Author note:
Another one where I hope I didn't ramble on. Drop me a review if you enjoyed. (See note at the end)
CH 82-Goldilocks
Emma wasn't quite awake yet. She felt a light, fluttering touch, of fingertips travelling across her back and the press of soft lips on her cheek, next to her ear.
"Em, baby. We need to get up."
Her response was to burrow her head further into his chest, hiding her eyes from the early morning sun. She felt his body shake and then a low rumble reached her ear as he chuckled at her reluctance.
"I know, but if we are going to get a hike in today, we need to get going before it gets too late."
She rubbed at her eyes and lifted her head to meet his gaze. His blue eyes twinkled with laughter.
"C'mon, no matter what we need to get up and go inside," he said as he dropped a kiss on her adorably wrinkled up nose.
"Mmmmm…okay, just a minute."
She yawned and stretched and did her best to make her body obey her brain. Then without warning, she flung the blanket off and hopped down from the truck bed, walking to the cabin, gloriously naked, bathed in the morning light.
"Em," Clay gasped in surprise.
"What? No one else is around, right?"
Clay slid down to the ground and stood beside the truck, watching her.
"No, I…I just…wow!"
She turned around and made a show of ogling his nude form as well. "Right back at ya Spenser."
Somehow, they managed to keep their hands to themselves and were both dressed pretty quickly. Emma put together a simple picnic lunch for them to enjoy. Clay fit that and other necessities into his backpack. Once he filled both their water bottles, he stood to make sure they were ready to go.
"Ready Em?
"Ready," she stood at full height and saluted.
"Alright, let's get going," he laughed as he reached out and swatted her on the bum. He grabbed his gun on the way out and shouldered the pack.
They started off following the stream that fed the lake, munching on protein bars as they went.
"Are you sure don't want me carry something besides my water bottle," Emma asked.
"Honey, this is nothing at all to carry. Don't worry about it. I got it, okay?"
"Okay then. Thanks." She stood on tip toe to plant a kiss on his cheek.
Clay had to remind himself that even though Emma was young and in good shape, she wasn't used to the level of physical activity that he was, especially this type. He was certain that if he tried to copy some of her Yoga positions, he would end up tying himself in knots, but hiking through the woods, was definitely more in his wheelhouse. He reached for her hand and she laced her delicate fingers with his. In addition to the closeness, this helped him to slow his pace and be more mindful of her shorter stride.
They stopped after about an hour for some water and a rest. As they sat in the shade of some trees, there was a rustling of leaves to their left. Not 25 feet away from them a doe and her fawn stepped out hesitantly toward the stream. Clay and Emma sat quiet and still as the deer bent to drink and then bounded off, back into the trees.
"Oh, my goodness. That was so beautiful. I've never seen a deer that close up before."
"She must have never encountered humans, or she wouldn't gotten so close."
They had rested up, and after that magical moment they agreed to move on. He didn't plan on going much farther. According to the Vic's buddy, there should be a small waterfall about two and a half more miles upstream. He figured that would be a great place to stop, have their meal and enjoy nature.
They made it to the out-cropping of rocks. The water tumbled over the stones and bubbled into the stream below. It was only a small change in the topography, but both agreed that is was beautiful. Clay swung the pack off his back and chose a spot just at the tree line that ran along the water. Emma came away from the small waterfall to help him set up.
"Do you want to eat now, or wait a little?"
"I'm not hungry now, unless you want to," she answered.
"No, not yet."
Everything was set up and Clay laid down with his head on the pack that was propped against a tree. He held out his arms to Emma and she snuggled into him, laying her head on his shoulder. The only sound other than their breathing was the occasional bird call and, of course, the babbling of the water into the stream.
Emma drew random patterns on his chest with her fingertips as she spoke. "Are you anxious to get back to work? I know how you hate to be bored."
"I'm not anxious, just ready. I needed the time, and getting this little respite with you is awesome, but I don't think I could sit around much longer."
"Are you nervous about getting cleared to return?"
"Nah, not really. My injuries weren't that severe. I cleared the concussion protocol already. It shouldn't be a problem."
"So…you'll be all ready to roll then."
He thought she sounded a little hesitant. "You okay with that?"
"Of course, I know this is who you are, and I would never try to change that. But I can't promise that I won't worry."
He hugged her tight and kissed her head.
