"How are you feeling?" Rachel asked Megan over the phone as she pulled her Jetta into the garage next to JC's Mercedes a few days later. 

"Surprisingly well." Megan answered.  "Although I can't seem to get this damn house clean enough.  I swear!" She continued.  "For a two bedroom condo there sure is a lot to clean."

Rachel chuckled as she got out of the car.  After grabbing the items she'd just bought and had gift-wrapped at the mall she closed the door with her hip.  "So, any big plans tonight to celebrate the Holiday of Love?" Rachel asked.

Megan chuckled.  "No.  Jackson asked me what I wanted to do and I told him I just wanted to stay home so that's what we're doing.  You know me; I don't really do Valentine's Day.  Did you finally find something for JC?" She asked.

"Yes." Rachel sighed as she walked into the house.  "Finally!  I actually found a couple things--" Rachel stopped as her sight was suddenly obscured by a blindfold.  "Hey!" She exclaimed with a laugh. 

"What?" Megan questioned.

"Hang up." JC whispered in Rachel's other ear as he finished tying the bandana around her head then ran his hands down to rest on her upper arms.  She shivered at his breath on her neck as her nose immediately filled with a delicious aroma.

"Megs, I gotta go."  Rachel said as JC took the bags from her hands.

"Alright." Megan answered. 

"I'll call you later." Rachel told her.  "Bye."  She flipped her phone closed.  "What's going on, Jace?"  She asked as JC put his hands on her shoulders and spun her around. 

"You're early." He said as he took the cell phone from her hand.

"I'm sorry." She replied with a smile.  He said nothing but the fingers of one hand traced along her cheekbone.  Rachel's breath hitched and she leaned forward instinctively, her face lifting slightly in anticipation of his lips being against hers. 

But nothing happened. 

"Jace?" She questioned but he removed his hand from her and remained quiet.  She stretched one arm out, searching for him.  When she couldn't feel anything in front of her she began lifting the blindfold.

"Uh-uh." He said suddenly from behind her, startling her.  Rachel put her hand to her heart.

"Where'd you go?" She asked, listening as he moved around her.

"Setting up." He informed her and her interest piqued.  As he took one of her hands in his and led her forward he continued, "I'm not quite ready.  Sit here," he said, guiding her down onto the overstuffed chair in the great room.  "And don't peek." He warned as he took her hand and wrapped her fingers around the stem of what felt like a champagne flute. 

"What's this?" She asked looking up at where she assumed he was standing based on where his voice was coming from. 

"Take a sip." He replied.  "Do you promise not to peek?" He asked.

"I promise." Rachel said as she ran the forefinger of her other hand along the rim of the glass before pressing it to her lips.  The bubbles from the champagne tickled her nose as she let the alcohol swirl around her tongue.  Rachel sighed as she let her head fall back against the chair and listened to the sounds JC was making in the kitchen.  She heard him open a few cupboards and drawers then the sound of a pan being put in the sink.  Although she normally didn't like surprises--she hated knowing something was coming but not when or how-she found herself excited to see what exactly he had set up for tonight.

"You okay in there?" He called from the kitchen.  "You're being quiet."

"I'm fine." She answered.  "But I'd be better if you were in here with me." She added in a singsong voice.

"I'm almost done." He said with a chuckle. 

"I hope you have more champagne in there." She said taking another sip.

"Don't worry." He said, suddenly right beside her again and making her jump.

"Quit sneaking up on me!" Rachel exclaimed.  His fingers brushed hers as he took the glass from her.  "Um, I wasn't done with that." She said with a chuckle.

"Anymore and you're going to start getting tipsy and that's not exactly what I want." He said and she heard him set the glass down on the coffee table. 

"What do you want?" She asked.

"I want you to enjoy what I have planned and still remember it in the morning." He replied his voice moving until it seemed he was kneeling in front of the chair. 

