his own account now thanks to Kelly wiring the Nest for the Internet; and on occasion when there was time, even Instant Messenger.

But actually seeing her, holding her, making love to her -- it had been mid-January. She was afraid of coming down with whatever virus had been going around; she felt her immune system was down due to more worry, thanks to her family. The two of them had sat in the front seat of the Sebring for the longest, and the last thing he remembered her saying was, "Don't worry. I promise -- I'll be back for the Valentine's Day party if I don't get back before then.I've already told Sarge I'm breaking Patsy loose from training on the thirtieth, and I have lots of V-time built up. I can take off more easily now, and not have to worry about my trainee. And with me getting every other weekend off, I can tack on a vacation or personal day here and there to stay longer." She had become ill though, so ill it was up to some of the girls to let him know; it was the first sick time she'd taken in over a year. Of course he worried. Kelly even helped him sign into one of those online greeting card companies so he could send her a card. Tina was better now, but work had prevented her from returning to the Nest when she desired. Her last e-mail had read: "...We'll be together on Saint Valentine's Day. I've never looked more forward to it...."

From the window seat, John could see that twilight was beginning to settle in over the CrowesNest. Taking hold of a small gift bag sitting nearby, he fingered the ribbons attached to it. They had splurged so at Christmas, they promised not to overindulge at Valentine's. Besides, he had something more special in mind for her birthday, which would be near the end of February.... Now Valentine's Day was nearly over, and he wondered when he would be able to give the present to her.

*We'll be together on Saint Valentine's Day. I've never looked more forward to it....* /Trisha was right, Biebe// he chided himself. /You do wear your heart on your sleeve. I couldn't show up at that party if I wanted to. Not and see all my brothers...and their companions....It'd be like the first Valentine's I spent here -- only worst// The clock chimed six-thirty....

Word came a short time later. Michelle had left several e-mails for Tina, but there was no word yet. Laura had tried calling her cellular phone, but had heard a server message stating the owner was unavailable for service. Whether that meant the phone was turned off, or if she was traveling through an area that did not receive her particular service, no one could be certain. Laura had even taken a chance and called Tina's apartment -- no answer. She called ETU but there was also no answer, meaning whoever was working was out of the office. They were at a dead end.

On giving Michelle and Laura his thanks, and telling them he would see them later, he closed the door, knowing full well he had no intention of attending the party. And if he didn't show, someone would end up at his apartment to bring him down to the Tavern. So, he would wait about another hour, then slip out. There were a number of places he could go for the evening. The weather was crisp and clear; perhaps he could head about ten miles north, get his snowmobile, and head out a little further to see the Nest version of the Northern Lights. He would leave a note letting someone know where he'd gone in case something happened, but at least he'd be alone, without people banging on his door wanting to know when he was showing up.

Stretching his cramped muscles from where he was curled up in the window seat, John moved to his closet to lay out a few items he knew would be necessary for the cold. As he placed his barn jacket on the bed, his nostrils noticed a hint of perfume caught in the collar. Christian Dior's Dune. Smiling, he remembered when he had bundled Tina inside it during her last visit. They....Was it...they were caught in the rain or snow or cold or something? Even after all these weeks, the scent still remained, only making him long for what he was missing.

He shoved the items into a gym bag, and was just checking around to make sure he was leaving the room in safe condition, when someone tapped anxiously on the door. "Aw...shit," he mumbled, wondering when the hell they would leave him alone. He promised he wouldn't blow up at whoever was there, realizing they were only concerned for his well-being, but this was one evening when now, he only wanted to be alone. Considering his luck today, it was probably Sid on the other side, waiting to stick out his tongue and say, "I have a date for Valentine's and you don't...Tubby." Great -- that's all he needed.

Taking his time as he walked back towards the sitting room, the knock came again in swift succession, but he still didn't hurry. Maybe if they thought he wasn't there, they would get tired and leave. He even stopped in the middle of the floor, holding his breath as he waited to see if that would happen.

*Tap, Tap, Tap, Tap, Tap--Tap--Tap--Tap--Tap--Tap--Tap* came the pattern. Hands on his hips, John stared at the door, wondering this time if it was Chelle or Laura, or maybe one of the other ladies, or one of his brothers. Ready to take bets this time round?

He was about to return to the bedroom, when the tapping became lighter, almost hesitant. For a second, he swore he heard a cough, then "John," came to his ears so clearly, his heart leapt into his throat.

