Your latest reviews have been incredible and have further encouraged me to continue posting. Thank you so much!
I was pleased that you appreciated a more human and less spoiled and childish Margaret. It didn't seem credible to me that she would suddenly become a loving mother with Martin or that he could overcome his emotional blocks in a few days, but that he could accept the past... yes.
And I also appreciated that you liked the name Bloom. Margaret's grandmother who I mention in the story is called Claire Blumenthal, which should be the actress's original surname according to Wikipedia.
There are still a few chapters to go until the end and I have to say that I will miss the characters of Martin and Louisa a lot. I'm hoping for a Christmas movie where they show us the Ellingham family with grown-up children, a fulfilled Louisa and a more loving Doc with the people he loves.
All rights belong to Buffalo Pictures. I'm not a doctor, so I got all the information from the internet.
Chapter 18
January came with a storm that made the sea rage at Portwenn, followed by several days of wind and intense cold.
Towards the end of the month there were a few days of respite, although the temperatures were still low.
Martin had been called to an emergency on the coastal path above the clinic... a tourist had felt ill, probably from too much alcohol he had consumed at lunch. Luckily the guy hadn't strayed too far and from the nearby farm they offered to take him back to town with the tractor.
Making sure he was feeling better, he enjoyed the short walk home. There was a nice view from the bay up there and the crisp air gave him a boost of energy. He took a deep breath, watching his breath turn to steam.
He felt good. The work was manageable…the new house was comfortable. James grew up intelligent and healthy... Mary looked more and more like her mother and was now wandering everywhere. Louisa kept all three of them in line with such sweetness and the more he convinced himself that he couldn't love them more, the more his love for them grew.
Following his mother's visit to Portwenn, it felt like being immersed in a centrifuge. The feelings of hatred and anger that had poisoned him for so long were spinning uselessly in his head.
Then…after Margaret had died and after reading her last words…he had felt the resentment, anguish and guilt slipping from his hands.
Since then, thanks also to the care of his wife, his soul was slowly healing and finding its balance. Although his manner had often remained abrupt and impatient, deep down he only had room for love towards his family... and it was this awareness that made him feel satisfied.
He looked towards the school…his son would be out soon.
He had to admit to Louisa that even Christmas hadn't been so bad. Eleanor respected him now and he found her tolerable.
Ruth was still smart for her age and said she was proud of his progress...James often told him that when he grew up he wanted to be like him...Mary delighted him with irresistible smiles and such tender hugs...Louisa never failed to tell him that she loved him and that made her happy… well…he had everything.
He took another deep breath and decided that he would take Louisa out to dinner that Saturday. She liked these initiatives of his and he continued to work hard to make her happy, because her wife's radiant smiles made him feel like a better man than him.
They had gone to dinner at a new fish restaurant in Polzeath and were now in the car on their way home. They had recently left the restaurant and Martin was listening relaxed to his wife's reflections on the dishes they had eaten.
«It was a very pleasant evening, thank you Martin.» she caressed his cheek.
"You're welcome."
Just then his phone rang and he reached out to press the answer button.
"Ellingham." he thundered annoyed that anyone would dare interrupt the harmonious atmosphere with Louisa.
«Doc...I'm Penhale...there's an emergency in Port Quin...or rather, at the Castle, do you remember? Where Mrs. Tishell…"
"What do you want Penhale?" he interrupted him abruptly.
The officer explained to him that a man was probably having a heart attack. They were two American tourists... he had met them at the Crab the day before... and his wife had called him.
Thanks to Janice, Joe knew they had gone to Polzeath and, as they were on the road, he thought he'd let him know. The ambulance would take a while to arrive…as always.
Penhale just had time to say that he was also on his way there, when Martin interrupted the call, turning sharply in the direction of the Castle.
It was indeed a heart attack and it took a long time to resuscitate and then stabilize the man. After more than an hour it was possible to load him into the ambulance. He collected his tools aided by Louisa, while Penhale continued to rave about perfect cooperation.
They left the building with the policeman insisting on underlining the infallibility of a dynamic duo in action, when Louisa got tired and ordered him to get into his vehicle and return to the village, because he was blocking their car.
