Lost Love

By Ellasblues & AndieFan

 Disclaimer: Characters property of Kevin Williamson & the WB. No copyright infringement intended. I love DC and I am only trying to fix the damage that PS and KW did to this wonderful show. This is my fourth fanfic Summary: Andie never returned in S3 she left Capeside behind and Pacey. This fic picks up after ten years later; yes I changed a lot of the history of the show, so pay attention to what was changed. The main couple is P/An with a few other characters thrown in. to keep it interesting. . Please feedback is always appreciated. I need to say a big thank you to Michael for inspiring me and by adding his voice to this story.

 Chapter 1

 Capeside dock -Pacey’s boat

"Pacey?" John Witter’s gruff voice called out. "Son?"

"Yea pop." Pacey poked his head out of the cabin.

"I can’t figure out how to use this damn phone" Mr. Witter pulled his glasses out of his coat pocket as studied the phone. "Damn technology" he muttered to himself

. "Here Dad, I’ll show you" and with ease Pacey flipped the phone open and handed it back to his Dad.

 "Smart ass" John Witter replied sarcastically.

 "An apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree, pop!"

John Witter gave his son a quick smile and then dialed a number and waited. After a few rings, he impatiently shut the phone off. He handed the phone back to Pacey "Your Mom has already left for New York with your sister. I was hoping I would catch her."

 "Something wrong?"

 "It’s nothing Pacey… it’s just-" John Witter hesitated and sighed.

"It’s just what." Pacey wondered what his father was upset about

. "I forgot pack my heart pills for the fishing trip. I’ll be fine I don‘t need them."

 "Hell you don’t, pop you know what the Doctor told you. You have to have those pills on you at all times." Now Pacey was worried. His father’s heart condition was okay if he took his medication but Pacey did not want to go out on the water without them.

"What does Doc Miller know? Did I ever tell you about the time I arrested him for possession?"

 "That was fifteen years ago Pop and he was stupid kid back then. If I remember right you busted him for having a bag of oregano." Pacey laughed.

"So? It all looks the same" his father was empathic

. Pacey shook his head and thought there were some things that would never change when came to his dad. "Okay, I’m going run back to the house and grab your pills. Is there anything else you might need?"

"Nah, that’s it. But hot cup of joe would hit the spot."

 "I’ll be back in a bit." Pacey grinned and ran up the ramp to his car.

John Witter watched as Pacey left. He then returned his attention to back to the boat aware that they had lot to get ready before they left. It was going to be their last fishing trip of the year and both men were looking forward to spending time with each other. After a few minutes stowing gear away he decided to take a break. He could feel his age which only made him hate being old while he envied Pacey’s youth. He took his cap off his head and wiped the sweat off his brow. It was going to be warm day. The waterfront was normally empty this early on a Saturday morning in the off season but he noticed a young woman standing near the railing looking out in to the bay. She was very pretty and her long blonde hair reached down to her back, she was slim but had womanly figure to her.

 "If only I was young" he mumbled under his breath. "In addition, single" he chuckled to himself. No matter how old a man got, looking at beautiful women was still an unrestricted pastime. He did not realize he was staring at her until her eyes met his, and she smiled warmly back to him causing him to quickly cast his eyes away. He felt a little embarrassed and his cheeks became flushed for a second. This was sign to him to get back to work and once again, he turned towards the cabin and renewed his effort into getting the boat ready.

"Perduto Amore."

He heard a voice say aloud and turned to find the owner of it. He was surprised to see same woman who had smiled at him earlier.

 "Lost Love, it’s a beautiful name" she replied.

 John Witter glanced over to nameplate and back to the woman. "My son picked it out."

 "Well, your son picked out a wonderful name. Most men name boats after women."

"True, but knowing my son it’s for a woman. Lately who knows which one?" John Witter joked.

 The woman giggled. "Your son sounds quite like the ladies man."

 "Women seem to love him. I’m not sure why but he doesn’t have any problems getting a date on Saturday nights." John Witter had a feeling that he knew this woman but he could not place her.

 "If he is half as handsome as you are, how could any woman not be attracted to him?"

John Witter was not used to having beautiful women give him compliments and his cheeks became flushed again. A small smirk crossed his face. "Yeah. He’s quite a kid. Best out of all of them. He really made a place for himself in the world."

 "It sounds like you love your son very much" the woman replied

"More than you know." John Witter was surprised by his answer. He was not the type to share his feelings and never to a complete stranger. However, there was something about her that made him feel like he could tell her anything.

The woman smiled. "He’s lucky to have a father like you."

"I consider myself the lucky one…I lost a lot years with him while he was standing there in front of me the whole time but somehow I couldn’t find him."

"That’s easy to do. My brother and I have spent a lot of years apart for the same reason but of course it doesn’t’ help when you live thousands a miles away."

 "I see. So you’re new to Capeside?" he asked.

 "Yes and no" the woman glanced over to the bay. "Capeside and I share a lot great memories, my stay here was short but I still consider Capeside my home."

"So your brother lives here?"