"It's going to be hard on Dad to have to wait, with Bravo getting back on rotation without him. He still has more respiratory therapy before he can be cleared."
"Yea, that's gonna be tough on him."
"I think he's worried."
"About?"
"That he might not get cleared. He knows most of his time with Bravo is behind him. I don't know that he knows what to do if he isn't with the team."
"Yea…I don't know what I'd do, or what I'll do when I can't operate anymore."
"You don't have to worry about that for a long time. And when that time comes, we can figure it out together." She smiled up at him and he dropped a kiss on her lips.
Once again, he was reminded of why she was so perfect for him. She understood his commitment, why he had to do what he did. She knew the dangers of the job, and she cared, but she didn't try to stop him, or change him. And she was ready to be his partner in everything, standing by him no matter what. He would never again have to face anything alone. He shook his head slightly as he looked into her eyes.
"What," she asked.
"I'm just so damn lucky to have you baby."
She swallowed back some tears and then raised up on her elbows to kiss him thoroughly. He wrapped his arms around her and rolled her on top of him. He kissed her deeply, trying to convey all his feelings for her. She responded to him, in sync, as they always were. He slanted his lips over hers again and again, drinking of their sweetness. Their kisses slowed to small nibbles and she rested her head against his heart.
They laid still for a time before conversation started again. They talked about Emma's new job, things they both wanted to accomplish this Summer, and plans she had for a fourth of July get together at the beach. She had just received information about Freshman Orientation and was animatedly describing some of the classes she wanted to sign up for. Clay listened intently and grinned at her enthusiasm. She saw his huge smile and questioned him.
"What? Are you laughing at me?"
"No. I'm not laughing. I love seeing you so excited about this."
"You know this is my plan, we've talked about it."
"I know, it's just…I know music is your passion and sometimes I worry that you gave up your dream of performing, of going to TISCH, just because of me. I don't ever want you to resent me, or regret staying here for school."
Emma laid a hand on his cheek. "I could never regret being with you. That may have been a hope of mine once. But that was before…before I met you. My dreams changed the minute we got together. Now all I dream of…is a life with you." She punctuated her declaration with a firm kiss.
"That's my dream too Emmie."
Silence reigned again until she heard his stomach start to grumble. Clay dug into his ruck and pulled out the food she prepared. The fresh air and exercise had given them both hearty appetites and soon there wasn't a crumb left. When they were finished, he laid back down to, 'let his food' digest. With a full stomach and the warmth of the sun, he dozed off.
Emma wanted to explore a little, there were some beautiful wildflowers growing on the opposite bank and she wanted a closer look. She sat down on the bank, took off her shoes and socks, and waded across. She looked at the variety of flowers. Most she hadn't seen before. She heard a rustling in the tress behind her. She turned quietly, hoping to get a glimpse as some more deer. The noises got louder, and two bear cubs tumbled through the bushes. Her first thought was how cute and playful they looked, but when their mother soon appeared, she knew she was in trouble. She looked around frantically, hoping that Clay would be awake and come help her. But, when she looked over her shoulder, he was still asleep. She stood frozen in fear. She had no idea what to do, should she stay still, run, call out, what? She decided her only hope was to call for Clay and hope he heard her.
"Clay? Clay, help." She called to him, but not too loudly. She didn't want to incite the bear to get any closer. As it was, the mother was staring at her, making low huffing noises in her throat. She tried again, just a little louder. "Clay, babe…pleeeease Clay!"
Clay thought he heard Emma calling out to him, but he knew she was right there next to him. He rubbed at his eyes and tried to wake up when he heard her again. This time he could hear the fear and desperation in her voice. His eyes swung across the stream and the hair on his neck stood up. He was up in a flash with his rifle aimed at the bear.
He knew it wasn't ideal for him or Emma to move, but she needed to put some space between her and the bear. He spoke as calmly as he could while moving quietly toward the stream.
"Em, Em, baby. I'm here. It's gonna be okay. Don't turn around. Just start walking slowly back toward the water. No sudden moves. I've got you honey. It's gonna be fine."
Her knees were shaking, and she felt rooted to the spot, but she forced herself to do as he said. She could feel her foot step on the bank and knew the water was right behind her.
"Okay honey. Good, that's good. Just stay right there. I'm coming okay. I'm almost there."