Seeing him walk away, they breathed a sigh of relief. Louisa observed how the moon was almost full and Martin rolled his eyes. He was immediately distracted by the profile of his wife, whose smooth skin was illuminated by a faint light.
"Beautiful." he whispered and leaned down to give her a kiss on the cold cheek. «Come, it's late. Sorry for this detour." he put his arm around her shoulders and they walked to their car.
Martin realized that the conditions of the dirt road had worsened slightly since their arrival, probably due to the cold night.
After about two hundred meters, the headlights suddenly illuminated large dark shapes blocking the way. Martin immediately braked to avoid them, skidding to the right. The wheels slid on the frozen grass for a few meters without control and they watched in horror as the dark sea filled their entire vision.
Louisa covered her eyes and screamed in terror, while Martin stretched out his arm in front of her. They heard a loud noise like rubbing under the car, then a bang and everything stopped.
They cautiously reopened their eyes. There was still the sea ahead, but the car had finished its run or perhaps had got stuck on a rock spur. All it would have taken was one wrong move and it would have slipped down the cliff.
«Oh my God, Martin! What do we do?"
The man slowly looked around, assessing the situation. A slight sway took their breath away.
«Listen to me carefully, Louisa. Now do exactly as I say."
Her face contorted with fear, she gave him a look of assent.
«Now I'll try to shift my weight towards the rear seats. When I order you, you will open the door quietly and get out of the car immediately, understand?"
Louisa's eyes widened in horror.
«Martin, no. It's too dangerous like this."
"Trust me…it will work."
"But it won't work for you!" she blurted out in terror.
He stared at her.
'There's no time to argue, Louisa. Do as I say!"
"No..." she murmured. "Please, Martin, no…" she begged through tears.
"It's the only way…you have two kids at home who need you…someone has to get back to them."
«No…please…I can't…» she cried in anguish.
"Focus and stay ready." he commanded and began to very slowly lower his seat to distribute some weight across the back. The car rocked slightly, then settled again.
"Take this." he handed her the phone he had in his pocket. "Call for help as soon as you're out…I…I'll be fine."
She narrowed her eyes for a moment.
"Now!" Martin ordered.
Louisa opened the door and got out carefully, trying not to make any dangerous movements. Once she had both feet on the grass and was outside the vehicle, she whirled around. The car still seemed stable and a hint of hope gave her courage.
Martin swallowed nervously and placed a hand on the door handle. Very slowly, he began to twitch his fingers to pull it. At that moment he felt a stronger sway and realized that the nose of the car was causing it to slide down.
He immediately turned to look at his wife, who was staring at him with wide eyes and an open mouth.
He understood. In a split second he pictured the happy image of him with his family.
"I love you, Louisa!" he screamed as the car slid inexorably towards the sea. He saw her fall to the ground on her knees, desperately screaming his name.
As the car careened down the cliff, the doors closed and he managed to pull up the seat by buckling his seatbelt. Just before reaching the bottom, he felt himself being lifted and the car was thrown forward, falling sideways into the sea. It sank immediately.
Martin tried to roll down the windows, but obviously the electric motors no longer worked. He noticed that his feet were wet, so the water was getting in from somewhere. Soon he had almost reached the roof and he began to fumble with the door to open it, with little success. It seemed stuck.
He moved up to take a breath and tried again. Even though he tried as hard as he could, after several attempts nothing happened. He raised a hand and realized that the car was now full of water. He desperately tried to push again without success. He couldn't think straight anymore… he was running out of oxygen. If only he had been more attentive and had seen the danger sooner... but it was very late and he was tired and tired from trying to resuscitate the man.
He was actually still tired and wanted to sleep, while his eyes narrowed to two slits. Suddenly he felt light-headed and thought that abandoning himself to that sensation wasn't such a bad thing after all.
"Martin."
A familiar voice echoed through the cockpit.
"Martin, son, it's not over yet."
He opened his eyes annoyed and saw his mother. Her charming brown eyes were kind.
"What are you doing here, Mum?"
"Wake up, you don't have much time."
He watched her.
"I can not do anything."
He saw her reach out to his face and felt her fingers touch him.
"Go now. We will meet again, but not now…you have to live your life first, dear." she smiled at him as she vanished.
