Water Signs: A Story of Love and Renewal

* * *

"Kenny, are you kidding me?" Maddy was incredulous as she climbed

into the waterbed next to him. She was dressed in her pink short set

pajamas, but had placed an Ocean City sweatshirt over the tank top; she

didn't want to create any unnecessary temptations. When she thought he

was naked, though, she'd jumped right back out.

"Alright, alright, actually I am kidding!" he laughed. "But normally I do

sleep in the raw. Not used to even wearing boxer shorts to bed."

"Well that's the rule if you want me to sleep here," her voice was soft

but firm.

"I know, sweetheart, I know. I just like teasing you, that's all. Come

on, come to bed now." His tone was coaxing as he extended his arm.

Maddy hesitated, prompting him to pull down the covers to reveal his

Navy bottoms. "See?" he asked.

"Oh, ok," she agreed, feigning indignation. Still, that nagging feeling

of behaving like a tease persisted, his good nature notwithstanding.

Nevertheless, Maddy snuggled in close to him, relishing a chance to spend

an entire night together, finally. Her mom had truly been relieved when

she'd announced her plans to drive back from Ocean City in the morning,

prompting a twinge of guilt, along with excitement. Now as they lay in the

quiet, beneath the light of the moon, they drifted off to a peaceful,

contented sleep.

* * *

"Maddy, sweetheart? Madeline?" Ken did his best to awaken her

from her customary sound slumber. Although it was only 4 a.m., he'd

gotten a call from the plant asking if he could head over there right away;

apparently someone had a family emergency and they needed him to fill

in. And as Ken had expressed since the day he'd been hired nearly two

years ago, as the only single guy in the entire operation, he wanted to be

the designated go-to employee under such circumstances. Not only was

the extra income welcome, he'd hoped his good work ethic would serve as

a springboard to something better, whatever that might be.

But as he gazed down at her in the soft light of early morning-the

long, reddish hair spread out across the pillowcase, the tiny hands tucked

beneath her chin as she lay on her side, and the petite, curvy body

outlined under the burgundy, satin sheet, the last thing on his mind was

work. Funny, she never even moved when the phone rang, nor did she

wake up when he'd stepped into a hot shower. He thought for sure by the

time he put on his uniform and sat on the edge of the bed to put on his

work boots, she'd at least stir in her sleep.

Finally, he leaned over and kissed her cheek. Stroking her shoulder,

he whispered, "Maddy, please wake up sweetheart."

And then at last, she shifted in bed so that she was now facing him.

"Is it time to get up already?" she asked groggily as she rubbed her

eyes.

"Not for you, baby. But I just got a call and I have to go in. I wanted

to get up this morning and make breakfast for you before you went back,

but one of the guys had an emergency and they really need me. I am so

sorry, but I will make it up to you, I promise." He stroked her cheek as he

spoke, then sat down beside her.

"Wow, look at you in your official clothing!" she remarked, noting his

work attire.

"Yes, well, it's not forever," he reminded her.

"Kenny, it doesn't matter what you do; it's who you are on the inside

that matters most to me." She took his hand in hers as they remained

silent for a moment. Then she sat up and embraced him tightly. He buried

his head in the softness of her neck and shoulder, his arms holding her

firmly against him. "You know that, right?"

"I know baby, I just want to make something of myself that's all."

"And you can do anything you set your mind to, I have no doubt. I just

want you to understand that you're good enough for me right now.

Besides you already have so much to be proud of, sailor man."

"How come you always know just what to say to make me feel

better?"

His voice was low and masculine, prompting her to plant kisses on his

neck, which still had an irresistible, shower-fresh smell. He moved his

hands rhythmically up and down her back before bringing her face close

to his.

"I love you, Maddy," he whispered, drawing her lips to his before she

could utter a sound. A moment later, he was carefully situated on top of

her in the bed as their passion began to mount.

"Kenny," she laughed, finally coming up for air. "Baby, you have to

go to work. I don't want to get you in trouble!"

"This is exactly the kind of trouble I like, Madeline Rose," he

affirmed with a wink, moving back in for another kiss.