"What are you...doing..." Her breath caught as the fingers of one of his hands wrapped around her right ankle-his hand holding her heel as he lifted her leg and slipped the brown heel from her foot.  His warm breath caressed her skin as he pressed his lips to the inside of her ankle.  Rachel's breath came in shallow gasps and she was suddenly thankful she'd decided to wear a dress today as he ran his fingers slowly up the inside of her leg--causing a rush of goose bumps--until his lips kissed the side of her knee.  Her hands tightened on the arms of the chair as he lowered her leg and picked up the other one.

"What do you have planned?" She somehow managed to choke out--though she felt suspiciously close to passing out as he trailed his lips up her left leg in similar fashion to the right. 

"Patience." He replied as he took her left hand and turned it over in his hands, pressing his lips first to her palm then to the pulse point at her wrist.  "All in good time."  Placing it in her lap he grabbed her right hand and gave it the same attention.

"Josh..." she breathed.  Rachel swallowed.  He was kissing her everywhere but where she really wanted.  Her lips were tingling in anticipation of having his against them.  Her heart was pounding furiously in her chest making her breath come quickly.  It was ridiculous really--they lived together for heaven's sake!  It wasn't like it had been a million years since they'd last been together, but he was a master at the game of seduction when he got it in his head to try and she was putty in his hands.  She felt his fingers as they worked to untie the blindfold and blinked up at him a few times--even though the house was significantly darker than when she'd come home a few minutes ago--when she could finally see again.  She sat, unable to move, as he leaned forward and, with his hands braced on the arms of the chair on either side of her, finally kissed her lips.  His mouth was warm and sweet against hers, and before she knew it he had taken her hands and pulled her up out of the chair and wrapped her in his arms, holding her against his chest-all without breaking the seal of their lips.

Rachel pulled back a moment later, not because she wanted to but because her lungs were burning for air.  She struggled to catch her breath, finally finding the strength to wrap her arms around his neck as his lips moved down hers.  Rachel tipped her head back--one of his hands came up to cradle the back of her head-as she granted him access to her throat.  JC groaned as Rachel sunk her fingers into his hair and he pulled his lips away from her skin reluctantly.

"We gotta stop." He said out of breath.

"No we don't." She shook her head and put pressure on the back of his head as she tried to pull him back to her.  He'd started a fire within her and she wasn't about to let him go so quickly.   

"Yes we do." He said, loosening his arms slightly from around her.  Rachel was glad he didn't completely release her--there was no way her legs could hold her up right now. 

"Why?" She asked disappointed. 

"Because." He said running his fingers through her hair and placing a quick kiss to her lips.  Rachel closed her eyes.  "I just spent," again he pressed his lips to hers, "the last three hours," this time his lips lingered a little longer against hers, "cooking and getting ready."  He sighed.  "If we don't stop all my preparations will be for nothing."

"I'll make it up to you." Rachel promised taking his bottom lip between hers.  She watched as he closed his eyes and groaned, his body trembling as he struggled to remain in control.

"No." He said, finally putting his hands on her upper arms and holding her out away from him.  "I've spent a lot of time planning tonight and this part doesn't come until later.  Be good." He requested.

Rachel sighed as she stepped from his arms.  "I'll try." She told him and he chuckled. 

"Come on." He said, taking her hand and tugging her forward as he began walking backwards towards the kitchen. 

Rachel gasped when she saw the white candles burning on the table, which had been romantically set for two.  She looked up at him, impressed, as he released her hand to pull her chair out for her.  As he helped scoot her in she looked at the food on their plates and smiled.  "You made crepes?" She asked.

"Oui." He replied with a smile as he sat down across the corner of the table from her.  "But not just any crepes." He continued.

"No?" She asked, taking the linen napkin folded up beside her plate and putting it on her lap.

"No." He said, reaching for the bottle of red wine he had uncorked.  She handed him her glass and watched as he filled it halfway.  "These are Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Crepes, with steamed vegetables."

Rachel looked at him in amazement as he filled his glass and unfolded his napkin.  "Well, Mr. Fancy Pants." She said, picking up her fork.  "Have you been watching The Food Network again?" She teased, using the utensil to cut a bite off of the crepe.  She speared the piece and put it in her mouth, moaning in pleasure.  "Oh wow!" She exclaimed.

"Good?" He asked with a smile.