Martin suddenly recovered and tried to figure out what to do. He craned his head and managed to take a small breath of oxygen again. He turned and hit the door with both legs, then the window and continued until the glass broke. He smashed the remaining pieces and slid out, trying to reach the surface. He finally could breathe.
The sea was freezing. He could make out the cliffs. The currents must have carried him south. Even if he reached them, he would never be able to get back up. He decided to try anyway… he didn't have much choice. He started swimming towards what looked like an inlet. He was exhausted from the cold and tiredness. The sea took him towards the rocks and he found himself crashing between the stones. Pangs of pain hit him in multiple parts of his body, without him being able to prevent it.
Instinctively he grabbed onto something floating. It was a piece of log that must have been there a long time. Gathering the little strength he had, he managed to move beyond that area of rocks towards the more open sea.
His chest hurt. His arms… and probably the rest of his body… were covered in cuts and scratches and who knows what else.
Holding onto the piece of wood, he tried to move his legs to go back towards the cliff and look for a beach or a place where he could at least get out of the water.
He approached the shore again, but didn't see the rock just emerging from the water until the last second. The current made him hit his head and he fainted.
Louisa ran to the edge of the cliff screaming her husband's name. The moonlight, albeit dim, allowed her to see the car fall into the water and then sink. Her tears clouded her eyes as she cried and called for help. After a few minutes, she thought she noticed something moving westward, quite far from the point of impact, though.
She picked up the phone and called Penhale.
The agent immediately reversed direction and headed back towards the castle. He alerted everyone by radio and telephone. Before long all Portwenn and the surrounding area knew what had happened.
«He's alive, Joe…I'm sure he's alive. I saw something come back to the surface and move..."
"We'll find him, Louisa." there was no trace of his usual clumsiness in that moment.
While they were carefully observing the sea for signs of life, Al and Morwenna arrived, together with Ruth who ran to hug her and reassure her…Janice would take care of the children for as long as necessary. Shortly after, other officers, an ambulance and a patrol boat arrived.
From this position above the cliffs there wasn't much they could do. Joe kept radio contact with all the rescuers, but other than that, they could only wait.
Dawn was breaking, as a helicopter had arrived to search the area and some fishing boats were approaching.
Louisa looked at the phone still clutched in her hand… her husband's phone. She opened the address book and searched for a number, waiting for her to answer.
"Mum?" her voice trembling and thin.
"Louisa, my child, are you well?" Eleanor knew immediately that something terrible had happened.
"No..." she burst into tears.
"Louisa, what happened?" she pressed further alarmed.
"Martin..." she murmured. «An accident… we can't find him…»
«Oh my darling… what do you mean you can't find him?»
Eleanor was told what had happened and shuddered.
«Sorry mum…I don't know why I called you…I just…I just…»
"You need your mother right now…that's why you called me, Loulou, and you were right, dear."
«Mum…I'm so scared…»
«I know, my darling…I wish I could be there with you.»
«I wanted to at least hear your voice...»
Shaken by sobs, Louisa was no longer able to speak, while her mother tried to comfort her...Martin was not a man like the others...he had the resources to save himself and should not lose hope.
Eleanor forced herself to remain calm…if only she had been there with her in that moment instead of miles away…
They said goodbye, with the promise to call as soon as there was any news.
Meanwhile, the divers found the car at the bottom of the sea. They had noticed a broken window, but no sign of anyone on board.
The day promised to be cold, with large clouds gathering on the horizon.
More than five hours into the search, no trace of Martin had been found. The helicopter and boats had headed west, following the current, and then returned to the starting point and higher several times. They got as far as Pentire Point and Polzeath…beyond the current would have carried the body out to sea.
Louisa sat on a rock next to Ruth with a blanket over her shoulders. She held her face in her hands, barely breathing.
«Dude…if they still haven't found a trace of him…there aren't many chances anymore…especially of recovering him alive…»
«Yes... the water is freezing and the currents are very strong at that point. If they didn't see him among the rocks, he could have ended up in the open sea... poor guy..."
The two policemen did not realize that the victim's wife was sitting not far from them, hidden from view by an off-road vehicle.
Louisa sprang to her feet.
