Disclaimer: Up until this point, I've not put a disclaimer on my stories. Obviously, Silk Stalkings and its characters are owned by someone else because I wouldn't have let the character of Chris Lorenzo die nor would I be as broke as I am! So, let this disclaimer cover all my stories.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the person that suggested this story. I can't find the name or e-mail address. So, if you read this, and you suggested this, please let me know. Also, thanks to all who write and tell me that they enjoyed my stories. This story can be rated a mild PG13.

FOREVER MINE

by Rosebud

The justice of the peace softly cleared his throat the second time before Chris and Rita ended their kiss. Chris grinned sheepishly at Mr. Lockhart, who had just performed their marriage ceremony, before saying, "Sorry."

Smiling and attempting to alleviate Chris' obvious embarrassment, Mr. Lockhart said, "I quite understand. I was a newlywed once myself. Now," he said as he handed Rita the wedding certificate, "if you two could just sign this, we can all be on our way."

Rita and Chris walked hand in hand to a nearby picnic table. Chris reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a pen. As Rita reached to take the pen, she looked up at him and said, "We really did it, didn't we, Chris?" Chris nodded yes solemnly. She stared a moment at the document as if in contemplation of what it entailed before she signed it and handed the pen to Chris.

Chris leaned over the table and signed the document with a decisiveness that, once again, assured Rita that he truly had no doubts about getting married. He then grinned at her and said, "Finally!"

Chris walked over to Mr. Lockhart, reaching out to shake his hand and to pay him. He then quietly said, "Sir, I really appreciate you taking the time to perform our ceremony on such short notice."

"The pleasure was all mine. I'll go right over to the courthouse and record your marriage. Best wishes to the two of you." With a backwards wave and another smile, Mr. Lockhart got into his car and drove off.

Rita walked up to Chris, and they silently walked to the car and got inside. They looked at each other in silence for a moment.

Finally, Chris picked up Rita's left hand and kissed her wedding band. She responded by caressing his cheek.

"How are you feeling, Rita? Are you tired?"

"No, I'm fine. Why?"

"I was hoping you were feeling up to a little celebration. I made us reservations at L'Maison for dinner at 7:30."

"Sam, that's one of the nicest restaurants in town! But when did you make the reservations?"

"I called while you were changing into your dress before we left to come here. Sammy, I know that maybe this wasn't how you would have chosen to get married. So, to make up for that, I want to take you out for the best wedding celebration that I can give you."

"Oh, Chris, don't ever think I was disappointed. Getting married on the beach was just what I wanted. And going to L'Maison is a wonderful idea.

She leaned over and kissed his lips and then his cheek. "Tell me one thing," she asked as she held up her left hand. "How long have you had these wedding rings? When you showed them to me before the ceremony, I was too surprised to ask."

"I bought them the day you told me about the baby. Remember the day on the beach when I asked you to marry me?"

"Yeah," puzzlement showing on her face.

"They were in my pocket when I asked you to marry me. From then on I never went anywhere without them. I even bought the license the same day I bought the rings."

"Sam, you mean to tell me that you've had the rings and license all this time?"

"Yep."

"You were pretty sure of yourself, Christopher."

"Yes, I was. I knew I'd convince you to marry me once you got over those frozen feet of yours. Sammy, look on the inside of your ring."

Rita slid her ring off and squinted to read the inscription. She read the words aloud "Forever Mine."

"Oh, Chris." Tears welled up in her eyes.

"Hey, I didn't mean to make you cry," he said softly, brushing tears off her cheeks. He whispered, "Mine says the same thing. This marriage is forever, Sammy."

Rita took his hand from her cheek and kissed his palm gently. "You do keep surprising me, Chris."

A big grin appeared on his face. "I'll take the rings to have our wedding date engraved later. Okay? But for now, let's get ready to celebrate. I just hope no one from the office spots us."

"Let's don't even think about tomorrow, Chris. Just enjoy today."

"I plan on enjoying today and particularly tonight." He hugged her quickly and then headed the car towards their apartment. When they walked up to the apartment door, he said, "Wait a minute, Sammy."

"Don't tell me we're locked out?"

"No, Mrs. Lorenzo, we are not locked out," he said emphatically with a shake of his head but offering not explantion as he opened the door. Chris then grinned wickedly as he picked Rita up and walked over the threshold with her in his arms. He put Rita down gently and began kissing her passionately. At that moment, the phone rang. They broke apart staring at the phone, unsure as to what they should do. On the fourth ring, the answering machined picked up.

Harry's voice came on the line. "Chris, where did you and Rita get to today? I hope one of you has done his job and picked up a lead since this case is going nowhere. Look, I don't need to talk to you tonight, but check in with me first thing in the morning before you head out to talk to anymore witnesses. By the way, I've already left a message on Rita's machine so if you see her, tell her to check her machine.