"Yes, he teaches art at the public high school."

John Witter’s eyes became wide. "Jack McPhee is your brother?"

"You know my brother?" The woman’s voice became excited.

 "Of course I do. My son and he are best friends; they hang out together all the time."

"Really? Then I should know your son" she grinned, "what’s his name?"

 Just then Pacey came down the ramp with a cup of hot coffee in his hand; he could see that his dad was talking to a very attractive woman. "Man, dad I leave you for fifteen minutes and I catch you hitting on a strange woman on the docks. What would mom say?" Pacey laughed.

The woman’s face went white, she knew that voice. It had been along time but she could never forget that voice.

 "Pacey" she softly said as she turned around.

Pacey froze in his tracks "Andie" he said softly in return.

They both stared at each other momentarily shocked. Andie was first to break the silence.

 "I should have known he was your dad. You have the same eyes."

 Pacey studied her from head to toe. "Is it really you? It’s been-"

 "Ten years, a whole decade" she sighed. "It’s sad isn’t it?"

 "I see your hair is blonde again." He pointed to her hair.

Andie brushed the hair out her eyes. "Oh yes. I forgot it was brown the last time you saw me" she replied sadly.

 "It’s beautiful either way." In that moment he allowed himself become lost in her eyes for a second just as he had done all those years ago.

"Hey son I’ll take that." John Witter reached for the coffee in Pacey’s hand before it spilled onto the dock as all of Pacey’s attention was focused on Andie.

"Oh sorry" said Pacey as he was bought back to the present.

 "It’s okay son." John Witter gave Pacey a gentle pat on the arm. Andie noticed in this little gesture how close father and son had become. .

"Dad, this is Andie. She’s Jack’s sister." Pacey couldn’t keep his eyes off her. Images of her from the brief time they were together were swirling through his mind.

"We were just getting to that point in the conversation when you arrived. Hello Andie." John Witter shook her hand.

 "It’s finally nice to meet you in person Mr. Witter."

He interrupted her "Please call me John." "If you remember John the last time I talked to you it was over the phone."

Mr. Witter had to think hard to the conversation that she was talking about and then it hit him. This was Andie McPhee the girl that broke his son’s heart so many years ago.

 "Yes, I remember now, you and Pacey dated."

Pacey laughed uneasily. "I’m sure Andie didn’t come all way from Italy to talk about an insignificant relationship from high school." He did not mean to sound that way but his comment came out harsh. Andie bit her lip trying hard not let the comment get to her. She had to look way for a minute as she didn‘t want him to see the pain he had caused her which such a simple comment.

John Witter’s voice broke the tension "Son, I think I’m going to check the gear in the cabin one more time before we leave."

"Alright, we’ll he heading out soon" he called out to his father as John Witter disappeared into the cabin below.

"Am I holding you up?" Andie had recovered but only just. Pacey did not have the slightest idea why she had come all this way and she wasn’t about to dump it on him here and now.

 "No. We usually don’t head out until about nine."

"Don’t be afraid to tell me if I’ve worn out my stay." she joked

"I never had that problem in telling you what was on my mind in the past."

 "Ahh…how could I forget that famous Witter charm?"

 "Anything to make you feel at home." He grinned at her just amazed how beautiful she was. This wasn’t the ill and mixed up girl who had left him behind in Capeside.

 "It felt like home as soon I stepped off the plane" she remarked "and no more so than down here at the dock."

Pacey gave her a curious look. Did she still remember those nights they spent down here underneath the stars?

"And speaking of home, Jack didn’t tell me."

Andie interrupted him "That’s because it’s a surprise."

"He’s going to be happy to see you. I know he was hoping to visit you next summer in Italy"

 "I thought it would be a welcome change if I got off my butt and made the trip this time." she laughed." Who knows? Maybe I’ll decide to stay."

 This all too casual comment caught Pacey by surprise. "Stay? Why would anyone want to stay in Capeside?"

 "Don’t be so shocked Witter, some of the best people I know decided to make Capeside their home."

 "Witter is it, I can see that this town is already having it’s affect on you McPhee."

 "I’m pretty sure it’s the company that I’m keeping Witter" she said jokingly.

"And the insults are starting to fly already" he smirked back at her.

"Just testing you Pace, wanted to see if you still had game."

 Pacey wagged his finger at her. "Oh I still have game, believe me Blondie."

 "I’m sure you do. From what your father says, you have plenty of young ladies to play with." She gave him a flirty look.

 "He said that did he?" Pacey shot look over the cabin. "You cannot believe him, he likes to exaggerate, and you never heard any of his old police stories. You’d think Capeside was central LA the way he tells it" Pacey laughed. "But right now I am taking a break from dating. With Dad’s health being the way it is, I need all the time I can get with him." He paused letting his eyes connect with her. "You never know when your last moment is going to be with someone."

Andie caught his last remark; she knew that he was talking about their last moments together, full of promises of tomorrow and declarations of love that were never answered. Her heart had never healed completely from that moment in time and now she could see that maybe his heart was as broken as hers was

. Pacey seeing the sad expression on Andie’s face did not what their reunion after all these years to be so depressing. "Plus relationships take work and we both know I’m lazy when it comes to romance."