"He's alive!" she said aloud. "He's alive and would be more useful if you tried harder!"
Al reached over to try to calm her down and took her arm.
"No, I'm not abandoning him." she freed herself and reached the path that ran along the coast. She wouldn't stop until she found him.
Al and Penhale ran after her, determined not to leave her alone in the search.
After about a kilometre, they descended to sea level towards Epphaven Cove. They looked among the rocks carefully. The surf produced a white foam and hid many objects which turned out to be branches and trunks washed ashore during the storms of recent weeks.
They moved further towards Lundy Bay, where they were joined by a few more officers. They called and searched, but to no avail.
They returned to the path, scattering along the cliffs, as the helicopter passed overhead and the boats sailed as close to shore as possible.
They were not far from Sevensouls Rock.
Louisa observed The Mouls in the distance lashed by the waves and the wind... beyond that enormous spur of rock in the middle of the sea, the chances of finding her husband would have been almost nil.
She continued stubbornly despite the cold and tiredness. A little more than a kilometer from Sevensouls Rock, she took a barely marked path that dipped to the sea.
«Wait Louisa...» Joe called her. "It's very steep here and emergency vehicles have passed several times. Maybe..." the sentence died in his throat.
"Maybe what?" the woman's gaze glared at him.
«Maybe…you should…we've been searching for many hours…you should consider the idea that we might not find Doc…»
She turned angrily and continued down the steep path, immediately followed by Al and Penhale with bowed heads.
The low tide left several meters of coastline dry. They scanned every corner, casting long glances towards the open sea. Louisa trudged through the rocks exhausted…legs and hands scratched. A fishing boat was sailing right in front of them and caused slightly higher waves, which reached them with foam, algae and broken branches.
Out of the corner of her eye, Louisa noticed something moving far to her left. With a dejected sigh, she realized that it was just a large log. She moved to join it… a hand on her forehead… desperate sobs shaking her chest. She tripped and fell, scraping her knee. She burst into tears overwhelmed by despair and, as she turned towards the inlet that returned, she saw what looked like a hand protruding from one end of the trunk. She staggered to her feet, heart pounding, and ran in that direction. When she was close enough she saw him… a man in a tattered suit… prone among the rocks and unconscious.
She yelled for Al and Joe to get to her and call the helicopter, then fell to her knees next to Martin. The fabric of her clothes was torn everywhere, revealing abrasions and cuts. She tried to turn him over and saw his face covered in blood…. She held him in her arms shouting to hurry.
He was alive! His Martin was still alive! She kissed his wet hair and caressed his face while sobbing.
«Please…please…» she whispered, holding his cold hand «…please, don't leave me…don't do this to me…we need you…we need you too much…please, my love…»
Help arrived. Someone gently pulled her away from her husband and helped her up. Martin was quickly examined and harnessed by paramedics to take him into the helicopter, while a rescuer was lowering himself to the ground to accompany him. Louisa kissed him on the forehead and followed Joe and Al across a field to a road, where Morwenna was coming to meet them and take them back to the cliff.
Penhale and Louisa left immediately for Truro hospital, while Al and Morwenna followed with Ruth.
In less than an hour they arrived at the Royal Cornwall Hospital and Louisa rushed to the emergency room. A nurse accompanied them to the surgery waiting room, explaining that Dr. Ellingham was about to undergo surgery. He had lost a lot of blood and had significant wounds to his thigh and head. The surgeon would explain everything to them as soon as the operation was completed.
A short time later, Ruth also arrived, along with Al and Morwenna.
Louisa sank into an armchair. She stopped listening. She had in her eyes the last image of a distressed Martin being dragged off the cliff. A tear slowly rolled down her cheek.
She notified her mother of the find and, as he placed the phone on the armrest, she saw Chris enter the waiting room. As he tried to comfort her, he noticed the scratches on her knees and the trickles of now dried blood. He went out after a while to acquire further information.
It was just after lunchtime when Parson returned, confirming the nurse's instructions. The doctor who examined him had also spoken of probable rib fractures, head trauma and suspected damage to internal organs.
«Um…Louisa…» Chris took her hands and invited her to sit. "You are fine? Do you hurt somewhere or are you injured?"