"There are no words." She replied, taking another bite.

"Good." He chuckled and began eating as well.

"Seriously." Rachel said, pausing to take a sip of her wine.  "How in the world did you learn to cook so well?" She asked, picking up her knife and spreading butter on one of the rolls he had also found the time to make.

"Boredom?" He offered.  "I've had a lot of time on my hands the last couple years."

"Well, it was time well spent." She assured him.  "You could open a restaurant.  I'm serious." She stated when he shook his head.  "Between your amazing marinara sauce to these crepes?" She pointed her fork at the half eaten crepe on her plate.

"Don't forget my pancakes and chocolate cake."  He teased.

"That's what I mean." Rachel smiled.  "You'd have people lined up around the block."

"Maybe in another life." He answered.  "This is just something I like to do for fun.  Something I like to do for you."  Again she smiled then leaned across the corner of the table and kissed him.

"What else do you like?" She asked.

"Your eyes." He said, leaning towards her.  Rachel smiled as she put her elbow up on the table and rested her chin in her hand as she leaned towards him.

"Je pourrais obtenir perdu pour toujours dans vos yeux."

Rachel tried to control the shiver that ran down her spine as the he looked at her and told her he could get lost forever in her eyes.  "Okay, you are dangerous.  You cannot say things like that.  Not in French." She said leaning back in her chair and reaching for her glass of wine.  "Whew!" She said, fanning herself with her hand.

"Wait," he said.  Rachel paused with the glass pressed to her lips.  "I'm not done.  I've been practicing." He grinned wickedly at her.

Rachel raised one brow at him.  "You've been practicing?!" She said incredulously.

He nodded.

"Okay." She put the glass back on the table and looked at him expectantly.  "What else you got?"

"Vous etes belle.  Vous rendez ma vie completer."  You are beautiful.  You make my life complete.

Rachel sat, completely speechless, as she looked at him then leaned over the corner of the table.  She put a hand to the side of his face as she kissed him--her other hand coming to rest over his where it lay on the table as their mouths moved together in perfect synchronization.  He sighed when she pulled back slightly and rested her forehead against his-their breath mingling.  He slowly opened his eyes and looked at her as his tongue darted out and wet his lips. 

"And you say I'm dangerous?" One corner of his mouth turned up and Rachel smiled as she pressed her lips to his again softly.

"Do you want your present now?" Rachel asked. 

"Is it in those bags you were carrying when you came home?" JC asked lifting his hand to her face, his thumb moving back and forth across her cheekbone.

"Maybe." She answered with a coy smile. 

~~~~~

He smiled and leaned back, his hand dropping from her face as she scooted her chair back and stood.  JC watched as she walked over to where her bags had been left by the garage door, his eyes traveling over her retreating form and bringing a smile to his face.  It was sometimes hard for him to believe just how happy he was; yet there was something nagging at the back of his mind that things between them were just too good to be true.  As Rachel came back to the table, a smile lighting her face, he pushed his fears away and focused on the beautiful woman in front of him.

"Here you go." She said, handing him two packages--one significantly smaller than the other.  "Open the small one first." She said as she pulled her bottom lip between her teeth.

He opened the top of the small white box and pulled out what was inside.  He looked at it for a moment-not quite sure what it was.

"Do you like it?" She asked expectantly.

"What..." he looked at the metal object laying the palm of his hand.  "What is it?" He asked at the risk of hurting her feelings.

"It's a key chain." She told him with an excited grin as she took it from him.

"It's a bunch of nuts and bolts welded together." He told her, holding it between his fingers.

"That's the point." She nodded.  "See?" She turned the key chain on its side and pointed out an inscription etched into the side of the biggest piece of hardware.  "‘I'm nuts about you.'" She read the words to him then giggled as she handed it back to him.  He laughed. 

"And you say I'm the cheesy one." He said with a shake of his head.

"I know." She replied with a huge grin.  "Open the other one." She said.  He narrowed his eyes as he looked at her.  "I just got the keychain because it was cute and I couldn't pass it up."  She told him.  "You don't have to do anything with it but this," she tapped her finger on the lid of the larger box.  "This is your real present."

He hesitantly lifted the lid of the second gift she'd given him then grinned when he saw what was inside.  "Now that's what I'm talking about." He said, hooking the piece of dark blue, lacey lingerie with one finger and lifting it out of the box.  "You even got it in my favorite color." He said his eyes sparkling playfully.

"I aim to please." She replied with a smile.

"Mmmm..." He hummed.  "We'll get to that later." He said with a smirk as he put the lingerie back in the box and leaned across the table to kiss her.

"Now it's my turn." He said putting her gifts to him on the chair next to him and sliding a small square wrapped in red towards her.

