Valentines Day 1978, Switzerland

The story is inspired by the line:

'All I want for Valentine's Day is time alone with you'

'We're not going home tomorrow', Joe whispered in her ear.

His eyes automatically scanned the room, checking that everything was going ok.

Colleagues and their spouses were sitting at tables spread throughout the large ballroom, standing on the fringes of the space deep in serious conversations, taking their turn by the bar, or, like him and Jill, seeking some time in the only place it was possible to be alone in a roomful of people; on the dancefloor. Never his favorite place but if it meant holding his beautiful wife in his arms then he was willing to forgo his usual aversion.

He let his eyes fall towards her as he felt her body react to his words, felt her arms tighten around him, holding on.

She moved her head slightly from where she was resting against his shoulder.

When he first took her hand and led her to the dance floor she'd remained alert, and had been mindful of her hostess duties. But Joe had other ideas. 'Take a break. Enjoy the fact that we're almost at the end', he whispered and she followed his suggestion gratefully, glad that this was the last night, the last event.

She'd been almost in a stupor when she saw Pat point his camera towards them. Joe was oblivious to the fact and she'd just had enough time to smile a little.

Not even sure that much more than her eyes were visible she had a feeling it would be a great shot. She made a mental note to get a copy. Good or not it would always be a reminder of their first overseas trip together as a married couple and so she would treasure it.

She also knew Joe would love it. Any photo of her in his arms, peeking over his shoulder was going to be fine by him.

An idea popped into her mind. She would get it printed and framed. Give it to him for Valentine's Day when they'd celebrate it themselves, a little late this year but it couldn't be helped.

She felt a wave of exhaustion wash over her and instinctively she held Joe tighter. Let him take more of her weight.

He pressed his lips to her temple in response. Lean on me, it said, I've got you.

God how she loved him.

Loved how he loved her; passionately, deeply, totally. She was so lucky to have found him. To have found her three boys.

She let her body relax against Joe and recalled his words. We're not leaving tomorrow.

Was that good or bad?

Pat smiled at her then moved away, the moment captured safely inside his camera. The music seemed to fade into the background as she pondered her own question deciding that it didn't really matter. He'd said 'we', so whatever was happening they'd be doing it together and that's exactly what she'd signed up for. For the rest of her life.

She was so comfortable. And tired. So comfortable she never wanted to move again. So tired she was barely able to think straight.

She sighed and closed her eyes again and waited for him to tell her more.

Joe felt her hand move along the material of his suit coat. He felt her turn her head a fraction, felt her fingers graze his back. Felt her chest rise against his and heard her sigh. He knew she was on the verge of saying something. He wasn't sure what. I don't want to stay longer. I want to go home. I need a break.

He couldn't blame her.

But he knew she was going to enjoy what he had planned. Because it was all about them. All about them spending some time alone in blessed peace and quiet. He knew she was craving that now. After the weeks of work they'd put it into the trip.