He waded soundlessly across the stream, not taking his eyes off the animal for a second. As he stepped up onto the bank next to her, the bear sensed danger and stood up on her hind legs and took a step forward. Clay immediately used his arm to move Emma behind his body.
"Stay behind me Em. It's fine, it's all gonna be okay."
He could hear her small whimpers and cries. He wanted to re-assure her, but he couldn't risk losing focus. He knew that they couldn't just turn and walk away. Keeping his cool and not comforting her on the spot was one of the hardest things he had ever done. He didn't want to shoot the bear and leave her cubs orphans if he didn't have to. Making a quick decision, he shifted his aim from the bear to a large limb above her head and pulled the trigger. The loud noise and the crash of the limb in front of her scared her off as he intended. She growled for her cubs and they turned and ran off back into the woods. He grabbed Emma and swept her across the water to their site on the other side of the stream. Sitting down his rifle, but keeping it close, her pulled her into his lap and curled himself around her. His hands moved all over her checking her out from head to toe.
"Are you okay Emmie? Are you hurt?"
He could feel her form shaking with silent sobs. "Come on Em. Breath for me. Come on, in…out. Breath baby. It's okay, I've got you, I've got you."
She finally answered him in a quivering voice. "I'm okay. I'm not hurt."
"Oh, thank God!"
He keep her tight against him, stroking her hair and whispering calming words. Still, he made sure he was aware of their surroundings in case mama bear decided to return. Finally, Emma took a deep, cleansing breath and sat back.
"I'm okay. I was just…I just …so scared. I didn't know," she gulped in a shuddering breath. "I didn't know what to do."
"You did just fine. You're fine babe."
Her face crumpled and she sputtered out, "Can we go back to the cabin?"
"Of course, yes."
He stood them up and stepped away from her to retrieve her shoes.
She clutched onto him. "Don't leave me!"
"Shhh. Honey I'm just going over here to get your shoes, okay?"
She nodded meekly and released her grip. He dashed to the bank and back, sat her down and helped her get them back on and tied.
"Are you okay if I let go to pack up our stuff?" She nodded. "I'm gonna be just over here okay?"
"Yea," she swallowed and scrubbed at her face. "I'll be fine."
He hastily put their things back into his pack and returned to her side. She seemed to be breathing normally and appeared to be coming back to her senses.
"Okay. We're ready to go. Can you walk okay?"
"Yea, of course." She tried to play it off, but her knees were shaking, and she wasn't sure she could put one foot in front of the other.
After a few yards, her legs gave way. Clay caught her before she fell and gathered her up against his chest and started to carry her.
At first, she protested. "Clay, I'm fine. I'll be fine, just put me down. I can do this."
"I know. But I want to. Please Em…" his voice broke slightly, "Let me take care of you."
She gave in and laid her head against him and just focused on the feeling of his arms holding her and the sound of his heartbeat, strong and sure.
As they headed back, Clay kept his head on swivel, scanning for other potential threats. He was mentally beating himself up. How could he have been so stupid as to let his guard down? He knew that there could be dangers. What was he thinking? He had been so careless, and it had nearly cost her life!
Little did he know that Emma was doing the same thing. Why had she wandered across the stream? She wasn't an idiot; she knew that there were wild animals there. God, Clay must think she was so dumb for getting herself into trouble like that.
When they got back to the cabin, he set her down on the couch and turned to rid himself of his gun and pack. Then he sat next to her and opened his arms. She laid against him and once again, sobbed in his arms.
"Shhh. Shhh, Emmie. It's okay. You're safe."
She could hear a quiver in his voice and looked up to see that he was crying too. Knowing he was upset brought her out of herself. She reached up and brushed the tears from his cheeks.
"I'll be fine. I'm okay. I'm not hurt. You saved me. You saved my life."
"I'm sorry babe. I'm so sorry."
"You're sorry? Why? I'm the one that got myself into that mess."
He shook his head. "I should have known better. I put you in danger and you almost…God, I couldn't live with myself if something happened to you because of me."
"Nothing happened. I'm scared, but I'll be okay. Just hold me. That's all I need. I just need you to hold me."
More talk would have to wait, they retired to the bedroom and stripped down to their bare skin and then clung to each other until morning.
*I wanted Emma to somehow get a small glimpse of Clay in action. Not sure if this is the best depiction. But, it's where my brain went. :) *
