There will never be a day when I won't think of you
The next day I awoke with Erik nowhere to be found. Of course, given my overly active imagination, the first thought that intruded into my blissfully relaxed mind, was that of him in danger. By now one would think that I knew Erik well enough to know that he could care for himself quite successfully, but of course I had to imagine the worst possible scenario. Thankfully, before I could allow myself to get too worked up, I noticed that his stallion was missing and so I assumed he had taken a small ride.
I was contented with that explanation and then busied myself with searching the nearby woods for berry bushes. It took a little while before I came upon some, and I began to gather bunches of them, collecting them in a small basket I had packed. I was busy thinking about how much Erik would enjoy some berries for breakfast as apposed to our loafs of dry bread, when I heard the faint thump of a horses' hooves. I quickly grabbed my basket and rushed towards the clearing, where we had slept the night before.
Erik came riding in casually. As he saw me, his gaze turned slightly eager. He smiled and dismounted, then came up to me. At the sight of him coming towards me, my heart began to quicken it's pace. His hands grabbed mine and held them close to his chest.
"Morning, my darling…how are you this glorious morning?" The smile he gave me was like that of a child carrying a juicy secret.
"Oh, quit your stalling…you have something you wish to tell me and you are dying to say it… out with it!"
His face lit up with complete joy. "Come…I have a surprise for you…let us pack up our belongings first…"
I began to do as I was told. We both set to work folding blankets and gathering our other trinkets. Every few moments I snuck a look in Erik's direction. Everything about him told of a joyous secret that he held within himself as he merrily gathered our things while humming some unknown melody. The sight of him acting in such a way was odd, and almost awkward, but I loved him none the less.
Finally all our belonging were packed and he mounted his horse, motioning for me to do so as well; I obeyed without hesitation. I was surprised when he began riding deeper into the woods as apposed to towards the nearest town, but I knew that there was no need to worry. We rode along for a short time before we arrived at the peak of a tall hill. As we reached the summit he motioned for me to look at the valley below.
That was the first time I saw our beautiful cottage. It was a small abandoned shack-like house, among overgrown plants that were entwining with the walls. He looked at me, with hope in his eyes and my thoughts and his coincided. Even though it wasn't the biggest nor the most eccentric house, it would be our first house…secluded from all those who would want to cause us harm. Somewhere that we could begin our lives together in peace. I tried to vocalize those feelings that were coursing through me, but I failed horrible. All I could do was breathlessly say his name.
He smiled and said softly, "Would you like to go see it?"
"Yes…" I gasped.
Once at the bottom of the hill, we dismounted and he took my hand in his.
"Let me show you the inside…" and he pulled me along tenderly. He nudged the door open with his boot and we entered into the kitchen. It was a brightly lit room, with light yellow painted walls. The curtains were torn and dust and dirt had built up all over, but I could see what a glorious room it could and would be. I smiled at him, and we moved on.
The living room and the dining room were adjoined and both were painted a deep soothing burgundy. A large stone fireplace was the center of it all, with overstuffed chairs and a dining table grouped around it. A winding wooden staircase was set off to the back of the room.
Upstairs was a fairly large bathroom and the matching master bedroom. Both were a magnificent scarlet with white trim. The marble bath and sink were still in great condition as was the armoire and other bedroom furniture. The view from the bedroom window was overlooking the magnificent hills and valleys that were completely hidden in the center of the woods. What an astounding place this was.
I was so amazed by it all, that I could hardly utter a word to Erik. He grew agitated by my silence. "Well, I mean…I know it's not huge…but after I fix it up a bit, and we write to Raoul for the rest of my furniture from my old home, I think this place could be a decent domicile for us…I mean…that is, if you like it…"
"Erik…What on earth would make you think that I didn't like it?" My voice was flat and reflecting the awe I felt.