 Andie smiled "the worst…but you had your good moments."

 Pacey returned the smile. "I’m sure the men you have dated in Italy are just oozing romance out of their pores."

 "I’ve been swept off my feet a few times by their charms but nothing seems to last for very long."

 "So that guy Jack told me about a few months ago?"

 "Oh him?" Andie shook her head. "He turned out to be married with seven kids; thank god, I found that out before we became serious. What mess that could have been."

"Seven kids?"

 "I wanted a big family but one of my own in time."

 "Oh come on. Seven kids instantly what woman wouldn’t want that? No painful deliveries, never gain weight, and when summer comes no worries of stretch marks showing when you wear your bikini."

"Right Witter. Dealing with the ex-wife, having the children hate your guts because you broke up their parents? Oh yeah, sounds like every woman’s dream." Andie rolled her eyes.

 "Just a thought." Pacey shrugged his shoulder. Pacey’s cell phone rang making both him and Andie jump. "It’s probably a customer, I don‘t have to take it."

 "No, please do. I should go anyway." Andie started to leave. "I didn’t mean to be here this long."

 Pacey followed Andie as she left the phone still ringing in his pocket. "I’d really like to catch up maybe you and Jack could come for dinner tomorrow night?" Pacey raised his voice trying hard to drown out the incessant ringing of the phone.

 "I am not sure." Andie had a little voice inside screaming at her to take this chance to be with him again but her fear was almost overpowering.

 "Come on, I promise my cooking skills have surpassed the canned cranberry episode."

 The ringing was starting to get on Andie’s nerves "Fine, I’ll come but only if you answer your phone."

 Pacey smiled tenderly "tomorrow seven o’clock?"

She returned the smile "yes, now just answer that damn phone." She walked up the ramp looking back once to see Pacey watching her.

 Once she was out of sight Pacey flipped open his phone. "Perduto Amore Charter service, this Captain Pacey Witter speaking." He looked up to the ramp again and a smile crossed his face. "Yes sir, sunset cruses are specialty." Pacey hopped into his boat. "Tomorrow? Sorry sir but the boat has already been booked for a private party. But I do have an opening tonight." He sat back in the chair. "Fine, seven o’clock tonight." Pacey folded the phone shut. Despite ten years passing by since she left and shattered his heart, he could feel his heart pounding in his chest the whole time he talked to her and he wondered a few times if she could hear it .He wasn’t sure what this all meant to have her back in Capeside but maybe her return now would answer those questions he had all these years. Why did she write him that letter so long ago and why all of a sudden did she decide to come back?

Out of Pacey’s view Andie stood looking back towards the dock. She could feel her heart pound in her chest. The mere fact of being that close to him made her feel as if she was sixteen again and they were falling in love. He looked so handsome, so confident and sure of himself. It was as if he had grown into the man she always knew he was capable of becoming. It had taken all of her self-control to walk away without breaking down and begging his forgiveness but she knew without even asking him that there was nothing to forgive between them. It was a relief to Andie that this feeling seemed genuine. She had so many things to tell him, so many things that he needed to understand and to know that no matter the time they had been apart, Pacey Witter was the only man Andie would ever truly love.

 The reason that her relationships in Italy were so short was because despite all the men having qualities that Andie needed, none of them even came close to Pacey. It was, she thought, the truth that she had tried to run from all these years. From the moment they first met, Pacey Witter had Andie’s heart and soul and would always do so. Andie did not care how long it would take, but she knew that she had to prove it to him that her love was only for him and no-one else. Andie turned and walked back in the direction of Jack’s house. She would surprise her brother and catch up with him and then begin the task of winning Pacey back once and for all.

Chapter 2

Capeside dock -Pacey’s boat

“Hello? “ Andie’s voice called out to the empty boat. She could see the lights glowing from the windows of the cabin but Pacey seemed to be missing.

“He’s not here Jack.” she turned and gave her brother a puzzled look.

“Maybe he got sick of waiting for us.” Jack walked down the ramp to join her.

“We’re only 20 minutes late.” Andie glanced at her watch.

Jack was shocked by her statement “Only!” he paused, “the Andie McPhee I knew was never late for anything.”

“People change!” Andie stepped onto the boat.

Jack followed her “Not you Andie, you’ve been like this since we were kids. In fact the last time I saw you, you had my visit planed down to the minute. “

“A lot has happened since your last visit.”

“But that was only a year ago.”

“You of all people should know how much things can change in year Jack? “ Andie gave him sad smile.

He returned the same smile he knew what she was talking about. It was the worst year in their young lives. After losing their older brother Tim in car accident, their mother’s guilt for their brother’s death had driven her to a mental break down. Their father, unable to cope with the loss of his son and his wife, having to face the prospect of raising two teenagers on his own, abandoned them in strange new town as he tried to rebuild some kind of life. This left Andie and Jack to hang even tighter to each other but in the end they too would be separated by Andie’s own sickness. Truly, this accident had devastated the whole family

Andie lightly nudged Jack.” It’s no time to dwell in the past” she stated cheerfully, ”my goal tonight is to have a good time and hopefully have a great meal I’m starving! “

Jack laughed. “Some things never change.”