"Tina?" he whispered, bolting towards the entrance. "Tina?!" he called out louder, flinging open the door. She was standing there in tears, smiling the second she saw him. He took in her appearance: a red jacket which zipped up the front; an above-the-knees, black skirt; her golden brown hair was swept up at the back into a French roll, while tight curls framed one side of her face. She looked so tiny, her hands clutching a large shopping bag, and she was trembling -- he didn't know if it was from the cold or nerves. Before she could say another word, the sheriff literally lifted her off the floor, gathering her in his arms so that she could wrap her own arms around his neck, the bag swinging behind him. John kissed her longingly, his tongue easing between her lips so as to dance with hers, and he listened as she moaned, trying to press closer. Realizing she might be uncomfortable in that position, he finally lowered her, giving her one last, brief kiss.

"Miss me?" she joked, wiping at her eyes.

John chuckled, shaking his head. "I didn't think you'd make it, darlin'."

Her frustration obvious when she sighed, returning her arms back about his neck, Tina commented, "I almost didn't, thanks to a few people I'm adding to my enemies list when I finally write one." They laughed, then she laid her head against his sweater-covered chest. "They really screwed me up."

"What happened?"

"You're not going to believe what they...."

"Hey, let's get out of the hallway," John said, taking her hand and guiding her into his apartment. "Sometimes I forget where I am when I'm with you." He shut the door with his foot as they proceeded further inside.

"Yeah," she giggled, winking at him. "Sometimes you do. Remember when I came back to the Nest after Laura and Max had their misunderstanding, and you and I...."

There was a twinkle in John's eyes as he grew more crimson, briefly glancing away. "We almost did it in the hall, didn't we?"

"Peaches would have been very upset with us. You know the adult stuff is supposed to stay exclusive -- behind closed doors." She eased one arm about his waist as they slowly walked into the first room, but didn't stop, continuing on into the bedroom.

"Oh I agree -- absolutely." The sheriff smiled broadly, and on reaching the window seat, tugged Tina onto his lap once he was seated. As he rested against one solid wall portion of the recess, he maneuvered the technician until she had molded to his form, her head against his shoulder. John took a deep breath before kissing the top of her head. The Dune she wore had nearly faded from her body and clothing, but there was enough of a hint remaining that it made him squirm slightly, excited by the nearness of her. "So you were saying...."

"Well, I got there at nine 'cause I had explained I was going out of town. The defense attorney's assistant said they were aware of that, and would get me on the stand as soon as possible because he appreciated my cooperation, but...."

John exhaled deeply. "But -- there's always 'but'."

"But they had a witness leftover from Tuesday they were still doing direct on when the judge called it quits for the day. And they expected that the prosecution's cross would last a while. So I settled in. Well that witness came and went, then another, then another, and when I saw the jury exit about eleven-thirty...."

"You knew it was lunch time?"

"Yep. What was it my field training officer told me about court?...Uh...hurry up and wait." John chuckled. "They came back at one, then another witness went on the stand."

"Shit."

"My stomach is in knots; I have a freaking migraine. I still get butterflies every time I'm scheduled to testify; it's natural, but this was driving me nuts. I ask the assistant again, and she promises me...you're next. Well, that's what they said five witnesses ago! And it's not like this is only exceptional among defense attorneys. I've had some prosecutors who were worst. Anyway, before I knew it, it was almost four, and finally the deputy steps out....."

"Deputy?"

"We don't have baliffs, per se; they have deputy sheriffs assigned to each courtroom. But anyway, the deputy steps out and calls, 'Tina Stewart,' I put on my game face, and I go in. Guess how long I'm in there?" The Alaskan shook his head. "Fifteen minutes. I'm getting eight hours of overtime for testifying fifteen minutes for the defense for something they refused to stipulate on!"

"Cha-ching!" Biebe teased, and they both laughed.

"So I run over to the office, fill out my overtime, tell all of them I'll see them Saturday...."

"Saturday?" John's eyebrows arched for he couldn't believe what she had just said.

Tina gently smoothed back his long auburn hair, lingering near his left cheek which she then stroked. In the waning outside light, he looked so handsome to her, and she could see remnants of his nervousness. She sensed what had gone through his mind while he waited, wondering if she had decided not to come. "I'm off Friday; I took Wednesday and Thursday as vacation days."