Rita burst out laughing with Chris joining her. He grabbed her hand, and as he lead her by the hand upstairs, he said, "Come on, Rita, let's get changed and go. It would be just like Cap to come by and catch us.

Rita hastily changed into a short black dress that always made Chris whistle when he saw her in it. After noticing the snug fit, she looked into the mirror and realized that this would be the last time she could fit into the dress for a long time. She sighed to herself and then smiled. Looking over at Chris, she saw he had grabbed a dark suit and put it on. Chris turned around and whistled before he said, "Come on, girl!" They both hurried downstairs and out of the apartment.

Chris and Rita arrived with only minutes to spare. Walking up to the Maitre'de Chris said, "Reservations at 7:30 for Lorenzo."

"Yes, sir, your table is ready, and it's prepared as you asked."

When they arrivedat their table, Rita saw that it was in a quiet corner. A small flower arrangement with a card was sitting on the table. She pulled the card off and read it, "To Rita: Forever Mine, Chris."

She hugged Chris to her. "You've gone to all this trouble!" Thank you."

"Anything for my Sammy. Besides, it wasn't any trouble. Come on, let's order. You and the little Lorenzo must be starving."

"As a matter of fact, we are." After the waiter took their orders, he asked if they wanted anything to drink. Chris asked about the champagne. "Chris, I can't have any alcoholic beverages."

"Oh, yeah, that's right." Looking up at the waiter, he asked, "Do you have any non-alcoholic drinks suitable for a celebration?"

"Let me think. Yes, sir, I believe we have a small stock of cider that we keep for special customers who don't drink alcoholic beverages. It has quite a fizz to it. Might I ask what the celebration is?"

"Sure. We were married this afternoon. And the cider sounds perfect. Okay with you, Rita?" She nodded yes.

The waiter looked at them both, "Congratulations to the both of you," and hurried off.

Rita noticed people getting up and dancing to the soft romantic music being played, "Chris, dance with me."

"Anything to get you into my arms."

Chris lead her out to the dance floor holding her close to him as they slowly danced to the music. Chris sighed, enjoying the feel of her against his body. Rita closed her eyes in contentment. A few minutes later the soft music ended. Chris and Rita stood motionless, lost in their dreams. Before they could break apart, another slow song started. With no words spoken between them, they continued dancing slowly across the floor.

"Rita," he whispered finally, "let's do this every year on our anniversary."

"We'll have to hire a babysitter next year," she said, looking up at him.

Chris grinned at her as the thought of needing a babysitter entered his mind. "Maybe Harry and Fran can do the honors."

Rita laughed softly, "Can you see Harry taking care of a baby?"

"Who knows, Sam? He'll probably be great. Not many people would see us as parents either, but I know we'll be the best." Chris hugged her to him tightly. "Rita, I don't know how much longer I can wait to get you home."

"Well, you're going to have to wait until after we eat. They just brought our food."

Chris leaned over and whispered, "Okay. Just don't order dessert so we can leave sooner."

Rita smiled and said in a provocative tone, "Don't worry. I've got dessert for you at home." She walked towards the table with Chris gaping at her as her meaning struck home."

He hurried to pull her chair back and whispered in her ear, "Sammy, you've got a mean streak there."

Rita sat down and smiled knowingly at Chris. "You ain't seen nothing yet, Chris."

Chris quickly sat down. Rita laughed softly. "I didn't know I could affect you like that, Chris."

Chris whispered as he leaned towards her, "Always, Rita, always."

They both began eating dinner, stopping ever so often to share a thought or a glance.

"Ahem."

Chris looked up at their waiter. "Something wrong?"

No, sir. But I mentioned to the chef that it was your wedding day, and he insisted on sending out a small cake, compliments of the restaurant."

"Thank you. And please tell the chef we appreciate his thoughtfulness," said Rita as she glanced at the cake. "Ooh, chocolate, Chris. My favorite."

Chris grinned at Rita's obvious enjoyment of their celebration. To know that he had made her, the most precious person in his life, this happy with such little effort was gratifying.

Rita looked at Chris as the waiter put a piece of cake on each of their plates. His face was beaming with joy as she knew hers was. Knowing that Chris had gone to so much trouble made her appreciate again what a thoughtful person he was.

They both dug into their cake and said, "Umm, delicious," at the same time. The waiter smiled, "I'll tell the chef you were pleased."

Chris poured more cider into his and Rita's glasses. "A toast, Rita. To you and me, forever."

They both drank solemnly until their glasses were empty. Chris leaned over, "Rita, when can I have my other dessert?"

"Soon as we get home, Chris."

"Parfait! Let's go then. My sweet tooth has a craving."

"Funny location for a sweet tooth, Sam."

"Woman, you DO have a mean streak in you!"

After they drove up to their apartment, Chris helped Rita out of the car and led her inside.

She stopped at the foot of the stairs and wrapped her arms around his waist. "Chris, give me a few minutes, okay?"