~~~~~

Rachel accepted the gift and turned it over in her hands, slipping one finger under the flap of red paper.  As she removed the wrapping, her heart skipped excitedly when she recognized what she was holding.

"You are holding the first official copy." He said and she looked up at him.  "I even autographed it for you." He grinned.

Rachel laughed as she turned back to the CD in her hands, her fingers tracing along his now familiar signature that lay across the front of it.  His long awaited sophomore album.  Rachel ran her fingers over his face pictured on the front.  "I love this picture." She said looking at him over her shoulder.

"It's one of the ones you picked."

She smiled at him as she opened the case and pulled out then flipped through the booklet, taking in all the pictures from the photo shoot last month that had made the cut.  She stopped on the last page as she began reading his liner notes.  Her eyes skimmed over the small type, as he talked about the issues and problems he'd encountered releasing this album and thanked all the producers, writers and musicians he'd worked with.  Rachel felt JC lean towards her as she continued reading his heartfelt words of thanks to God and his family for all they'd done, and smiled when he expressed gratitude to all his fans, "especially one of my biggest fans in Arizona (you know who you are)."

"Oh, she's going to die!" Rachel giggled as she pictured Megan's reaction when she read those words.

"I know." He chuckled as he took her hand and gave it a squeeze.  "Keep reading." He whispered.

Rachel did as he requested her heart beating wildly as she read the last paragraph:

And finally, a special thank you to the most important person in my life.  Without you, this CD would still be sitting on the shelf.  You've given me back my inspiration, and helped me see what my life was missing. You are incredible and I thank God everyday for placing you in my life.

Rachel swallowed and blinked rapidly trying to clear her vision.  She finished reading what he'd written, still not quite believing that this was real.

I love you, Sass.  You are my heart and soul, my passion and inspiration, and I pray to God you will always be by my side.  This one's for you...

"Josh, I..." She stopped, at a loss as to what to say.  She watched as he picked up her hand and kissed the back of it. "Thank you." She said, holding the booklet up against her chest as she placed the hand he'd just kissed against his cheek.  She ran her thumb over the slight scruff that covered his cheeks before she leaned towards him and kissed him deeply--trying to express everything she was feeling at the moment the only way she knew how.

"Hold that thought." He said quietly, pulling away from her.  Rachel watched as he stood and walked over to the entertainment center on the far wall of the great room.  He picked up her I-pod that she'd set down by the television after going for a run the other day and Rachel looked down at the booklet she still held as he set the small electronic device up on the dock and skipped to a specific track.  She smiled as the familiar sound of the Miles Davis song he'd put on her birthday play list filled the room and he walked back over to her.

"Dance with me." He said holding his hand out to her.  Slipping her fingers into his she allowed him to pull her up from her chair and into the other room. 

Walking backwards slowly, JC said nothing but the silent messages she was getting from his eyes made her heart begin beating rapidly and her stomach quiver in anticipation.  Coming to a stop in the center of the room he tucked the hand he still held against his chest between them while his other arm wound slowly around her waist, pulling her securely against him.  Closing her eyes Rachel rested her forehead against his jaw, breathing in his comforting scent and moving with him--his body leading hers in a slow, yet familiar, rhythm.