"Oh?" he asked softly, then his eyes brightened. "Oh!"

"Oh! I'd always intended to spend Valentine's night with you, Sheriff Biebe. I won't have to head back to Louisville until Saturday morning."

"Sweetheart!" he exclaimed, kissing her again, his hands beginning to sweep over her figure, feeling both muscle and the soft curves of her fullness. When they parted, their foreheads touching, he whispered, "You don't know what this means to me, darlin'."

"I think I do. I could feel the pain you were in even though I was still in the Real World." John raised his head, looking at her with surprise and affection on his face. He knew their link was strong, but he had never expected to hear her say that. "All I could think was that I needed to get here immediately. I didn't even change out of my court outfit. I just jumped in the car and started driving, and of course since I wanted to get here so badly, it took forever it seemed. It never fails -- every time you're wanting to desperately arrive at the Nest, the routes change, get longer. I was never more glad to see the ocean road in my life."

"I'm glad you made it, Tina." He was nearly speechless.

"I'm glad I did, too," she replied, arms slipping around his neck again. "I would never have forgiven myself if I had missed this, especially after I promised...."

"Shit happens -- it wasn't your fault. What were you going to do, defy a subpoena to go join your lover in a world populated with Russell Crowe characters?"

Giggling, Tina said, "Well, I could always throw myself on the mercy of the court, and hope the judge is a fan of his." She grew more serious as she suddenly noticed the gym bag and his favorite winter jacket at the foot of the bed. "Where...Where were you.... What's that?"

He followed her sight line, realizing he had not yet put the things away. "When...Well, when I didn't think you were coming...I knew the others would still want me to attend the party; they'd already told me as much."

"So you were leaving?"

"I was just going to slip out for the evening -- head up to see the Nest Northern Lights. I figured as late as it was getting you weren't going to make the trip."

"Oh John," and she softly and quickly kissed his mouth. "I'm sorry."

"I told you, this wasn't your fault, darlin'. I do wish you could have been here earlier though. Steve was photographing all the ladies in their best. You should have seen them. Even some of those that never dress up -- ever -- like Laura, they slipped on something special. I was hoping to get a new picture of you...."

"Call Steve and see. If you don't mind, I'm going to shower here and change."

"Absolutely, darlin'. I'll catch up with him; maybe he can get a solo photo of you at the party. You...Do you still want to go?"

"Of course I do," she said, caressing his face. "I wouldn't miss this for the world. This is the first time in my life I've ever looked forward to Valentine's Day."

Fetching her tote bag out of the hallway outside his front door, she headed for the shower while John went down to the Sebring to remove her garment bag.. Seeing Steve while he was in the parking lot, he explained the situation and made arrangements for Tina's photographs. He also contacted Laura and Michelle to let them know their friend had arrived, and that while he and the technician might be a little late, they would be there. It would probably be an hour or more before the party really got going anyway. On returning to his apartment and putting the luggage in the dressing room, he heard the shower water being turned off. Notifying her that her clothes were there, Tina called she'd be out shortly.

Twenty minutes later, she emerged: make-up simple; the hair still in the elegant style she had arrived in, and her holiday outfit a dress in cardinal red which showed her to an advantage. John smiled, thinking how the style seemed to recall something he might have seen in one of her beloved movies from the Forties.

"You look beautiful, sweetheart," he whispered, approaching her and taking both her hands.

"It's okay?" she asked shyly, and Biebe nodded, his smile broadening.

"More than okay," and before he could stop himself, he was lifting her in his arms, carrying her to his bed. She laughed, delighted, as he gently placed her on top of the white comforter, then sat beside her.

"I'm going to get all wrinkled," she teased.

John leaned closer, nuzzling the closest side of her neck, and taking a deep whiff of her perfume: the heady fragrance of Dune was layered all about her.. "I promise -- I won't wrinkle you. I might make love to you," and she giggled softly, "but I won't wrinkle you."

"I thought you wanted to go to the party?" she questioned, attempting to remain both serious and on the subject, although it was becoming quite difficult. Her mind was starting to wander as she felt her lover's lips tenderly trace a line of kisses down to her throat and the hollow spot at its' base. She wiggled a little, beginning to react to his touches for it had been a month since she had been with him.

"We'll make it," he managed to say, looking up at her contented face. "I already told Laura and Chelle that we'll be late."

