Loving Seamus had made Anastasia happier than she could remember. She had been so concerned about her parents, and it was good to have someone so special to take her mind off her confusing family situation. She hadn't heard from her mother in a few days and she was hoping that no news was good news. Seamus had gone first thing that morning, to meet with his lawyer regarding his search for his biological parents. The lawyer had told Seamus on the phone that he had some significant new information about his mother.

Several hours later, Seamus came bursting into Anastasia's flat to tell her all about the new information he had learned. It turned out that his mother had been a graduate student at Oxford when she was killed in an accident while out in the field with other students, and her name was Devon Wayne.

"Anastasia, you're not going to believe this, but she was a graduate student in archaeology," Seamus told her in amazement.

"Do you know what years she was there?"

"It would have been the early 70s, when I was born, because she had me while she was a student."

"I wonder if my Dad knew her. He would have been a student here around the same time."

"Could be, but please don't ask him just yet. I would actually rather meet him first before pumping him for this kind of information."

"Of course, I understand. This is so exciting for you. Maybe your biological father was a student at Oxford too?"

"Maybe it's your dad," Seamus off-handedly suggested.

"Don't even say that," Anastasia playfully slapped him.

"I'm just kidding."

"Couldn't I just ask him if he knows someone named Devon Wayne? I could make some story up about wanting to know about her, because she was an archaeology student?"

"That's a good idea. It would be a huge coincidence if he knew her."

"I think the chances are good, if we have all the facts right."

Back at Thornway Road, Nola finally started to stir from a night of well earned rest. A smile spread across her face as she realized Quinton had fallen asleep next to her in the bed, and then her eyes drifted to the beautiful bouquet of heather with which Quint had surprised her. She had fallen asleep so early the night before that she did not even get a chance to say good night. The incident with Silas had drained her, as did the questioning later from the police. She quietly got out of the bed and headed for a refreshing shower. Before disappearing into the bathroom, she turned and lovingly glanced back at Quinton sleeping. Even after all these years, she found him to be the most handsome and sexy man alive, and once again he was her protector. While that kind of notion was a bit old fashioned, she liked it nonetheless. She disappeared into the bathroom and began closing the door behind her. Then thinking better of it, she deliberately left the door wide open. With an impish grin and a hopeful sigh, she prepared for her shower.

A few minutes later, Quint started to waken and panicked for a brief moment when he realized that Nola was missing from their bed, but then heard the shower in the other room, and a mischievous smile spread across his face. He knew that the door being left open was an absolute invitation. And after his talk last night with Nola, he felt confident that he was not misreading this familiar overture.

The bathroom was already quite steamy and filled with the fruity fragrance of Nola's shampoo and soaps. He heard his wife's dulcet humming as the water cascaded over her. He quickly removed the clothes that he had worn since the night before and quietly crept over to the old fashioned claw-footed bathtub hidden by a floral shower curtain. He paused with a smile, as he listened to Nola continue to hum joyfully. It was the sweetest sound in the world. Slowly he drew aside the shower curtain. Nola saw the movement and gasped, turning quickly.

"Now you are a vision I've sorely missed," Quint suggestively remarked.

"Quinton," she said with feigned surprise and licked her lips in an unconscious gesture. "What are you doing?"

"You left the door open. I heard you showering, and I thought I should as well."

"You did?" she coquettishly teased.

"Now Nola, we have known each other far too long for me to fall for that innocent act. You left that door open intentionally." Quint's eyes carefully took in her very familiar form.

"You think so?" sweet, but false ignorance repeated itself in her tone.

"I know so," Quint confidently stated.

"I guess I'm busted. You better get right on in then," she provocatively giggled, making room for him, and conspicuously checking him out. "Hurry up, you're letting out all that good steam."

"That's my girl," he quipped as he eagerly stepped into the shower with her. "You look as delicious as ever, Nola."

"Good morning to you too," she said affectionately, as she turned him around to wash his back just as they had done hundreds of times before. "The view is nice back here too. I always know I can count on you to be conscientious about saving water," she continued to gently tease. "So how were the "views" you got while out with AJ the other day at that little club?"

"He told you about that?"

"He sure did. So what did you think?" Nola fished.

"With one hundred percent certainty, I can say that none of them compared to you," Quint definitively reported.

"Right," she said with a good natured, but suspicious smile.

