Chapter Nineteen

Amor vincit omnia – 'Love conquers all'

November 29th 1988

19.56pm

Henry wrapped an arm around Elizabeth as they curled up on his sofa together. After their long walk around town, stopping for hot chocolate and a bite to eat they decided to head back to Henry's to spend some of the evening together. Henry nudged Elizabeth and pointed out the window; a light dusting of snow was falling. She stood up and headed towards the window; she drew the curtain back a little more and watched as the snow fell under the dewy street light. Henry came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist. He remembered that previously she'd mentioned she only likes winter when it snows. Snow is beautiful, the way it falls on the trees and fields, kissing them ever so gently, creating a blanket to keep them snug and warm. Almost as if the snow protects them, whispering 'go to sleep darling' keeping them safe until spring comes again.

'I've been thinking about Christmas' she broke the silence, turning her head over her shoulder to glance at Henry.

'Ok?'

'Maybe I need to be the 'bigger' person and reach out to Will' she admitted, seeking support and guidance from Henry.

'Maybe, and if that is what you would like to do then I am one hundred percent behind you, but don't force yourself to do so just because of what has happened recently; it would be unfair to yourself and to Will, you'd be doing it for the wrong reasons' his calming voice drifted over to her

'Hmm, I'll think about it' she mumbled turning her attention back to the window.

'You will always be welcome wherever I go' he whispered stepping a little closer and standing behind her.

'I know that, Thank you Henry' a comfortable silence washed over them for a few moments.

'Would you like a drink?' He asked running his hands up to her shoulders and gently massaging them. She sunk into his embrace, nuzzling her head into him.

'Hmm, I should get going really' she moaned softly at his touch. Henry ran his hands back down and grabbed her hands, tugging softly for her to turn and face him. She looked up at him lovingly

'You don't have to leave'

'Oh Henry I do, you're exhausted, I can tell by your eyes you didn't sleep well. It's only fair' she placed her hand on his face and caressed his cheek.

'I didn't sleep well, but I think it's because you were not at my side' he admitted and her heart danced.

'I know, I felt it too, but we need sleep and when I stay we don't just sleep' she giggled and he pulled her body closer to his.

'Please stay, I want to sleep next to you, I want you to stay' he looked down to her; her ocean blue eyes drawing him in, his smile wider than the Nile.

'You sure? It's been a long forty-eight hours' she sighed, the guilt over what had taken place still having a hold on her.

'I am sure, it has been long you're right, but the night will be even longer if you're not here' he reasoned and she closed her eyes at the softness of his words.

'In that case I will have a drink then' she whispered opening her eyes. Henry leant down and kissed her lips lightly. She moaned softly as he pulled away and walked to the kitchen. Elizabeth turned around and continued to watch the snow fall; she smiled as it glistened under the light. Snow falling soundlessly in the middle of the night always filled her heart with sweet clarity. The smell of coco drifted under her nose, she turned to walk into the kitchen to seek out Henry.

She walked over to him and stood at his side next to the counter. She ran her hand up and down his arm, missing the connection between them. She had never felt so complete. Henry sensed a shift in her demeanour so looked up at her

'Everything ok?' She nodded and smiled resting her head on his shoulder.

'Just tired I think' she yawned and giggled at the irony.

'Well, why don't we take this upstairs, we can lay in bed and get an early night' he handed her a mug of hot chocolate and she nodded, following him into the lounge and to the bedroom. Elizabeth set her mug down on the bedside table and looked at Henry a little sheepishly.

'Could I have something to wear please?' she asked shyly causing Henry to chuckle at her

'Elizabeth you are not shy'

'It's just a little awkward' she giggled as he threw a top in her direction

'Really? I've kissed you in the most intimate places and you're never shy asking for that, but asking for a t-shirt is too much' he mocked and she threw a pillow at him hitting him the head

'Don't start Adams, you know you won't win' he teased throwing back the covers

'You know that I would win, but it's not fair to start a fight with you right now, you're so sleepy it wouldn't be fair' she bit her lip as she got undressed slipping his t-shirt over her head and allowing it to fall over her body. She then climbed into bed next to him. They both sat up for a while drinking their drinks, and chatting into the night. Henry took the last sips of his drink and placed it down on the table, Elizabeth repeating his actions soon after. Once they both turned out the bedside lamps Henry held out his arms for her to fall into. She fitted so perfectly in his embrace.

Henry laid on his back and Elizabeth nestled into his side with her head on his chest listening to his heartbeat. Her hand placed across his stomach and her fingertips running up and down his side. Henry shifted under her touch as the pleasure built. He pulled her closer and kissed the top of her head.

'I love you Elizabeth' he whispered naturally. Elizabeth perched herself up on her elbow and locked her eyes onto his. Did he just say that?

'What?' he smirked 'I do, I've wanted to say it again for a while but I just waited until it came naturally, being away from you yesterday on difficult circumstances was hard, I wanted nothing more than to come and hold you, I knew you were the one a very long time ago, yesterday just confirmed it' he explained to her, his hand running through her hair as he spoke.

'I love you too Henry, I love you so much' she whispered, pushing her body up and kissing him passionately. Her hands wrapped around him as his pulled at her back and wrapped in her hair. The kiss was full of love and admiration for one another. Elizabeth pulled away and bit her lip softly in front of him.

'I really am sorry about-'

'Please, you don't need to be sorry anymore, let's just focus on our future' he pecked her lips before removing his arms so she could settle back into his side. Our future she thought, she really had found the one. Elizabeth resumed her place at his side and they both cuddled up before closing their eyes, allowing blissful sleep to overcome them.

Outside the snow had stopped falling and began to settle as it captured some of the most beautiful moments beneath it; the wind picked up a little and carried some of the winter night confessions along with it; because never are voices so beautiful as they are on a winters evening. The softest and purest of words are spoke as the dusk appears, the kind of intimacy in words that are seldom heard by day.