"What did they say?"

"Both of them laughed and said we should...take our time."

"Glad they understand," Tina said softly, stroking the back of his head as she gazed into those blue-green eyes she adored. Why did it seem that each time she returned to the Nest, John only grew more handsome? "But if..." She cleared her throat, blushing. "If you had...um...*this* in mind, why did you let me get dressed?"

"Cause I wanted to see what you had planned for me, and besides..." He kissed her rosy mouth, savoring her taste. "There are ways for me to..." Now it was his turn to redden. "...show you, darlin', without you needing to...uh....."

"I understand," she replied, smiling. "But would you like to see your gift first?" When he nodded, she indicated where the bag was, still on the floor beside the window seat. While Tina sat up more against the pillows, the Alaskan fetched the shopping bag, and what he had purchased for her. Sitting next to her again, he placed the red gift bag in her hands. "Happy Valentine's Day, Tina."

"Oh John," she whispered, untying the ribbons and parting the opening. She withdrew two items: a small, blue jewelry box containing a pair of drop pearl earrings and a book entitled, 'Passionate Love Letters: An Anthology of Desire'. "They're...I love them...both of them. These..." and she shook the box so that the earrings moved back and forth. "...are beautiful."

"The second I saw them I thought of you. I remembered you saying you couldn't find a pair like that -- not one that you really liked, so...."

"I love these, John, I really do....But this..." and she held up the book, still sealed in cellophane, "where did you find something like this?" Reading the back cover, she said aloud, "'Passionate, witty, joyous quotations from ten centuries of love letters. Perfect facsimiles of original letters from Henry VIII, Charlotte Bronte, Horatio Nelson and others, including the original seal, packet or envelope.' John...this is incredible!"

"Well, I can't take all the credit for it. Chelle ran across it at her bookstore, and told me about it. I'd been looking for a book to give you, and was leaning towards some poetry, you know: Browning, Shelley, Byron...and then she borught this for me to see. I couldn't resist, especially remembering some of the love letters you've written me." She responded by smiling, her blush increasing. "Can I...." He held the shopping bag towards her.

"Sure you can. I want you to see it. I remembered we said we wouldn't overdo it for Valentine's cause Christmas was more important, but I hope you like this."

She heard John mumble, "Oh shit," in obvious satisfaction, which made her grin more. "We're thinking the same again, darlin'," he said as he first pulled out two hardback books attached to each other with a red ribbon: 'Home Ice: Reflections on Backyard Rinks and Frozen Ponds' by Jack Falla and 'The Discovery of Titanic' by Dr. Robert Ballard.

"Great minds I guess," she shrugged as they both laughed. "No, you mentioned you'd always wanted to know about how Dr. Ballard discovered her, so that's his account, and it's fantastic. The other one...well, when I saw the title and read the reviews, I immediately thought of you...and Mystery...and how many memories it might bring back."

Swallowing the lump he felt, he nodded. "I'm going to start reading both of these immediately."

"Immediately?"

"When you're not here and I have nothing better to do...Now...this bag is still heavy....What else is...in.... Tina...." He removed a brand new hockey helmet as his smile increased. Looking back at her, he repeated, "Tina," as she nodded.

"I know you'll always wear your other one, but...I just figured...why not have one for back-up, eh?"

He started to speak, then tried again, but nothing would come. He turned his head, hoping he could force the tears back into his eyes. How could she so perfectly choose something unusual, but still things which would go a long way in pleasing him. Fumbling the helmet a bit as he replaced it and the books in the bag, all he could do was imagine a little less than two weeks from now. That would be her birthday, and he intended to give her a gift even more deeply imbedded in his heart. But what they had shared today -- he sighed, this was a Valentine's he would remember forever.

The third time came a choked, "Thank you, sweetheart. Thank you," and he felt one finger gently push aside a single tear which managed to escape down his cheek.

"Anytime," she whispered, kissing him, and pulling him nearer so that his head rested between her breasts. "I love you -- you know that."

Tina felt him nod, one arm easing around her waist, his lips brushing across the erect nipples which pushed against the dress' silk-like fabric. His eyes moving upward to gaze at her, he attempted to say 'I love you too,' but it nearly came out as a squeak he would have expected of Arthur. Clearing his throat, he tried again. "I love you, Tina," he said in a slightly stronger voice, and they kissed again, their bodies easing back onto the pillows....