“Hey, guys “Pacey appeared on the dock behind them carrying a large sack.

“Hey Pace, sorry we’re late but someone couldn’t tear herself away from the mirror.” Jack nodded in Andie’s direction.

“That‘s a lie” she shot him a dirty look. .

Pacey chuckled “It‘s nice to see you two are back to your old sibling rivaling again.”

“I have to make up for lost time. “ Jack gave Andie a teasing smile

Andie sighed. “Aren’t I lucky one?”

Jack rubbed his hands together. “So Pace, my sister told me that you’re making a to-die-for meal, which surprises me because every one who knows you knows that your idea of home cooking is ordering a pizza.”

“Jack! “ Andie gave him another dirty look. “I’m sure Pacey can cook just fine if he puts his mind to it. “ Andie gave Pacey a confident smile.

Pacey rubbed his brow. “I hate disappointing you McPhee, but Jack’s right. Cooking is not my calling in life. I guess I lured you here on false pretence “

“Oh. “Andie’s smile left her face.

“But a Witter always has a plan. “ He hopped on board the boat and set down the bag on the small table on the deck. “Chinese food anybody?”

“Count me in." Jack rushed to the table.

As Pacey handed Andie a pair of chopsticks, his hand lightly brushed hers and in that one moment he could have sworn he felt his heart skipping a beat. Andie felt the same way but she tried to act as if nothing had happened and continued on helping herself to the fried rice.

“When did Capeside get a Chinese restaurant? “ Andie asked.

“One of the great advantages of modern progress. . .” Jack nosily sucked up a lo mien noodle.

Pacey sighed. “Yeah. The Golden Harvest started a while back. It’s great but I still miss the Icehouse. They had great chili fries.” He said wistfully.

“Oh yes.” Andie shook her head wildly in agreement, and she touched Pacey’s arm. “Remember on Wednesday after school we’d go to Icehouse and order everything smothered in chilli? “

Pacey laughed. “Remember how much we suffered later in night?”

“But the suffering was worth it and it never slowed you down from trying to make the moves on me. “ Andie laughed at the memory.

“I was sixteen year old male McPhee; I had to take every opportunity that was open to me with or without a stomach discomfort.” Pacey shrugged his shoulders looking over at Jack. “It’s her fault really; she was such a tease back then.”

“A tease!” Andie scoffed.

“You’d give me one those looks.” Pacey replied, enjoying this sparring with Andie. It felt some familiar and comfortable.

“Looks?” Andie put her hands on her hips and tried to adopt a hurt look. But it was no good; she was enjoying this as much as Pacey.

“Oh don’t play all sweet and innocent with me Andie. You know exactly what I’m talking about.” Pacey pointed at her .“And the way you would kiss me, how could you expect me not to want more after a kiss like that?”

Jack could see that his presence was being ignored. He sat down on the nearest chair and decided to watch what was unfolding in front of him. All this time he had known that were unresolved feelings between his sister and Pacey. When Andie decided not to return to Capeside after her long stint in the hospital, Jack was the one who had to console Pacey. He had his work cut out for him because Pacey was already dealing from the letter he had received a few months earlier from Andie.

“It’s nice to know that a simple kiss of mine could drive you crazy.”

Pacey huffed. “A simple kiss? I wish.” He stepped closer to Andie. “If was so simple, then why have I spent most my life comparing other kisses to yours.” Pacey whispered softly in her ear.

Andie felt her knees go weak. She had not felt this way in long time and it scared her that Pacey could still have this much affect on her even after all the time they had been apart from each other.

Jack realised that it was time for him to make himself scarce. He felt like he was intruding on delicate moment and he had no intention of ruining this perfect reunion.

“Man, look at the time,” Jack checked his watch” I had no clue how late it was.”

“Jack, its only 7:45, you’ve been here only ten, fifteen minutes at the most.” Pacey checked his watch also.

“Still, I should be going. I’ve got to go over my lessons plans for the week anyway.”

“You can’t leave Jack; I was looking forward to three of us getting together. It’s been such a long time since I’ve been around the people I love. “

Jack hugged Andie.”Believe me sis, there’s plenty of time for the three of us to hang out now that you’re staying for good.”

“You’re right; I have to remember to pace myself. I’d hate to become sick of you two so early on“ she giggled.

“Oh come on McPhee, you’d never get sick of us. Right Jack?” Pacey swung his arm around Jack’s shoulder.

Jack removed Pacey’s arm from around him playfully. “I’m not sure if I’m the right person to ask Pace. You do have a tendency to get on people’s nerves after awhile.” Jack teased.

“Me? Never!” Pacey threw up his arms comically.

