They pulled up to the quaint little cabin. It stood just off the highway, surrounded by tall pines and spruces. The wonderful fragrance of the trees and freshly
fallen snow filled their noses. The cabin was made from sturdy logs. It had a visible chimney on the side, from which billowy clouds of white smoke were
already being expelled.
Chloe entered first, while Brady got the bags and carried them in behind her.
The first room appeared to be the living room. The furniture was all made out of wood. It was simple yet elegant. There was one large leather recliner and a
long couch of the same material. A white and blue rug carpeted the floor.
The fireplace was made of grey brick. A fire blazed, beyond the wire screen that protected the room from the popping embers. It burned brightly, with rich shades of gold, dark oranges and light blues. It crackled and burned as Chloe watched in amazement. The smell of the cedar permeated the house. The play of the light against Chloe's body, cast long shadows against the adjacent wall.
She walked further into the place of escape for the young lovers. Off to the side of the living room, was the kitchen. The appliances were sterling silver and the
cabinets the same wood as in the other room. The stove appeared to be gas. The counter tops were a decadent marble. The swirls of accenting colour matched
on the walls. In the corner was a table with two chairs, 'a breakfast nook', Chloe thought.
Looking further there was a staircase leading to the upper level. Chloe climbed the stairs and walked into the master bedroom. A king size bed was in the middle of the room. A night table accompanied both sides of the beds. The comforter was hunter green with cream, coloured trim. Pillows that could be stacked as high as the headboard, were arranged neatly. A chestnut burrow was set against one of the walls.
There were two doors in the room. One led to a compact closet. The other to a bathroom. The bathroom was a deep blue colour. The tub was antique, it stood on four ceramic, feet and it was deeper than most.
Beside the usual toilet was the shower. The frosty glass doors were open to reveal the immaculate condition of it.
Everything was perfect. This place felt like a sanctuary for both of them. A place where they could heal each other. Somewhere where they could get away from life and just enjoy each other.
"Looks like the fires dying down. I better go chop some wood."
Brady put on his bulky winter jacket and gloves that had the fingers missing and headed out of the door. Chloe went into the kitchen and put the kettle on. It was freezing outside. Chloe was going to make Brady some hot chocolate.
Brady went over to the wood pile and picked up a large log. He placed it on the chopping block and plunged the axe down in the centre, splitting the log in two. He picked one half up and did the same until it was small enough to fit into the fire place.
Brady had been outside for over half an hour when Chloe started to get worried. She did not want him to hurt himself. The doctor had said that too much physical exertion was not a good idea. However, she knew Brady and knew that he always liked to test his own limits.
Chloe pulled an afghan from the back of the couch and wrapped it around her shoulders. She went to the frosty window and looked for Brady. She immediately spotted him.
Brady felt her eyes on him and looked up, into the eyes of his angelic beauty. He smiled, that crooked smile that drove her crazy. She waved to him and motioned for him to come inside.
He put up his hand, signalling he would come back inside in five minutes.
Chloe laughed. He always had to be difficult. She went back into the kitchen and poured the hot cocoa into mugs, being generous with the marshmallows.
Five minutes came and went and Brady was still outside, over exerting himself, no doubt.
Chloe opened the door catching a chill in the process. "Brady Black you get your cute little butt in here this instant."
"Just give me five minutes. I want to be sure we have enough wood for the night."
"Brady you don't have to chop down an entire forest, besides there are other ways that we can get warm." Chloe laughed seductively.
"In that case...." Brady gathered the wood and started to bring it in the house a load at a time. Finally happy with the stack in front of the fire, Brady took off his boots and jacket. He sat on the couch, pulling Chloe close to him. Surprisingly Brady was all sweaty from doing all that hard work.
Chloe was a bit concerned, because she was still freezing. She felt his forehead thinking he may have a temperature.
"Chloe, what are you doing?" he smiled down at her.
"You're all sweaty I thought you might be coming down with something."
"It's hard work chopping that wood. You're right though I am all sweaty. I think I'll grab a shower."
"Okay"
He took off his sweater, leaving it on the couch and made his way upstairs. Chloe picked it up after he was gone and put it on, taking in the scent of it. It smelled just like him. Then she remembered why she was here. Why they were there. To be together, no interruptions just consumed by their love. Chloe walked up the stairs and into their shared bedroom. She could hear the shower still running and got an idea.