"Now get all the spots, Nola," Quint playfully instructed, as he blissfully relaxed into her massaging hands. "Mmmmm, that feels so good."

"I remember what you like."

"I bet you do," he noted a bit lasciviously.

After she was done scrubbing his back, she turned around, and he reciprocated. Quint had a hard time concentrating on washing her back, and his hands started to wander.

"Quinton, that's not my back you know," Nola laughed as his hands gently grabbed her ass.

"I know, but it's so cute, I can't help myself. I missed those sweet cheeks."

She backed up against him, as she pulled his arms around her and tilted her head inviting his lips to her neck. He knew everyone of these signals so well and eagerly took to ravaging her neck, just as he knew she liked so much.

"I see you remember what I like too," Nola said breathlessly.

"I'll never forget," Quint whispered between kisses.

Later that day, Quint and Nola relaxed in their robes down in the old study, reminiscing about many of their happy and sometimes scary times in that room. Nola cuddled in Quint's arms, as he tenderly stroked her hair and she fiddled with his ascot.

"I just can't believe that you bought back this house," Quint commented. "I didn't think that you liked this house, which was why I agreed to move out to begin with."

"I only said I didn't like the house, so we could move in with Henry and make him happy," Nola remembered.

"Father would be so happy to know that we’re back here together," Quint replied, his memories bittersweet. "I knew about the extra money he left you, but I had no idea . . ."

"I'm happy to be here too. This place has really helped me to put things into perspective. I have to apologize for being difficult after . . ."

"Nola, you don't have to apologize. I understand. Losing Beatrice was very difficult for both of us."

"I know, and I acted at times like it was only my pain, and I know now how much it hurt you too." Nola sadly recalled those difficult times.

"I don't want you to ever think that you're not enough. You're my wife, and I love you more than I can possibly say."

"I know, but there were also other things," Nola stammered.

"Other things? What other things?" Quint calmly asked.

"I had just been feeling a little "off": tired, irritable, and when I realized what was wrong, I just couldn't admit it to myself."

"Admit what?"

"Since I came back to Springfield, I have been seeing this really nice doctor," Nola paused, unable to be direct about the topic. "She's an endocrinologist, and she's been able to help me a lot. I really do feel better."

Listening carefully to his wife, Quint nodded his head, as he realized what she was trying to tell him. Previously, he had some conversations with his mother-in-law, Bea where, much to his discomfort, she had mentioned "the change" to be a potential cause for some of Nola's out-of-character behaviors.

"I didn't want to disappoint you, and I felt so unattractive and old."

"Honey, you have always been so beautiful to me," Quint genuinely complemented her. "It really is okay you know. I want you to feel good about yourself and feel healthy, and if this doctor is helping you, then I'm all for it."

"So you know what I'm talking about?" Nola cautiously inquired.

"I believe I do, Nola. I want you to feel comfortable talking to me about these things. It’s totally natural, and it doesn't make me love you less or feel less attracted to you or make me want to make love with you less. I told you when I asked you to marry me that I wanted to grow old with you, and I meant it from the bottom of my heart. Things are different for me too, you know."

"It's not a completely done deal, but I wanted to be honest with you. I wanted to let you know what has been going on with me, why I haven't been myself. But with the doctor’s help, things are so much better, and I feel so much better. Also just being in this house has given me back a vigor that I thought I had lost forever.” Nola hesitated for a moment, “There is one other thing."

“What’s that?” Quint inquired.

“I’m really sorry about the whole Helena thing. I knew nothing was going on between the two of you.” Knowing she had hurt her husband with her accusations, Nola looked down ashamed. “I guess I just used it as an excuse, so I wouldn’t have to face these other things.”

Quint gently lifted her chin with a fingertip, “It’s all right now, Nola, but I’m glad you told me. I would NEVER be disloyal and hurt you like that.” He felt a long- held tension ease inside, as he realized that Nola had never questioned his fidelity to her.

Nola softly smiled and warmly kissed him. Then she added with a smile, "You would just not believe how everybody and their brother have been talking you up!"

"Oh really? Like who?"

"Everyone . . . Tony, Vanessa, Effie, Livvie, Annabelle, my mom, Mrs. Renfield and of course the kids," Nola listed as if by rote. "They all think we're the perfect couple," she added in a melodic rhythm.

"I know we are. You're the most extraordinary woman I know." Quint assured her, as he moved in for a gentle kiss.