“Don’t believe him. “Jack said to Andie as he walked past her and stepped off the boat. “Oh I forgot Andie,” Jack stopped on the ramp "do you need a ride home? I could leave the car”

“Don’t worry Jack I‘ll just walk home.”

“Over my dead body.” Jack huffed.” Chinese food isn’t the only thing that comes with modern progress in Capeside. So does crime unfortunately.”

Pacey quickly jumped in seizing the opportunity. “Hey Jack, I’ll take Andie home.”

“Are you sure?” Jack asked knowing exactly the source of Pacey’s eagerness.

Andie glanced over to Pacey and smile is passed between them. Jack also noticed this look.

“Go head, I’ll be fine.”

“Okay, bye.” Jack waved good bye and disappeared into the night.

For a few minutes little was said but it didn’t mean there was nothing to say. Both Pacey and Andie were holding back, both to afraid to say the wrong thing.

Andie checked out her surroundings and looked into the boat’s cabin. “Do you mind if I take a look?” she pointed.

“How rude of me to not give you the grand tour.” He led her below. “As you see, it’s quite a tight space but for two people it’s perfect.” He grinned. ”Down there is a bathroom and two bedrooms, one with bunk beds the other with a full size bed. “ Andie followed him studying the cabins. She was surprised how clean they were. “It’s an amazing boat Pacey.”

Pacey sat down on the bench seat in the galley. ”Lucky for me the risk I took two years ago to follow my dream has paid off. “He leaned back.

Andie leaned up against the galley counter crossing her arms. “Looks like you have no regrets then?”

“Regrets? You mean about dropping out of Suffolk’s?” Pacey straightened up. “I’d have more regrets if I had stayed at Suffolk‘s.”

An unusual grin spread across Andie’s face.

“What? “ Pacey asked.

“It’s funny “

“What’s funny?”

“That you went to college and I never did.” Andie glanced over to him. “It’s almost like we switched places in life. I became the slacker… ”

“And I became the overachiever.” Pacey finished her sentence.

For a few seconds the room became still as they both became caught up in their reasons why they had followed the paths the way they did both knowing full well that their decisions were based on each other and their past relationship. Pacey was the first to bring this subject to light.

“It’s your fault you know McPhee.” Pacey rose from his seat.

“My fault?” Andie was shocked.

“Yes you" he wagged his finger at her. "You were the one telling me I was smart, filling my head with thoughts that I could do anything.” He stood across from her without much room between them while a current passed across that small gap pulling them closer together.

“So, it’s my responsibility for how your life turned out?” Andie said quietly. She could feel a force tugging at her pulling her towards Pacey. She wondered what it would be like if she kissed him just this once.

“Well, yes.” Pacey’s voice became husky as he felt the same pressure propelling him closer to Andie.

“I was just telling you the truth” her eyes looked up to his.

Pacey‘s eyes gazed tenderly into to hers. “Yes, but you’re the first one that made me believe it.” Pacey fingers caressed her cheek.

Andie became lost in his touch, losing all will to fight she found herself waiting eagerly for his kiss.

Pacey leant in close and his bottom lip touched hers first and then their top lips finally connected pull them both into a passionate kiss.

The next morning Andie was rudely woken from her deep sleep by a chilly breeze pouring through the open window absent mindedly left open the night before. Peeking out from underneath the covers, she looked over to the window with disgust. Reluctant to leave the warmth of her bed, Andie knew that was only inventible that she would have to make the frigid trip across the room.

Rising from her bed, she quickly ran to the window slamming it shut. She hurried back to the bed and then dove back under the goose down comforter. At first she was plagued by the cold shivers that ran through her body making her teeth slightly chatter. To her delight, the goosebumps that covered her skin were soon chasing away when she felt his arms encircle her. Snuggling close to her Pacey swept her hair away from the back of her neck kissing it lightly and with a few seconds both fell back into a deep sleep.

Unaware of his sister’s overnight guest, Jack opened the door to Andie’s room without knocking first. Jack’s mind was preoccupied by events of the day to come so when he gazed upon Pacey sleeping soundly next to his sister there was a slight hesitation as his brain registered the sight before him. Sensing someone’s presence, Andie’s eyes fluttered open. Finding Jack standing only a few feet from the bed, she could see in her brother’s eyes questions forming and she quickly wanted to answer them before all hell broke loose. Trying hard not wake Pacey Andie carefully exited the bed reaching for her robe and quickly put it on. She grabbed her brother’s arm firmly and led him out of the room closing the door behind them leaving Pacey sleeping soundly.

Standing in the middle of the hallway, Andie decided to speak before her brother could utter one word in objection of her and Pacey’s rapid reunion.

“By the expression on you face, I can tell that you’re shocked by what you just saw and you’d have every right to feel this way. But I want chance to explain before you jump in to the role of big brother and hearing me out…” she paused.

“In the past Jack I’ve let too many opportunities in life slip through my fingers by misguided notions of what is right and what is wrong. Last night was the first time I did not care if my actions were wrong or too soon. Because deep down my heart told me that being with Pacey last night was the right thing to do and of all the people I know I’d hope you’d understand.” Andie looked anxiously at Jack and bit her lip.

