CHAPTER 45

Knowing that today was going to be their last day alone, Colin would arrive tomorrow then Sunday they would be back down in the town, they spent the day just enjoying each other's company. Bea had taught Nathan the art of tickling trout, he actually got the hang of it quickly, that was dinner sorted.

The rabbit caught the day before was skinned and butchered in record time, yes he thought that was either a poacher or vets trick. That was set to stew slowly, dinner tomorrow there would be more than enough for three. Nathan wanted to tidy the shed where the boys had been and Bea started to give the cabin a bit of a clean. They would leave it in perfect order for whoever next needed to use it.

She had noticed a couple of little things that really needed looking at, the window catch was broken and one of the hinges on the cupboard that sat in the corner. She also thought maybe some new bedding, or sheets and pillowcases at least. She was busy writing a list when Nathan came back in, " When we come up next time, remind me to bring a few tools Bea, I need to have a look at the door in there."

"I was just making a list too, there are a couple of things need looking at in here, the window there and the cupboard. I will get some new bed linen too, can you think of anything else ?"

"Not really, that old stove may need looking at soon though. Other than that I think everything anyone could need is already here."

He looked at the things she had noted, "they wouldn't take much sorting, I will get some new hinges for the cupboard and replace them. If we see anything we think would be handy to have then we can get it, I tell you what I haven't seen, we haven't needed them but later in the year someone might, lanterns."

"No I can't say I have seen any, I will add those and some lamp oil and I am going to add a basic first aid kit."

"That is a great call Princess."

"What about the horses Nathan, can you think of anything there, I couldn't but maybe you can."

"No I can't say I can, I have given the shed a good tidy and I think everything everyone would need is there, well maybe some new rope that we have been using is a bit tired."

"Added."

Nathan was thinking we are going to need all three boys to get this lot up, he knew deep down that Vic would call about Merlin, if truth be known he was as excited about getting him as he knew Bea would be.

"Right I will have a good sweep tomorrow and wash that bed linen, hang the quilt out to air, hopefully we will have another good day and it will dry in no time. I will leave my notepad here and if we think of anything we can add it."

"Coffee ?"

"Yes please, we really are a good team Constable Grant."

They sat as always on the steps, "If I get time I am going to make a bench for here, right here beside the steps is such a beautiful spot no matter what time of the day."

"We will get up again before the winter won't we?"

"Oh we will Princess, I will make sure we make time for that. This is our sanctuary and bolt hole, it always will be."

" Thank you, for me, it is just perfect, I will tell you if I need to come here again."

He pulled her in close, "Make sure you do, no running away again promise me that."

"Now you understand I won't, ever, that goes both ways though Nathan, you must tell me too."

"I will Bea, no secrets."

"Non. Oh look who has come looking for dinner"

There flying overhead was Path Finder, he had found his sanctuary, he would be back too.

After eating dinner and making sure the boys were fine, they fell into bed. This was going to be the last time for who knows how long they would be able to truly be together, to just savour the gift they had been given, both knowing how blessed they were. They fell asleep wrapped in each other's arms, both praying that it wouldn't be long before this was how every night ended.