The woman shook her head.
"Agree." he left for a few minutes and returned with a trolley, kneeling in front of her. Without saying anything, he put on sterile gloves and took some gauze from one of the drawers. He disinfected the scratches on her hands and knees, where he applied a couple of plasters. Then he took a small towel, soaked it in a basin of water, and used it to gently wipe her blood from her hands and legs… as if she was a child.
"Thank you." Louisa murmured and the man responded with a gentle smile.
All they could do was wait and they all stood there, waiting for updates.
In mid-afternoon, the door to the waiting room opened. Louisa looked up and was stunned. She stood up and ran into her mother's wide open arms.
«What…how did you…» she burst into desperate tears, clinging to her.
"I couldn't stay away right now, Loulou…I couldn't."
She gently stroked her head and back, holding her until she stopped sobbing. At that point she accompanied her to sit down, continuing to hug her.
«I'll stay as long as you need, darling…I'll be here as long as you need me.
Chris got up and decided to go and find out how far along they were with the operation, but just then the surgeon entered the room.
Louisa went to meet him.
"Mrs Ellingham?"
«Yes…how is my husband?»
Eleanor stood beside her and held her hand.
"Dr. Ellingham is in the recovery room right now…he is alive."
Louisa sighed, putting a hand to her chest.
«The patient was unconscious upon arrival. He had multiple bruises, abrasions and long, deep wounds all over his body.
He was in a state of hypothermia, with a head injury, suspected broken ribs and probable abdominal injuries.
We had to carry out an exploratory operation, which showed no damage to solid organs except the spleen, the laceration of which caused a haemorrhage in the abdomen. Tests then showed the presence of two cracked lower ribs on the left side. A deep cut on the left thigh damaged some blood vessels and we removed some fairly large splinters of wood.
We found a concussion on the head, without a skull fracture, but as regards the severity, we have to wait for the outcome of other tests.
Your husband is in a coma right now."
"Will he be saved?"
«We can't say yet. We have to wait and see how he reacts. The main problem now is the head contusion."
Ruth put a hand on her shoulder.
"Can I see him now?" Louisa pleaded in a small voice.
«Just for a few minutes... come, I'll accompany you.»
The doctor opened the door and motioned for her to enter. The unmistakable smell of disinfectant and disease immediately assailed her.
Martin lay helpless in bed. He had a noticeable bandage on his head, some electrodes on his chest, drip and oxygen tubes.
She approached cautiously. There was a nasty scratch on his cheekbone and his left eye was swollen. His arms had numerous cuts and abrasions… as did his chest… and many bandages… while there was a large band-aid on his stomach. She lifted the sheet slightly... his legs were no better and there was a noticeable bandage on his thigh.
She swallowed and squeezed her eyes shut to fight back the tears.
"My poor love..." she murmured.
She took his hand lying on the bed and gently caressed his cheek with a finger. She lowered himself close to his ear.
«Martin... can you hear me? My love, hold on...don't leave me alone..."
She kissed him gently under the temple.
«Martin…we need you…I need you. Please wake up."
"Mrs. Ellingham." the doctor approached «In a couple of hours he will be taken to his room and you will be able to see him again.»
Louisa bent down to place a light kiss on his shoulder and followed the doctor, returning to the waiting room. She immediately saw Ruth's red, worried eyes and ran to hug her. She looked so vulnerable and tired.
She explained how she had found him and insisted that they leave...there was no point in everyone staying there waiting and they needed to rest after the search.
"Please Al…Morwenna…take Ruth home."
Eleanor approached.
"I'll stay here with you."
«No, mum...go to the children. Take care of them…I want them to have their family close to them as much as possible."
"Are you sure? How can I leave you here alone?"
"I'll be fine, but I need to know that you'll take care of James and Mary." she stared at her mother, placing her hands on her shoulders.
«I will Loulou…count on me.»
«Joe… can you take her home please?»
"Yes, Louisa."
Morwenna came closer and put her hand on her arm.
"I'll take care of the clinic and your appointments, don't worry about a thing."
"Thank you."
Ruth took some money from her wallet and handed it to her.
"You have nothing on you except Martin's phone. At least you'll be able to get some water, a coffee or something to eat at the dispensers."