Jack understood Andie’s feelings and he knew that he had no right to judge her or Pacey. He still felt slightly uncomfortable with the situation, which was only natural for a big brother to feel. But he also realized that he found a sense of happiness knowing that Pacey and Andie had reconnected and he decided then that maybe it didn’t matter how fast it had all played out. He smiled warmly at his sister’s nervousness.

“As long as you’re happy Andie, that’s all that matters to me." Jack leaned over and planted a soft kiss on his sister’s cheek.” But…” a devilish smile appeared on his face, “tell Pacey just because he’s dating my sister once again he still owes me money from poker night.”

Andie let out a small relieved giggle “I’ll tell him.”

“And not to change the subject here, but I was wondering if you’d mind going to the store for me today?” Jack started his way down the hall.

Andie followed behind him. ”Consider it done."

“Great. On the kitchen counter next to the stove you’ll find the list.” Jack picked up his briefcase. “Don’t be afraid to add to the list and you’ll find the shopping money in the last cookie jar on the right.”

“Okay.” Andie nodded her head. “Are you sure you’re alright with Pacey and I?”

Jack opened the front door and took a step out. ”Yeah. And you know what? I’m glad your home sis.”

“Me too." Andie hugged Jack.

“All right” he sighed,”I’d better get going.” Jack smiled at Andie again and shut the door behind him and left for work.

Hearing Jack leave forced Pacey to slowly open his eyes. At first, he was little confused as to where he was but it did not take him long to remember. A satisfied smile crossed his face as flashbacks of last night came to him. He turned over hoping to find Andie sleeping blissfully next to him but became alarmed when he did not see her there. Sitting up straight, he searched the room for her only to find that he was alone. Laying back down, Pacey tried to not overanalyze the reason for her absence or even last night’s actions. He didn’t want to be bogged down in to the details of why he and Andie had ended up in bed together. His thoughts were flooded with the comfort of holding her and the familiar landscape he’d once known. Somehow, making love to her had always been easy, safe, passionate and so very tender, even back when they were sixteen and so stupidly in love. That was the thing that always remained with him even after all the women he had been with since Andie.

To him it made no difference because when your dreams come true you just do not care how it happened but that it happened at all. Here was a chance to be happy and he was sure of one thing that he would never let her go this time. Letting out a deep sigh, he pulled the covers up around him realizing that this was the first time his soul had found true peace. He had always been contented with his life before they first met but somehow she had made him recognize that it was okay to want more. And now more than ever he wanted Andie to have permanent place in his life.

Absorbed in his thoughts, Pacey did not notice Andie quietly entering the room until he heard the door close. He turned his attention to the door and was pleasantly surprised to see her standing there. Their eyes locked and without speaking they knew they had the same idea. Slowly, seductively, Andie’s clothes dropped to the floor as she crossed the room to him until she was standing expectant in front of him. All the love and passion they held for each other shone in their eyes. Pulling back the comforter, Andie slipped next to Pacey who quickly welcomed her with a long and tender kiss. In seconds, the kissed turned into more and soon the reunited lovers found themselves once again in the throes of passion.

“It seems a little mundane McPhee, to be grocery shopping after the adventures of last twenty four hours.” Pacey smirked at Andie while placing a of couple cans of peas in the cart.

Andie checked off the peas off the list noting his look. "I told you, you didn’t have to come with me.”

“Are you kidding?” Pacey wrapped his arms around her from behind and hugged her tight. “Did you actually think I would let you out my sight after last night?" He began to kiss her exposed shoulder. Andie felt a shiver down her spine.

“Down boy” she laughed,” you’re going to get us kicked out of the store.”

“That doesn’t sound like bad thing to me” he continued to kiss her.

“You say that now but you’ll be saying something else when you’re standing front an empty fridge at two in the morning” Andie scolded him.

“Good point” Pacey let her go reluctantly.

Pushing the cart a further down the aisle, Andie started to search for the next thing on the list as Pacey walked a head of her in search of the snackfood aisle. She grabbed a few boxes of noodles and threw them into the cart while gleefully checking noodles off the list. A few seconds later, Pacey emerged from the other aisle with his arms overflowing with variety of different types of junk food. Strolling down the aisle with a childish grin he happily dropped everything into the cart.

Pacey waited for Andie to scold him for his poor choice in food but instead she only laughed. “Same old Pacey" and continued down the aisle.

At this moment, it hit Pacey that Andie had changed, the girl he remembered was still there but now he saw the woman she had grown into. All those years ago he had wished she would have come back to Capeside and back to him. Now he realized that if she stayed she might not been the fantastic women she was today. He had to admit he liked the woman that he saw before him. Scratch that, he thought, maybe like was not a strong enough word. He loved the woman that he saw before him. He knew it was crazy to feel this way so soon after her return. But that was how he felt. He was in love with her and to be truthful Pacey thought, he had been in love with Andie McPhee in one way or other for so long. Where they went from here was a question however he was not quite sure he has the answer to yet. A lot depended on the woman looking at him from across the shopping cart. And that was perfectly ok by Pacey Witter. Time would sort that out. Until then, he was just ready to make love to her again. Inside he knew that he would never get tired of loving her. Loving Andie seemingly refreshed his soul and gave him hope, passion and energy. A sly grin came to his face as he remembered touching and holding Andie last night and this morning.

