Part XIV

Picking Up Where We Left Off. Goodness, it is quite thrilling when Will decides to act assertive. He should try it out more often.

"What are the rules to Picking Up Where We Left Off?" I ask, feigning ignorance.

"No rules," Will says. "You make them up as you go along."

"How will I know if I'm playing correctly then?"

"You'll know."

"I believe I shall enjoy this game."

Will chuckles and I feel the vibrations in my own chest since we are in such close proximity. "So shall I."

He uses one arm to push us to a sitting position. Once righted, I notice Will has sand in his hair and attempt to brush it free. He stills the motion by capturing my wrist and holding it for ransom against his chest. I flatten my palm, feeling the beat-beating of his heart.

"So fast," I breath, fascinated. "Why is your heart beating so fast?"

"I'm worried," he admits, frowning slightly as if he didn't wish to speak the truth but the words tumbled out before he could check them.

"Of what?" I ask.

"Of waking from this dream." Will tucks some fly-away bits of hair behind my ear with his free hand, touch as soft as his voice. "You always express a wish to remain as children, Elizabeth, but this is not what children play at."

"I suppose we can grow up somewhat."

Will sighs and I have the most horrible feeling that he shall renege on the game. I twine one hand in his hair and pull his mouth to mine in an effort to stave off the words I do not wish to hear. He can certainly not protest if his lips are occupied.

Excellent. It does the trick.

Will shifts, wrapping both arms around my waist in order to pull me flush up against him--our hearts beating in time. My arms go around his neck, holding tight. I want more. More of Will. More of this moment. More of everything he has to offer.

The next thing I am conscious of is opening my eyes and finding we are somehow laying side-by-side in the sand, Will's hand stroking my hip through the thin fabric of my dress.

"Will?" I ask, sound muffled since his lips are still against mine.

He sit up, seeming to remember himself. "Elizabeth. Did I. . .Did I take liberties I should not have?"

"I have not slapped you, so you have not offended me," I say, sitting up as well. "Though I'll wager tea time is long past and we have responsibilities to return to at home." I smile, trying to show I am not in the least put out by a bit of a tumble in the sand. "Thank you for a very pleasant afternoon, Will. It was most. . .enjoyable."

Will laughs, retrieving our things so we can begin to pull on our stockings and shoes. When through, he stands, holding out a hand to me which I gladly accept. After, Will shrugs into his jacket and I tie my hat in place. We are once again "properly attired" and "presentable."

"Come around tomorrow, Will," I request. "A day without you is like a day without sunshine."

He nods, reaching for my hand as we set off for home. "No games next time?"

"Well, perhaps one game," I tease, looping my arm through his and pressing close. "I just haven't decided which one yet."