*
Wolfe scanned the empty beach with the binoculars and then the waters of the cove. Other than a few sea birds, nothing stirred. Madeline lay at his side at the edge of the tree line. “Well, where are they?” she asked.

“Probably hidden until dark,” Wolfe answered.

“Wounded men could die waiting around that long. We have to find them.”

“Well, maybe they don’t have any wounded.”

“What? I thought that’s why we came along,” Madeline replied.

“I brought you and Nikita along in case there might be wounded.”

“Paul, what’s going on?” Madeline’s dark eyes raked his face suspiciously.

“What do you mean?” Paul continued to stare at the cove with the field glasses.

“You never allowed Nikita and me out on a run unless you were sure there were casualties and now we’ve walked for three days and you’re telling me there might be wounded?”

“I can’t win!” Paul ground out.

“What are you talking about?”

“First you rail at me that you have a job to do and when I take you out to do it, all I get is complaints!”

“Paul…”

“Did it ever occur to you that maybe I thought you’d like being here with me, rather than sitting back at camp wondering what was happening to me?”

Madeline looked at him doubtfully, but whispered, “I’m sorry.”

Paul put down the glasses and looked into her eyes. It was the wrong thing to do; his worried expression gave him away immediately.

“Damn it, Paul,” she whispered, understanding at last. “Don’t make me do this.”

“I have my orders,” Wolfe said gruffly, “all noncombatants are to be evacuated.”

“To hell with your orders; why didn’t you tell me?”

“Because I didn’t feel like tying you up and dragging you for three days.” He wrapped one arm around her shoulders and leaned to kiss her forehead. “Please, for once, no argument. You’re going—I need you to go, Madeline.”

“How long do we have left?”

“Until dark. They had to send in a PBY; all subs are on assignment. This is all being orchestrated with a run on Rabaul.”

“Where are we going after the pick up?” she asked calmly.

“First, Vella Cava then eventually Australia.”

“Paul, I don’t want to go.” She leaned her face against his shoulder, wrapped her arms around one of his and closed her eyes to hide tears.

“Don’t make me make it an order, Major,” Paul whispered, before pulling her hard into an open-mouthed kiss.

*
“What now?” Nikita asked breathless and sagging to the ground beneath a tree.

“Nothing. You need to rest.” Michel said, stroking damp strands of her hair off her forehead.

“But isn’t this it? Aren’t we where we are supposed to pick up the airmen?” She leaned her body against the tree with a weary sigh.

“Perhaps. Wolfe has sent men out to reconnoiter. They’ll let us know if they find them.” As he unscrewed the cap of his canteen, handed it to her and watched her drink, his gaze was intense.

Noting his expression, Nikita smiled as she handed back the canteen. “I’m fine Michel. Being pregnant isn’t like being sick. I’m not going to break or anything.”

“I know,” he returned softly.

“Then, since we have a moment to rest, come here and put your head in my lap.” Nikita patted her thigh.

Michel did as instructed, wanting to touch her in any way he could without arousing her suspicions. He listened to her breathing, heavy at first from exertion, then slow and calm as she rested. Her fingers came to stroke his hair, and Michel closed his eyes to soak in their touch. His hand parted her shirt and reverently kissed the soft skin of her belly.

Nikita smiled. “So, what should we name him?”

“It’s going to be a girl,” Michel replied, kissing her belly again.

“Oh ho! What makes you think so?”

“Just as beautiful as her mother.”

Nikita nearly laughed. She glanced at her ragged clothes, her dirty nails, her arms that were scratched and sunburned, and knew she must look awful. Beautiful indeed! But she looked into Michel’s eyes and saw nothing but adoration. Her heart turned over in her breast as she asked, “Then, what shall we call her?”

(So what should they name her? I'm asking for suggestions--Rox)

Though I dont have any name suggestions I must just say, AMAZING story!

to the pick up destination very nicely. Madeline will do what needs to be done, Nikita, I'm not sure what her reaction will be, but I can hardly wait to see! Since you have asked for a girl's name, the mystery is over. I will put on my thinking cap and see if I can come up with a name to suggest. Excellent chapter, thanks....

x

I can really feel all the emotions running through your characters, especially Micheals inner turmoil. Your M/N scenes are so very touching. I'm thinking Nikita is shortly going to be very upset, I hope Madeline will be able to comfort her, if they manage to get away safely. Thankyou for another superb chapter

Rachel