"It's such a relief for me to have told you everything," Nola sighed, as she kissed him again.

"I have a surprise for you."

"What?" Nola eagerly inquired, loving almost nothing more than her husband's surprises.

"Before I knew about you coming back here, I had made plans to stay at the Springfield Towers. They have gotten the place all ready for me, and I thought tonight we could go there for a romantic dinner, dancing, etcetera, etcetera." Quint nuzzled her ear

"Etcetera, etcetera sounds like fun," Nola flirted back. "Just like old times."

"Absolutely," Quint echoed her sentiment, still busily nuzzling her ear and neck.

"I hate to kill the mood, but what are we going to do about Silas?" Nola hesitantly asked.

"I don't think there is much we can do but protect ourselves, and with the new guards, I feel much better. We have to let the authorities do their job. With any luck, they stop Silas before he causes others any pain." Quint hoped his words would put Nola somewhat at ease.

"You know, I was thinking that we should call the kids and let them know what is going on," Nola said. With that, Nola got up to get the phone. "They're going to be so happy to hear that you are here." Nola quickly dialed Stacey's phone number in Oxford. Stacey picked up after a few rings.

"Stacey," Nola cheerfully greeted, when she heard her daughter's voice.

"Mom, hi, you sound awfully happy. What's going on?"

"I have someone that I want you to talk to," Nola handed the phone to Quint.

"Hi baby girl," Quint sweetly addressed his daughter, as Nola went to get another phone, so they could all talk together.

"Daddy!!! You're with Mom? That's awesome. Where are you?"

"We're in Springfield at the old house on . ."

"The house on Thornway Road?" Stacey interrupted excitedly.

"Did you already know about this?" Quint playfully looked to Nola, as she guiltily glanced back at him and got on the other cordless phone.

"Yes, Mom told me when she was last here about it, but swore me to secrecy," Stacey confessed.

"It's all right; It was a very very nice surprise," Quint reassured his daughter.

"How did this all happen so quickly?" Stacey queried.

Quint and Nola explained the pertinent details to Stacey without overly worrying her. They reassured her that they had gotten the best security possible, and that Silas would be foolish to try anything again. In her excitement, Stacey completely forgot to ask her dad about Devon Wayne.

AJ was also relieved to hear the latest news, but was very concerned about Silas Crocker still being on the loose; he planned to fly up to Springfield within the next couple of days.

Later that morning, quite unexpectedly, the doorbell rang at Thornway Road. Nola and Quint were still lovingly nestled together, chatting in the study. They were not expecting anyone, so they cautiously approached the door, assuming the worst after the prior day’s drama. When they discovered it was Vanessa, Quint threw open the door, and Vanessa breezed inside.

"Darlings, I feel so terrible about your ordeal. Are you both all right?" Vanessa asked with genuine concern, as she hugged them both.

"We're fine now, Vanessa. Thanks for asking." Quint gratefully responded.

As Vanessa noticed that they were in their robes and seemed caught off-guard, she apologized for her possible unfortunately timed blunder. "Dears, I'm so sorry if I interrupted at an inopportune time. I know you must have a lot of catching-up to do, and here I am just barging in without any warning." Vanessa appeared embarrassed, thinking that she had disturbed an intimate tete a tete.

"Vanessa, it's okay. It's wonderful to see you," Quint affirmed, as Nola nodded in agreement.

"This house really needs some fixing up doesn't it? Nola darling, I know this absolutely fabulous decorator and equally wonderful contractor who work on homes like this all the time, if you need someone." Vanessa looked about the foyer area and then headed into the study, as she removed her wrap.

"I'd appreciate that, Vanessa. I have been trying to find someone. The house does need a lot of work." Nola could not help but continually be surprised how much she really did enjoy Vanessa, despite her often surface pretentiousness. She and Quint followed Vanessa into the study.

"This will be a wonderful project. There is so much potential. It doesn’t have that breathtaking view like your home in Santa Barbara, but you might as well have a house here and in California. And do you still have that lovely chalet in Gstaad? I would adore going there with Colin to do some skiing and what not."

"Yes, AJ and Stacey have been there recently to ski, but it does not get used nearly enough," Quint reported.

"I'm looking to purchase this quaint little villa in Mustique. You both should consider getting something there as well. It's a fabulous, secluded little island, and one can never have too many homes to retreat to. And now with both of the children grown and out of the house, you should plan as many romantic getaways as you can. An apartment in New York would not be a bad idea either . . ."