Placing her free arm around him she pressed her hand against his back and turned her head, resting it now against his shoulder as they continued to move together.  When the song ended she assumed their dancing would as well.  However, he kept moving and the music started again--obviously having been set on repeat.  She smiled and tightened her arm around him, seeking to be even closer to him.  He dipped his head, his lips brushing against the heated skin on her neck--so softly she wasn't sure he was even doing it.  She trembled as his lips slowly traveled upwards, lingering right below her ear.  Her knees felt weak and she struggled to breathe as he closed his lips over her earlobe-his teeth lightly grazing the sensitive skin.

"Are you trying to seduce me?"  Rachel teased quietly as a shiver skirted down her spine. 

"Why?  Is it working?" He asked as he stopped dancing and released her hand and waist.  Bringing both of his hands up he gently framed her face--his thumbs stroking her cheeks as he seemed to memorize her features with his eyes.  When they finally connected with hers again, her breath caught at the fire she saw there.  JC leaned forward slightly then hesitated and she bit her lip to keep from groaning.  Finally though, he closed the distance between them and pressed his lips against hers.  She moaned as he kissed her deeply--the deliberate and passionate way his mouth moved against hers made her entire body tremble.  "Do you know what you do to me?" He asked quietly, his lips moving against hers as he spoke.  She slowly opened her eyes and looked up at him, struggling to remember how to breathe. 

"Show me." She whispered as she wound her arms around his neck and, leaning up on her toes, kissed him back with all the energy and love she possessed.

~~~~~~

Rachel groaned and reached for her cell phone vibrating on the bedside table early Wednesday morning.  JC--fast asleep beside her--didn't stir as she attempted to grab her phone without disturbing him.  He lay on his stomach; one arm resting across her stomach while his face was buried between her neck and shoulder.  She squinted at the digits on the alarm clock--3:15--as she pressed the phone to her ear, hoping it was the call she'd been waiting for. 

Megan had called her as she had been driving home yesterday to inform her she had started having contractions and was headed to the hospital.  Rachel had been on pins and needles all evening waiting anxiously for the call telling her everything had gone well and the they were both okay.

"Hello?" She asked quietly, JC finally stirred beside her and let out a groan of protest as he rolled over on his side away from her.  Rachel sat up and leaned back against the headboard.

"It's a boy." Jackson said proudly over the phone and Rachel breathed a sigh of relief.

"Everything's okay?" She asked.

"Everything's great." He said happily.  "He was born about an hour ago and Megan's resting right now."

"Oh, I'm so glad!" Rachel replied.   "What did you guys decide for the name?"

"Scott Ryan."

"And how big is he?" She asked.

"Eight, three." Jackson informed her.

"Wow, big guy." Rachel said. 

"Yeah." Jackson chuckled.

"Okay, you know I want pictures."

"I'll email some to you tomorrow...or actually, later today, I guess." He said.

"I'll be waiting. Thanks for calling Jackson." Rachel said.

"You're welcome.  I'll let you get back to sleep." He replied.

"Alright, I'll talk to you later." She said and ended the call, then snuggled back under the covers.

"Is Megan alright?" JC asked as he rolled back over and put his arms around her.

"Yep." Rachel smiled.  "Jackson's going to email me some pictures later today.  They're naming the baby Scott Ryan."

"Mmmm." He hummed already falling back asleep.

"Jace, do you think..." Rachel stopped and bit her lip, not sure if she should voice the thoughts that had been running through her head all evening.  As she'd been waiting to hear from Megan and Jackson she'd begun wondering something she never had before.  Rachel had never been one that, like Megan, had always wanted to be a mother but as she'd watched JC at dinner all she could think about was whether or not they'd have a baby one day.  Rachel closed her eyes and could almost picture a beautiful little baby with JC's blue eyes and adorable smile and a pang of longing filled her. 

"What?" He asked, bringing her out of her thoughts.  She knew he would freak out if she said anything about what she was thinking so she decided to say nothing.

"Nothing." She said, turning her head and kissing him softly.  "Go back to sleep."

"‘Kay." He mumbled and Rachel smiled.

"I love you." She said quietly, but he didn't respond--already lost to sleep once more--and she pushed her thoughts away.  She wasn't ready to have a baby, let alone JC Chasez's baby though a tingle shot through her at the thought.  She smiled and wondered what JC would do if she talked to him about having children.  She had to bite back a laugh as she fell asleep when she remembered his terrified expression when she'd told him she wanted his first born in exchange for singing on his album with him.

