Two years passed. At first, he dropped by about once a week to see how the baby was doing. Otherwise, he let her contact him, if she needed something. And, of course, they saw each other at work. As the little boy grew into a toddler, David started coming by just about every evening. He would play with Kenny or read him a story. Sometimes, he joined Nat in putting the little boy to bed. Sometimes, Nat had him stay for supper. That turned into taking their evening meals together all the time. It wasn't planned, they just grew into it. One night, Nat was watching David playing with her son. Kenny shrieked with delight as he chased David around the livingroom furniture. Then they would reverse roles and the chased would become the pursued. David had loved them for quite a while now. He never pressed her about it, but she could see it in his eyes and in the way he behaved toward them. Kenny gigled loudly. She smiled to herself. David probably loved the little boy more than her. He loved her, but she had always regarded him as a friend. David picked up Kenny and whirled him in a circle. Setting giggling boy down, he looked up at Nat and smiled at her. A feeling of overwhelming love and gratitude welled up within her. How could she have not seen it? She did love him very much. Not in the spectacular bells and whistles way she had with Ken, but a quieter, even more solid bond. With David, it had come so slowly and softly that she hadn't even realized it. They had come together in their mutual grief over Ken. For two years, they had been slowly growing into a family. Ken, she was sure, would approve. Through his son, Ken still remained a strong link in the bond between her and David. David gave Nat a questioning look. "What's wrong?" Nat smiled at him, shaking her head. "Nothing." She beamed at him. "Absolutely nothing at all," she added, letting her love show. David acknowledged her silent declaration with a quiet smile and a nod, then turned his attention back to Kenny. It was not David's habit to stay late. He always felt it was important to let Nat have some of the evening to herself. He usually left just after Kenny went to bed. When he started to get up to leave, Nat stopped him. "David, stay. I don't want you to leave." "You're sure?" "Yes," she said, embracing him. "I think I've loved you for a long time; but I never realized it until just now." David gathered her in his arms and, bending down, kissed her. "Besides," Nat said, "It's time you came home to stay." ****************** CREDITS See previous "Soul Mate" pictures. In addition, Nat's clothing is by Lady Rhi (Renderosity). Millenium Baby 3 (DAZ); his romper suit is by Poser World, but retextured by me.