"Vanessa, slow down. I think Nola and I want to concentrate on each other for a little while first, before going on a real estate shopping spree."

"Say no more, little brother. How could I be so insensitive? Of course you do, dears, but keep in mind what I said about Mustique. It's absolutely fabulous: perfect white sand beaches and even more perfect weather all year long."

"Thank you Vanessa, really, we know you're just looking out for us," Nola said warmly. "It's very sweet of you."

Quint, felt a bit uncomfortable being so casually dressed in front of his sister and excused himself to change. Nola's eyes were lovingly trained on him until he completely disappeared out of sight. Vanessa watched her with keen interest.

"Very good, Nola, I'm glad to see you took my advice, albeit very much in the style of your entire relationship and very damsel-in-distressy.”

“Oh, come on, Vanessa.”

“I have to admit there’s no lack of romance, and it certainly must boost my brother's male ego. Since it’s clear what I walked in on, I can only assume Quinton handily took care of your "little problem" from the other night?" Vanessa reveled in her own musings and naughty suggestion.

"Don’t you think that’s a little personal?" Nola evaded with a smirk.

"Perhaps, but Good God,” Vanessa burst out, “that poor man, if you haven’t been taking advantage of this whole big house filled with romantic memories from the past and no interruptions . . . “

"You're so funny. Aren’t YOU an interruption?” Nola provoked Vanessa further, “You know, I was held hostage by Silas just yesterday, and don’t you think Quinton and I should get reacquainted a bit first?"

"No!! But if you must, then get reacquainted for heaven's sake, and get at it, darling," Vanessa indelicately exclaimed.

Nola chuckled, amused at her sister-in-law’s directness. "You know, Vanessa, I wanted to thank you for something you said to me the other night. It really made me open my eyes."

"What was that, darling?"

"You said that I shouldn't waste any time, and that I wasn't getting any younger, you're right."

"I'm glad it helped. Believe it or not, I think of you like a younger sister, and I know how happy you make my brother, so of course I wanted to see you back together. I barely know anyone else who has been together as long as the two of you have. Quite a novelty, you are."

"You said some other things that night that really hit close to home," Nola confessed as she sat on the couch.

Vanessa sat down next to her, "Tell me about it, dear."

"Was everything the same for you . . . sexually after, well?” Nola apprehensively hedged. “After . . .you know.”

"You mean after menopause?" Vanessa boldly stated, not embarrassed.

"Yes," Nola timidly answered.

"As soon as I got my hormones levels balanced out, it was just as good if not better. Just make sure they don't give you anything synthetic. Those will make you blow up like a house, not that you really need to worry about that. I have this great doctor, Dr.Belinda Meadows . . ."

"Yes, I know about her. I've been seeing her too."

"Then you'll be just fine, darling. The whole thing is totally overblown. I have a hot man twenty years younger who treats me like the sexiest woman alive, and the sex couldn’t be better. I understand, I was not as relaxed about it at first either, but neither did I have the benefit of a loving husband. You'll be fine, Nola. And if you need to talk about it, I'm always here for you."

"Vanessa, thanks so much. You'll be glad to know that Quinton and I have a special date tonight at the Towers. He had arranged for a suite there before he knew about the house."

"Sounds very promising," Vanessa said with a knowing grin. "I hate to run off, but I just wanted to make sure you and Quinton were all right, and besides, you need to get back to whatever you WERE doing before I so rudely interrupted."

"Who would have ever thought all those years ago that we would wind up this close," Nola reflected, a tear welling in her eye. Vanessa held on tight to Nola's hand as they walked out to the foyer.

"Let Anastasia know that I'll be calling her about setting a date when she and I can meet in Gstaad with our respective men. I desperately want to meet that wonderfully hunky Seamus whom she has told me so much about."

"I look forward to meeting him soon too," Nola agreed.

"She is such a special young woman, Nola. You're very lucky. I always wished I had a daughter like her."

"I'll share her with you, Vanessa," Nola generously offered as she finally released Vanessa's hand.

"I'm honored to have Anastasia and you as Chamberlains. Good luck with your date tonight and tell Quinton that I said goodbye? Ciao!!"

"I will, Vanessa. Bye." Nola closed the door behind Vanessa and went serenely upstairs, deeply touched by the visit with her sister-in-law.