~~~~~~

Rachel stood in the bathroom looking down uncomprehendingly at what she held in her hand.  She couldn't think, couldn't speak and her heart felt as if it were beating out of her chest.  "Impossible." She whispered to herself.  "Ja-Jace!" She called out, turning and walking back into their bedroom.

"Yeah?" He asked, looking up from the chair in the corner and the book he was reading.  "What's wrong?" He asked at the look on her face.  He closed the book and set it on the table then stood and walked towards her.

Rachel's breath started coming in quick gasps.  "I can't...I-I...you...we're..."

"What's going on, Rach?" He asked, suddenly looking and sounding concerned at her stuttering.  Putting his hands on her arms as he slouched down a bit to look in her eyes   Rachel slowly lifted her right hand.

"I'm pregnant." She said, still not believing the results of the home pregnancy test she'd just taken.

"Pregnant?" JC repeated, his dark eyebrows shooting up in surprise.  "Are you sure?" He asked.  She nodded and showed him the test stick in her hand-the little blue lines clearly indicating that she was indeed pregnant.  A huge grin broke out across his face and he hugged her tightly as he laughed in her ear.  "This is great, Rach!" He exclaimed.

"No its not!" Rachel said, pushing away from him.  JC looked at her in confusion.

"Why not?" He asked.

"I can't be pregnant!" She said. 

"But you are." He replied, the grin coming back and his blue eyes sparkling.  "We're having a baby!" He exclaimed.

"No, I'm not ready."

Rachel sat up in bed, gasping for air.  Her eyes automatically turned, searching for JC--feeling the need to smack him for being so excited about something that put her into an absolute panic--but he wasn't there.  She looked at the clock beside her.  6:30.  She groaned as she laid back in bed and covered her face with her hands.  It was just a dream.  She thought taking and releasing a deep breath.  She lowered her hands and turned once more to look at JC's vacant pillow.  Where is he? She wondered, trying to remember what day it was.  She heard the shower going and remembered he had a couple radio spots to do this morning as well as a meeting with Marcus and the executives at TennMan.  With a sigh Rachel got out of bed and walked into the huge closet they shared.  As she stood staring unseeing at her clothes--the emotion from her dream still coursing through her--JC walked into the closet from the door connecting it to the bathroom.  She had begun to think she wanted a baby, what with Megan being pregnant and Scott's birth so fresh in her mind.  But when faced with the reality-or what she'd felt was reality--the truth had come out.  She was anything but ready and that truth was a bit unsettling to her at the moment.  How could she have such differing and conflicting emotions about the same thing?

"Good morning." JC greeted her, pulling her from her thoughts.  Rachel turned to look at him as he walked towards him.  The towel he had around him sat low on his hips and his dark hair still glistened with water.  He wrapped his arms around her as he pressed his lips to hers.  The warmth of his skin and the fresh from the shower scent of his body surrounded her but Rachel was still reeling from her dream for those things to affect her like they usually did.  She pulled back slightly and shrugged out of his arms.  "You alright?" He asked looking at her strangely as he ran a hand through his wet hair then put both hands on his hips.

"I'm fine." She assured him with a forced smile.  "I just don't have time for anything this morning, lover boy."  He chuckled as he followed her into the bathroom.

"Nothing?" He asked, standing behind her at the counter, watching as she began washing her face.  "Are you sure?" He asked, running his hands down her sides as he stepped forward pinning her between his body and the counter.

"Josh." Rachel warned, looking at his reflection in the mirror.  He grinned as he dropped a kiss to her shoulder then moved over next to her--swatting her rear before reaching for his toothbrush.

"Later then?" He asked with a wink.  Rachel rolled her eyes and smiled.

"You bring the whip cream and I'll bring the strawberries." She said pulling her tank top off as she walked towards the shower.  She heard him groan behind her and smiled to herself as she stepped beneath the spray of water.

"You're killing me, Sass."