"Sure. Not thinking about sneaking out through the bathroom window are you?"

"No, but you've had some surprises for me today, and I've got one for you."

Chris' eyebrows raised a notch but said nothing as Rita went upstairs. Chris tossed his jacket and tie on the couch. Then he went to a closet and pulled out a picture frame still in its wrapper. He took their wedding certificate and carefully put it inside the frame. Sitting it on a shelf, he stood back and admired it. Then, he heard Rita's footsteps and looked up to see Rita in a black negligee.

"Oh, my Rita! Don't you look . . . Oh, my!

Rita smiled, pleased at his reaction. "So, you like my surprise?"

"Yes, ma'am," he said going up the stairs two at a time. He reached Rita and pulled her into his arms.

"And just how long have you had this little item?" he asked, plucking at the soft folds.

Rita blushed slightly causing Chris to grin even more. "I bought it yesterday. I figured I would be needing it sooner or later."

"So, Sammy, were you saving it for a surprise?"

"No, I guess I was saving it for the day when I finally got over my cold feet and had the nerve to say yes to your proposal."

"Are you glad you said yes?"

"Yes, yes, oh my, yes," she said as Chris began running soft kisses down her neck and shoulder.

Rita unbuttoned his shirt, and Chris shrugged out of it. He pulled her down on the bed and kissed her until they both lost their breath. Rita pulled away. "Chris, can we just talk a minute? I've got a few things I need to say."

"You don't want a divorce already to you?" and smiled the smile that she loved.

"No, silly. But I want to say this just right. So please be patient."

Chris realized by her tone of voice that she was serious. "Go ahead, I'm listening."

Rita took a deep breath. "When we first met, I instantly knew you were going to be a special person in my life. Since then, in the good times and the bad, you've always been there for me. Not once have you done anything to make me doubt you or lose my trust in you. When you told me that you loved me, I was relieved to hear one of us finally admit it. Then, when I got cold feet, you never waivered in your love and patiently waited for me to realize that we should be married. And I'm so glad you waited. Because I'm happier now than I've ever been."

She stopped for a moment and looked into his eyes before continuing, "The next couple of days at work are going to be really tough. And I know we'll hit some rough patches here and there in our marriage, but as long as you're beside me, I know we can get through anything."

"Oh, Rita. Now you're going to make me cry." His head dipped down.

"Ssh," she said, gently putting her fingers over his lips when he looked up at her. "One more thing. I know that you suspected that I was pregnant before I told you."

Chris opened his mouth to interrupt. "Wait, Chris. I know you didn't say anything because you wanted me to tell you in my own way. When I told you, the love and excitement in your face and voice was obvious. I knew by your reaction that you really wanted the baby and that you would be there for me just as you always have been. I love you so much, and I'm so glad you're my baby's father." She reached up and touched the corners of his eyes, those gorgeous blue eyes that she loved, which had filled with tears. She gently caressed away the moisture with her fingertips.

"Oh, Rita, Rita," he whispered, kissing her over and saying her name over and over.

When Chris finally regained his composure, he reached over to dim the lights. He helped Rita under the covers and then undressed and slid in beside her. As he pulled Rita to him, he looked at her, "I don't like my dessert dressed." She giggled softly as Chris deftly removed the negligee.

"Rita, you get prettier each day."

"Chris, I've already gained 5 pounds, and it's all right here," she said, indicating her stomach.

"That's just the little Lorenzo making himself know. I like it. Come here." He wrapped his arms around her, kissing her, stroking her, and murmuring his love in her ears until they could wait no longer.

Chris was fierce in his possession of Rita. Rita responded in kind, both aware that tonight as man and wife, they had crossed a threshold into a new life. Finally, after they quieted, Chris nestled his head on Rita's shoulder not wanting to leave her, but thinking of the baby, he slid over to her side and held her tightly. Rita kissed his shoulder before she rested her head on it.

"Are you okay, Rita? I didn't hurt you?" he whispered softly, tracing her lips with his fingers.

"You could never hurt me, Chris. And I feel wonderful. How do you feel?" as she looked up at him.

"I feel happily married. And, that's the best dessert I've had in a long time," as he looked down at her with a mischievous sparkle in his eyes. "No calories either."

Rita lightly punched him.

"Hey, not even married a day, and I'm a victim of abuse," Chris said.

Rita's smile was broken by a yawn, and she closed her eyes as her body demanded sleep.

"Hey, Rita."

"Hmm?" she answered sleepily.

"Forever mine?"

"Forever," she replied sleepily as she slid off to sleep. Chris watched her sleep for a few minutes. Looking down at his left hand, he intertwined it with Rita's left hand. A glint of light bounced off their wedding bands. Chris smiled and then drifted off to sleep ready to face tomorrow. THE END

The story precedes "Breakfast before the Storm."

Any comments would be appreciated! My e-mail is rosebuderinchris@yahoo.com