She searched her purse again and found some paper tissues.
"Take these too, dear."
"Thank you Ruth." they hugged each other.
"See you tomorrow morning Louisa and call if you need anything."
Meanwhile Eleanor searched in the pockets of the suitcase and took out a cloth bag. She emptied it of its contents and gave it to her daughter to keep those few objects.
"Call me later to let me know how you are, Loulou."
Left alone, Louisa collapsed into the chair once again. As broken as she felt, nothing would keep her from there. She was wearing clothes from the night before, dirty with dried mud and blood... Martin's blood. She closed her eyes for a moment, then she decided to go get a coffee and something to eat at the vending machines... she passed out, she wouldn't be of any use to anyone.
Finally they informed her that her husband had been taken to his room and that she could stay with him. A very kind nurse accompanied her.
She took a chair against the wall and sat next to him, taking his hand. She remained like that for a long time... thinking about everything that had happened... while the monitors produced those annoying sounds and doctors and nurses came to check her husband's values.
She went out for only a few minutes to telephone her mother and inquire about her children.
«Yes, mom...I got something from the vending machine...and anyway I'm not hungry. How are the children? What does James know?"
"They are fine. The girl who took care of them… Janice… told James that there had been an emergency with a patient, but when he saw me, it couldn't lie to him anymore… not at all. He's a cute little boy... he reminds me of you. I told him that there had been a small accident... that his dad had hurt his leg and that you were with him to assist him."
"Where now?"
«He's here in the living room… reading a book to his sister.»
"Pass it to me, please. Is Mary okay?"
"Of course, she's too young to understand." Eleanor raised her voice slightly. "James, darling, come here…it's mum."
The boy ran to get the phone.
"Mum? How's dad?"
Hearing that shrill voice she wavered slightly, but regained her composure immediately.
«My little one…daddy hurt his leg, but the doctors are taking care of him.»
"How did it happen?"
«A little accident with the car, but don't worry. Granny will look after you until I get back."
"When are you coming back?"
"As soon as I can. I don't want to leave dad now. You have Granny and Mary, but dad would be left alone."
"Right. I'll take care of Mary, mum."
Louisa leaned against the wall and took a deep breath…her little man was still so small, but he was ready to do his part…just like his father.
«Thanks James. Dad and I love you so much."
«I love you too, mom…and Mary loves you too.»
"Listen to granny, okay?"
"Yes mum."
After speaking to her mother again, reassuring her of her condition, she returned to Martin's room.
Around nine o'clock, a nurse came in with a blanket.
"This is for you Mrs. Ellingham." she went and placed it on the armchair next to the window. «Try to rest a bit... as much as possible... or at least close your eyes. We'll take care of the situation." she urged benevolently as she dimmed the room lights and left.
"Thank you."
She bent down to kiss her husband's hand. It was cold and lay helpless in hers.
"Please..." she murmured against its back. "I beg you…"
She looked at his battered face and sighed heavily. He had sacrificed himself for her... in a few moments he had decided to save her at the cost of his life. She saw his wide eyes again... as she realized that the car was falling... and yet he had tried to control himself so as not to upset her. She burst into soft tears, desperately wanting him to open those serious eyes… and him to look at her… and tell her that everything was okay.
Much later…when she calmed down…she caressed his cheek. She felt the hairs of his beard scratch her palm lightly.
«Martin…I'm here…with you and I will stay until you wake up. Our children need you…we all need you. We are one…remember? I cannot exist if you do not exist." her voice trembled. «Come back to me, please…come back to me…»
She kissed his cheek. «Martin, wake up…please.»
Her husband's body remained motionless... wounded and defenseless... he who always towered over everyone with his grandeur and with authority took control of the situation. Only a slight movement of his chest indicated that he was still alive.
She went to the window…it was dark and it must have been late. She was exhausted, but she couldn't relax in any way. She looked at the chair and pushed it closer to the bed. She put the blanket on her knees and turned sideways to look at him. Sighing, she took his hand and closed her eyes. She wasn't sleepy, but they burned from the many hours she was awake and from her tears. She was intent on begging her Heaven to let her have the man she loved... a thousand thoughts crowded her mind... moments... voices... sensations...
