(MORGAN)

Chris has been acting weird all day and I decide it must have something to do with the fact he still hasn't been able to show me what he bought at Victoria's Secret. We had high hopes the day we went shopping that we'd be able to sneak off while the kids were otherwise occupied, but fate had other things in store for us.When we got back to the ranch the kids were waiting and eager to show us the new pony in the barn. That led to a horseback ride for me and Lily and by the time we finished that it was dinner. Then Candace arranged quite the games night with DVD's for the kids and Scrabble for the adults. Pretty hard to say no when she's kind enough to host us for the week.

Next day was jam packed with all sorts of activities then in the evening Brandy wanted Chris to take her to a movie, and since he was eager to spend some one-on-one time with her, off they went. Connor picked that night to be clingy and with a little body in our bed, there wasn't an opportunity for any adult fun.

So now its forty-eight hours later and I think we had the same plan in mind. Tire the kids out throughout the day and we'll have the night free and clear. Gotta love that fresh Texas air. We kept them outside and running around as much as we could and by 9 pm the cottage was very, very quiet.

I stood up, stretching and announced, "I think I'm going to grab a shower."Surprisingly that doesn't seem to be a big enough hint for Chris.

He's stretched out on his back on the couch, a paperback in hand, and he looks over top of his glasses at me. "Okay, don't forget to wash behind your ears."

"Gee, thanks," I mutter and consider going over to give him a few more hints. But no, if he can't figure things out for himself, I'm not going to help.

Instead of having my usual speedy shower, I take my time, conditioning my hair and moisturizing when I get out. Hey a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do. Right?

I half expect to find Chris stretched out across the bed when I come out of the bathroom but the bed is empty of any handsome male.

But I notice that there is a flickering light coming from the living room. It's too warm for a fire so I'm going to assume that my husband has gotten sneaky and lit some candles. Hmm, so now what? Do I stroll out there in my birthday suit? But what if a kid wakes up?

So I compromise throwing my robe on and taking another couple minutes to run a comb through the worst of the tangles.

Walking down the hallway I still don't see anything, but when I turn the last corner into the living room, I see my husband. Standing in the candles glow, gone is the book and the glasses. And apparently he’s snuck into the bedroom while I was showering because he’s now wearing a black silk shirt, the ends untucked, first few buttons undone.

"Someone was busy while I was in the shower," I softy add, "Miss me?""Always," he replies.

Waiting to see if he has anything else planned I stay where I am, hovering in the doorway.

"Hmmm I see the lady is waiting for an invitation." Chris says as he takes a few steps towards me. He stops about two feet away and crooks that finger at me. "Come to me," he says in a whisper.

"I have a better idea," I reply, crooking my own finger. "Why don't you come to me?" As cozy and romantic as the living room looks, there's always the possibility one of the under ten set will come out at an inopportune time. But safely behind a closed door, with a nice big bed close by.

Chris thinks about it for about a second, then starts to walk with me. But then he's stopping again, I look at him with a puzzled look and he says "Safety first." and blows out the candles. Then he's back at my side, but he doesn't take my hand or my arm, instead he sweeps me off my feet into his arms and carries me into the bedroom, kicking the door closed behind us with his foot.

"God I love it when you go all caveman like this," I say in a throaty whisper.

"We aim to please, ma'am." I expect him to deposit me on the bed but instead he sets me back on my feet next to it. This must be when he's going to pull out the surprise purchase.

But once again he surprises me.

From behind the chair in the corner of the room he pulls out a metal bucket filled with ice and a bottle of champagne. Then reaches in the drawer and retrieves two champagne flutes.

"Wow, you're really pulling out all the stops tonight," I say.

"Only because you're worth it."I laugh at the expression on his face.

"You say that like you mean it."

He reaches out and tugs me back toward him with one hand. "Oh I do mean it, every single word. Champagne?"

"Sure, I'm on vacation. The kids are asleep."

"Sound asleep," he confirms and lets go of me long enough to pop the bottle's cork. We both jump as it comes off, landing square in the middle of the carpet.

Chris fills both our glasses, sets the bottle back down in the ice and proposes a toast. "To our love and many, many more champagne and candle light evenings."

I raise my glass and clink it against his, then take a swallow, my eyes never leaving his face. When Chris lowers his glasses, he looks at the golden liquid in the glass and says "I have a confession to make."And I swear my heart almost stops. "I didn't buy anything at Victoria’s Secret."I almost want to laugh with relief.

No?"

His eyes finally meet mine. "I don‘t need to see you in lace and silk to be turned on. I just need to see you."

I look at him and swallow one more mouthful of champagne, then I set the glass on the window ledge and take a step toward him, my hands settling on the black silk of his shirt. "That is quite possibly the sexiest thing you've ever said to me. And the nicest."

"And the truth." His champagne flute comes to rest next to mine as he kisses me.

When we both come back up for air, he's whispering. "Now is all this going to make you lose the robe?" His nose wrinkles. "As long as we're going for truth. It does nothing for me, baby."

I take a step back from him and reach for the knot in the belt. My fingers are trembling as I undo it and let the robe fall off my shoulders to the floor. Chris doesn't say a word, but I watch as his eyes travel the length of me, I watch as they darken with desire. When they once again reach my face I feel as if he's touched every part of me.

Just when I think I have him pegged, he proves me wrong. But he can surprise me like this as often as he wants, I decide as I move into his arms.What's that they say? Variety is the spice of life. Yeah, that’s it.