Paradise Lake: A Love Story
Chapter Fourteen: Walking on Sunshine
There is a tide in the affairs of men,
Which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune;
Omitted, all the voyage of their life
Is bound in shadows and in miseries.
On such a full sea are we now afloat,
And we must take the current when it serves,
Or lose our ventures.
Unknown
Shaggy and Velma
It was still dark when Shaggy and Velma arrived at the launch site. The weather was cold enough to make their breaths visible. Stars twinkled in the night sky. The mountain meadow was littered with hot air balloons, the roar and flames of dragon's breath caught their attention as heat from the burners sped upwards to be caught in the brightly colored balloons.
"I still don't know why or how I let you talk me into this...madness!" Velma shrugged deeper into her coat.
"I heard that!" A smiling man walked over to meet his newly arrived guests. "I can promise an experience you'll never forget. I'm your pilot, Chris Collins." They all shook hands and Mr. Collins directed them to the balloon they would be sharing for the next hour.
"I promise I wont kiss you unless you ask." Shaggy smiled that smile of his that made his whole face light up.
"I'll hold you to that promise," Velma placed her hand on Shaggy's arm, "Okay, Sir Silver Tongue, let's do this."
Mr. Collins introduced them to Ms. James a photographer who would be along to record the flight for prosperity. At the first hint of false dawn the balloons lifted off one by one.
Up, up, climbing into the air, then into the clouds. It was like floating through a rainbow as the sun's rays slowly announced the new day. The balloon made it's way until leveling off in between layers of clouds, sunlight bouncing off the clouds in colors so bright it hurt the eyes; the sky exploding in every shade imaginable and some not to be imagined. The heat from the burners and the increased altitude created a pink coloring on Velma's cheeks that rivaled the pink tones in the clouds. It grew so warm they felt comfortable in removing their outer coats, hanging them on hooks placed around the gondola.
She felt the movement behind her, felt and welcomed the arm wrap around her waist. "Happy Valentine's Day, Velma."
"Thank you, Shaggy, for talking me into this, it's the most beautiful Valentine's Day card I've ever received." She covered his hand with her own.
"I didn't want to give you just candy or flowers...not today."
"Today is special already, please...Shaggy, you of all people know my history with dating. After that one night we had together, I've never let anyone into my life romantically, I've hidden that away in my heart of stone. It's become my retreat, safe and secure from the world of intimate relationships," the day's new light shaded his face, deepening the lines around his mouth and those eyes. "Are you sure you want to date a girl that keeps pushing you away."
"How many times, Velma? How many times will you push me away just to see me come back? How many times, Velma, before you realize, I love you. Velma, when does a safe and secure retreat...become a prison? I can't promise a future together but I'd like to give us a chance."
"We're almost half way, any one want to turn back?" Mr. Collins smiled as if he knew the answer.
"No way, Mr. Collins. I was wondering if you could extend the time?" Velma yelled.
"Unfortunately, no. We only carry enough fuel for the planned trip. But if you say 'yes' to your young man', I'll offer a sunset flight at half price."
"That sounds like you two planned this whole thing," Velma smiled, gazing up into Shaggy's eyes, making her decision. "Okay, yes, you have your chance. I won't make you jump through hoops for me." Velma added with her eyes half closed.
"I wouldn't mind the hoops-as long as they weren't on fire." Shaggy whispered, kissing the top of her head.
"Shaggy, Mrs. Williams made a trip every year to Paradise Lake for the anniversary of their meeting. Could we pretend we met here at Paradise Lake and come back each year?"
"Who are you again?" Shaggy laughed, "Okay, Goldilocks, we'll have scones with sweet cream and homemade jam at the three bears; we'll bring a big bouquet of Irises for Mr. William's grave. I'll make reservations as soon as we get back."
"Not strawberry jam! I think Mrs. Williams would like that. You never fail to amaze me. I think that's what I love about you."
"Look out there, Goldilocks. That's the first day of our future."
The inner fight with her emotions was over as far as any fear of fainting. The fight now was letting Shaggy into her heart of stone; that wouldn't happen overnight but she promised herself she would give him a honest chance.
Each time she thought of Shaggy, or a breeze caressed her cheek, she'd have to grab hold of something to keep from falling. Closing her eyes, that night when he'd loved her so thoroughly would come alive again...and again. One night that belonged only to the two of them.
With a deep sigh, she looked toward a future with a new found hope. "Shaggy, I'm asking, kiss me before I start crying." He had to kiss her tears away before he kissed her lips. The kiss was long and passion filled.
Mr. Collins smiled at his two passengers. He hadn't lied about the fuel but like any good pilot, he did carry fuel for emergencies. He reached up to pull the throttle, pouring hot air into the balloon. An extra thirty minutes wouldn't hurt.
-Xxxxxx
Morning time at the Blake estate
Fred and Daphne
Daphne's senses came alive. She looked deep into his blue eyes, seeing the love reflected there.
Fred, all warm and masculine, took her in his arms gently; she reached out to run her hands through his blond hair, sniffing the delicate perfume of his maleness. She tasted his kiss. She listened to his breathing, a long shuddering that whispered her name, "Daphne" like a leaf floating on a soft summer's breeze.
He was smiling yet his hands trembled as if he was afraid of hurting the one he loved above all others.
"Daphne," he whispered again, a rumbling, beginning in the depths of his very being. "Oh, Daphne," he mouthed low, kissing her neck, the hallow of her throat, then lower to the swell of her breasts. She squirmed on the sheets, unable to process the chaos of raging sensations; first sinking into dreams fulfilled then lifting her into full awareness of happiness.
"Freddie," she whispered, "did you hear Shaggy and Velma come in?" She nuzzled closer if that were possible.
"No, Kitten. Did you?"
"No. Do you think..."
But she was interrupted by her lips being caressed by his, her very soul becoming ablaze with desire.
"Kitten, I love you."
"I love you too, Freddie." She sighed, "I think I've created a monster!"
She surrendered herself to his loving kisses as dust motes went walking on sunlight.
THE END