Disclaimer – characters and premise aren't mine. Just takin' them for a ride. Cheers :)
Note: The title is a reference to A Valediction Forbidding Mourning, a poem by John Donne. Read it.
She nestled into his side, waiting for her mind to adjust to this new reality. She didn't feel at all exposed or vulnerable – how was it possible? She sighed and ran her hand across his belly and up his side.
He rolled toward her, hooking his foot around her leg and holding her close. His legs felt rough and hard, but so very good. He smiled, cheeky and mischievous, then trailed his fingers up her thigh, stopping at her hip. "How are you feeling?"
She smiled. "Good."
"Anything like what you expected?"
She shook her head, a little shy, but she saw the love in his eyes. "I don't know what I expected but not that." She kissed him.
"I love you so much." He hugged her tight.
Feeling bold, she shifted her leg between his, trailing her foot up and down his calf.
He kissed her neck and shoulder then found her mouth. Between languid kisses they explored oneanother.
The sun was just setting in the late summer sky. She lay back, her body pleasantly heavy. Three more weeks of this, till school went back.
Neil lay on his side, propped up on one arm, watching her. "Are you about to fall asleep?"
"I could."
He ran his hand back and forth across her belly. "We should eat something."
She nodded and he got up out of bed. She watched him dress, then turn to her. He leaned over her, searching under the covers with his hands, till he found her hands. He pulled her up.
"My robe," she protested.
He nodded, but didn't let her go, wrapping his arms securely around her, pressing her to him. "You are incredible – there are no words to do you justice." He kissed her then let her go.
She lingered a moment, kissed him again, then summoning courage, walked across to the wardrobe. She put on a night gown, then a robe, and turned to him. "Well?"
He shrugged, "I suppose you'd be cold otherwise."
She laughed and pushed him out the door.
They were half way through supper when they heard a horse approaching at a gallop.
Christy pulled a shawl around herself and tucked her naked feet under her clothes.
Neil buttoned up the top of his shirt and went out onto the porch. "Alice?"
"I'm sorry Neil, Influenza at Low Gap. One child already dead; four serious cases. Pneumonia, I suspect."
"I'll get my bags."
He returned with the most apologetic look on his face.
She shook her head, understanding completely. Standing, she went to him, kissed him quickly. "Go."
He disappeared into his laboratory and she packed up some food for him.
"I could be a few days but I'll try to be back as soon as I can."
"I know. It's alright. I'll be fine."
"It's never been so hard to leave," he hugged her tightly, then letting go, ran his hands up her body, to cup her face. He exhaled, "I love you."
"I love you," She kissed him again then followed him out to the porch, giving Miss Alice a smile and a wave before heading back inside.
She finished eating, tidied up, then looked around. It was a temperate evening so she set the fire but didn't light it, leaving it for the cold morning that might follow. It was strange everytime she thought of it, and she'd thought of it dozens of times, but it was no less strange: this was her home. Her suitcases were still half-unpacked, but they were up in Neil's – no, their bedroom.
She climbed the stairs and knelt on the floor to open the case. Inside were pictures and books, photographs and drawings in frames, a few precious nick-nacks. There was a bundle her mother had brought from Ashville. She hadn't had a chance to open it yet.
Putting a photo of her family on her bedside table, she sat on the messy bed and unwrapped the bundle.
Her teddy bear! She laughed and hugged it to her chest. There was a table cloth and a small vase, the silver candle-holder she'd had in her bedroom at home; all of them family heirlooms that had little monetary value but made up for it in the sentimental.
Hours later she pushed her empty suitcases under the bed, lit the candle in her silver candle-holder, and went to relieve herself before bed. Walking through the dark cabin, she felt the slightest tremor of nerves. She was alone.
But then she thought of Neil, walking through that door, in a day or two perhaps, but soon. Just the thought made her feel safe and at home.