“What?” Andie asked as she noticed his mind turning over. She guessed what he was thinking about. Pacey was predictable but that was fine by her.

“I was just thinking I’ve never seen you look sexier than right now.”

Emerging from the bathroom in her pajamas, Andie let out a long yawn. Her demanding day at work was just now starting to catch up to her. The Capeside High receptionist position had opened up and Andie, on a whim, decided to apply for it. She knew she had to remain in Capeside for the immediate future to see where this new relationship was going with Pacey. The job, while routine, was sufficient to fill the day out in between the ferocious bouts of lovemaking with him. It was as if they were still sixteen again. The briefest of looks, a slight touch was all it took and next thing they tumbled into bed.

Andie thought that perhaps they would have eased back by now but this passion seemed to be endless. It was almost as if they had a ten-year supply of passion to work through. The sense of comfort their being together was, to her mind, what made it more wonderful than it already was. They had fallen into couplehood so quickly without any angst or arguments over living arrangements. It was as if they had the same thoughts, same plans, and dreams and had already made the compromises necessary to make it work. It was so easy this time around, because there was none of the angst and approaching illness that overshadowed their relationship at Capeside High.

Plopping down on her bed, Andie happily slipped on her headphones and pushed play on her iPod. As the music played, she found herself thinking about the strange sensation she felt when ever she walked passed her old locker. It never occurred to her that so many memories of the past would still haunt the Capeside halls. Rolling over on to her stomach, Andie opened the drawer of the nightstand and searched for a pen in the clutter. Then reaching for her purse, Andie carefully removed a neatly folded newspaper. She thumbed through it until she found the rentals sections and carefully lay it across the bed.

“And so the hunt begins” she remarked and started circled any property that sounded appealing.

Turning the corner down the narrow hall of Jack’s house, Pacey was happy to get out of the cold. He spent the last few days getting his boat ready for dry dock and was eager to feel a warm touch, her touch. He had woken up every morning next to Andie over the last few weeks and felt day was a small miracle. Although he had never had a full discussion with her on the status of their relationship, Pacey felt there was a mutual understanding reached between them that they were a couple. Talk of the past never passed his or Andie’s lips. It seemed to him that they had both made a conscious decision to only dwell on the present. For the moment, that was all he needed. To him this newfound love was still too delicate to try an overload with Dawson-like over-analysis.

As he approached their room he could hear her softly singing to herself, a feeling of exhilaration washed over his body. All the problems of the day seemed to disappear as soon as he heard her voice. Andie was oblivious to his presence as he opened the door and entered. Her lack of awareness enticed him and he fumbled with his jacket. A devilish grin suddenly appeared on his face when he noticed that Andie’s foot was dangling casually over the side of the bed which he gently tugged at expecting her usual reaction.

Startled by the unexplained touch of an unknown hand Andie leaped off the bed. Hearing Pacey’s laughter at her reaction confirmed he was taking great delight in her panic. “Pacey!” she shrieked and turned to him, ripping her headphones off in disgust.

Pacey doubled over in laughter. “Man…McPhee, I didn’t think it was humanly possible for a person to jump that high,” he snorted.

“That wasn’t funny Witter.” She scolded him and hurled the pen at him.

Pacey skillfully sidestepped the flying pen. ”No reason to get violent McPhee.” He flashed a cocky smile. “I would hate to call my brother the sheriff.”

“Really?" Andie smirked. “I’d be interested to see which one of us your brother the sheriff would haul off to jail. Sweet little adorable me who’s done nothing”, she fluttered her eyelids at him. “or his little brother who secretly signed him up to a two year subscription to ’Playgirl’ last week.” She began to giggle. She couldn’t wait to see Doug’s face when the first issue arrived in the mail.

Pacey’s eyes became wide. “You wouldn’t dare?”

“Try me.” Andie made a passing attempt at looking serious.

Pacey threw a questioning glance her direction but then quickly recognized he would be foolish to take her threat seriously.

“Really funny McPhee,” he chuckled and slyly wrapped his arms around her before she had time to protest, “you had me going there for a second.” He started to nuzzle playfully her neck and attempted to work his hands under her top.

Andie tried hard not let herself be swept away by his heat and thrilling sensations of his breath on her neck. However any lingering anger of his surprising her quickly faded once he reached the ticklish spot under her chin. Andie was unable to contain a girlish squeal and her anger all but disappeared. As Pacey continued to tickle her, Andie tried to wiggle out his arms but found her efforts unsuccessful.

“Please Pacey” she begged him half-heartedly.