"Well, it's just that…its not as extravagant as we are both used to…but…"
"Erik, hush…This place is more than I could have ever dreamed….To be quite honest with you, I have considered our future and given the circumstances, I always came up with the conclusion that we would never live anywhere, but would simply be on the run for our entire lives together…this is…this is truly magnificent, Erik…" He took me in his arms and placed a kiss on my temple.
"I am so glad you like it…"
"I love it, Erik…and I love you…so much…"
"And I, you…" He placed his hand under my chin and led my lips to his. His kiss never failed to leave me breathless and this time was no exception. He left me wanting his caresses, his touch and so much more. My cheeks blushed at those thoughts and I quickly cast them to the back of my mind. He withdrew his mouth as did I.
"Perhaps…if you would like to, we can bring the few things we have inside…?" he whispered gently against my cheek.
"Of course…that would be perfect…What are you to do with the horses?" I responded softly, attempting to turn the conversation onto something common and less intimate.
"There's actually a fence and barn out back a ways…they will be quite comfortable back there. I will go put them in the pasture and then come right back here…" I nodded and reluctantly we both let go of each other.
He left and went downstairs while I remained in what was now our bedroom. After some searching, I came upon a broom and I began cleaning the dirt and dust off of the floor. In the same closet in which I had found the broom, was a pail. I took it to the sink and turned the knob which sputtered a bit of dirty water out for a moment and then crystal clear water flowed out in it's place. I continued working frantically until the bedroom was spotless.
Wondering why Erik hadn't come back, I turned to leave the room and yelped softly when I saw someone standing in the doorway. I couldn't withhold the laugh that resided in my chest, as I realized it was only Erik.
"How long were you standing there?"
He merely shrugged a response. "I have no idea…there is not one single clock in this retched place…" He smiled jokingly and I laughed again.
"Oh, really? Do you find spying an interesting hobby?"
"Only if it is you whom I am spying on…" He took a few steps closer to where I was standing.
"And have you found something about me that is of interest to you?" I teased playfully.
"Yes.." He moved closer still.
"And what was that?" I asked, a little less mischievously. The heat of his body closing in on mine caused my heart to race and my mind to settle. The tone of my voice began to reflect that.
"You…"
"I, what? What do I do?"
"No, you. Just you…you interest me…everything about you interests me." In a mere second his body was flush against mine.
"Do I now?"
"Yes!" He rasped through his uneven breathing. My knees shook as I remained leaning against his unshakable frame. "Gabrielle…you are so beautiful…I love you…" He spoke into my ear. My eyes slid shut at his melodious voice praising me. He began kissing my neck and shoulders, compassionately.
"Oh, Erik…" I wrapped my arms around his neck and he began caressing them as well. A soft muffled whimper escaped from my lips as his mouth suddenly met mine. I relished in his taste as he continued to explore my mouth. "My love…" I moaned faintly against his lips. He pulled away and his eyes met mine, hot and heavy with desire.
"My sweet, Gabrielle…We MUST get married soon…I don't know how long I can stand the wait…" He smiled sensually and then wrapped his arms possessively around my waist. "I need you so badly."
I couldn't help but smile at this suggestion. He looked into my eyes, trying to read what my smile was meant to indicate. "I know…I love and need you too…" He gasped out a sigh and began kissing my neck again.
Breathlessly I asked, "So…when and where are we to get married…legally but safely is the goal is it not?" He stopped and pulled back.
"Never fear, I have a plan…"
"I don't doubt that you do." He laughed and picked me up, spinning me around so that my dress flared out around my legs, locking his lips with mine. His hand gently cradled my back as he lowered me onto the bed. The mattress sunk a little under his weight as he climbed up next to me. He sat on his knees and looked me in the eyes. I met his gaze lovingly and he began to caress me once again. How I loved him!
What a glorious day it would be, when I could finally call him my lawful husband. Husband. What a joyous word it could be, when I thought of it belonging to my Erik! ERIK, MY HUSBAND!