Pacey didn’t want to stop as he was having way too much fun tormenting her but the ramifications if he continued made him release her. As he watched her catching her breath, Pacey’s thoughts drifted back to the day she left Capeside and he delicately swept a strand of hair from her cheek and softly began to speak.

“I made another promise that day you left”, he reached for her hand and intertwined his fingers with hers “the second I let your fingers slip out of mine” he looked down to her fingers and back to her, “I promised myself I would never take another easy breath until you returned to me.”

Andie pulled him close, her nose almost touching his. “Not one day in all these years”, she whispered softly, “did I stop loving you, not once.”

Entranced with her reply, Pacey kissed her forehead tenderly then paused taking the time to stare into her eyes letting her know he felt the same way.

Seconds later they both found themselves caught up in a deep lingering kiss. Pacey fell to the bed with Andie landing comfortably on top of him. Their kisses became more intense with each one that followed. In the height of the passion just as Andie had stripped Pacey’s shirt off and was about to unbutton his jeans, Pacey’s cell phone began to ring. Both Andie and Pacey froze exchanging curious glances between them. A mischievous smile both came to their lips they and began to kiss once again. Nevertheless, who ever was calling on the other line was not giving up easily. The incessant ringing made Pacey lose his temper. Pacey jumped off the bed barely giving any time for Andie to slide off him.

Seizing his coat Pacey scrambled to find his phone. “Whoever it is they better have a damn good reason for interrupting us” he grunted. Pacey flipped open the phone forgetting to check the caller id in his haste.

“Perduto Amore Charter service, this Captain Pacey Witter speaking.” he snarled.

“Hey mom.” The tone of his voice quickly changed from a snarl to a dutiful son.

“No, I usually don’t answer the phone like that it’s just…” he paused and listened quietly to his mom. “Well…um…, ah you see Andie and I were the middle of something when you called and…” Pacey covered the phone with his hand and spoke to Andie. “Mom says hi.”

“Hello Mrs. Witter.” Andie shouted back.

“Did you hear her? Good. So the reason for your call is…” he paused, “no Mom, I agree that Andie is a terrific woman.” Pacey rolled his eyes to Andie and she giggled as he listened to his mom. ”Getting married? Well, we were thinking…um…screw getting married, we’ll just live in sin and have a bunch of kids out of wedlock” he joked.

“Ma, Andie and I would never ...” panic soon filled Pacey’s voice "No Mom you don't need get dad. I was just joking. Ma?” he shouted in to the phone “Ma? Shit!“ Pacey dropped the phone to his side looking helplessly at Andie. She laughed which he thought wasn’t very helpful so he glared at her which only made her laugh more.

“Pacey?” John Witter’s voice boomed through the phone.

Pacey lifted the phone to his ear." Dad, I was just joking with Mom. We wouldn’t.” He sighed with relief. “Good. I’m glad you understand that I was kidding around Dad.” He paused and listened quietly to his dad. ”Yes, I’ve thought about it once or twice.” He glanced over to Andie seeking her support. She had become strangely quiet as she listened to the conversation. Pacey quickly changed the subject. “Pop, didn’t you and Mom have other reasons for calling apart from asking whether I’m married yet?”

Andie watched Pacey as he talked to his dad and was happy a few minutes later to see Pacey flip the phone off sighing with relief. Truth be told, she was just as relieved that Pacey had changed the topic. Thinking about Pacey’s parents wondering on the state of their relationship was a little more than she could deal with at present. Sitting down next to her on the bed Pacey let out another loud sigh. “Parents!”.

Andie rested her head on Pacey’s shoulder. “So?” she asked.

Pacey slipped off one of his shoes. “I guess Mom’s going to New York this Saturday to see some Broadway musical with Doug.” Pacey started to laugh quietly to himself when he rethought the idea of Doug going to a musical.

“Pacey!” Andie lightly slapped him on the shoulder knowing all too well what Pacey was thinking of.

“But he’s going to a musical McPhee! Did you need any more proof than that? That he’s…” The words died on his lips when he looked down to see Andie’s uninterested expression and decided to quickly change the subject. “Anyway, she wants me and you to keep an eye out on Dad while she’s gone.”

Andie perked up a little removing her head from his shoulder. “We can do that, maybe we could invite him over Saturday night and I could dazzle him with some of my Italian cooking” she beamed.

“I am sure Pop would come with or without the dinner.” He glanced over to her. “I’m pretty sure the old man has a crush on you” Pacey teased as he pulled his other shoe off.

Andie blushed slightly. “Well it’s all part of my evil plan” she giggled.

“Your plan huh?” Pacey wrapped his arms around her.

“Yeah, my plan to have all the Witter men to fall deeply in love with me” she teasingly rubbed her nose with his.

“Well, there’s a problem with your plan”

“What problem?”

“Doug. Your feminine charms won’t work on him McPhee. You’re the wrong McPhee for him. Jack’s perhaps, but yours? Nada.”

“Oh Witter!” Andie playfully pushed him down on the bed.

But Pacey grabbed her as he fell taking her down with him and soon they found themselves locked into a tender embrace and passionately kissing once more.