...they lay on their backs...both their eyes full of wonder and their breathing still a little labored. It was just dawn on a silent Sunday morning.
They touched each other's shoulders. Martin reached for her hand and intertwined his fingers with hers.
Louisa turned and kissed him right on the shoulder. He looked at her and she lifted her face towards him…she was smiling blissfully at him…her eyes the bluest and brightest he had ever seen on her.
"What is it Martin?" she hadn't missed the slight movement of his head as his expression became serious and a little astonished.
"Nothing." he replied promptly… immediately regretting it. "I mean…it's just…"
«What…Martin. If you don't want to, it doesn't matter... but I'd like to know what you're thinking right now."
Her soft, encouraging tone melted the words in his throat.
"You're so beautiful. When I look at you…my heart goes faster. I feel confused and…so grateful to have you in my life."
"You're so cute, you know..."
He stood on his hip and reached his other hand to Louisa's face.
«Sometimes I'm still surprised that you're my wife... I know you don't want it, but I can't help it... and I can't find the words to explain myself as I would like.» isr voice was almost childish.
«I believe that in your eyes there are all the words you can't find.» she placed herself on her side too... smiling at him.
He took her hand and placed it over his heart.
«Do you hear? I'm a doctor, I have a healthy heart...regular pulse...but I assure you that my heartbeat is racing now...and it only happens to me next to you.»
Louisa leaned forward to kiss him on the mouth and moved closer. Martin brushed his fingers against her bare arm and felt her shiver. He grabbed the sheets and pulled them over to cover them. She snuggled against his chest and he wrapped his arms around her, resting his chin on her head. He could smell the delicate scent of her shampoo.
«You can be so sweet Martin...» she murmured next to his neck and her hot breath tickled him.
Louisa caressed his chin and jaw…she smiled feeling a slightly rough veil of beard under her fingers…it hadn't been a problem just a little while ago…when she opened her eyes to the first light that filtered through the window and saw Martin watching her in silence. Under her covers her husband's fingers had slipped to her side and she soon found herself in his arms...
Outside everything was still motionless and the house was silent.
She played with the hair on his chest…it was so light you could barely see it, but it was soft and silky to the touch. She sighed softly.
"Are you OK?"
«Yes, Martin…I'm in the place I love most in the world, how could I not feel good?»
"Yes, in Portwenn."
«No…in your arms.» she looked up and saw him soften… maybe even crack a smile.
«Well…in that case…you can stay as long as you want, I'm at your disposal.»
"Thank you, Martin."
"You're welcome." he replied, holding her tighter.
"And are you okay?"
"Yes."
Louisa rolled onto her back.
«They haven't been easy months for you...are you sure everything is fine?»
Martin thought for a moment. He wasn't appreciating that she had walked away from him.
"Yes I'm sure. There have been several changes… for me… for us… » he slid closer and raised himself on top of her, leaning on her elbow «… but I'm fine with it, as long as I have you and the kids. »
With his face a short distance from hers, he observed her adoringly and she was enraptured by those blue eyes that scrutinized her with tenderness. She passed her hand over his forehead.
"You will always have me and the children."
"Good."
She laughed.
"Why are you laughing?"
«Because you still keep your synthesis…and because I'm happy.»
He looked at her doubtfully.
«I have to work more on communication, you're right.» he admitted.
She lifted her head slightly and kissed the tip of his nose.
"It doesn't matter, I love you anyway." she ran her hands down his back… wide and firm.
"I love you too, Louisa." he whispered, letting go of a very shy smile.
He kissed her gently and, raising his fingers towards her face, caressed her softly.
"Thank you, Martin."
"Why?"
«Because you're here…and because you are you.»
«I don't think these are good reasons to thank me... especially the second one.»
She laughed again and he was enchanted. His life had been gray for a very long time... until he met that smile and everything changed. Or maybe not, damn his silence… why didn't he say it out loud to her, instead of keeping it all inside him… he thought… he liked it when Louisa had kind words for him and it sure was the same for her.
"You actually make progress…you just made a joke." she pointed out cheerfully, but he was suddenly serious and worried.
"What's the matter, Martin, did I offend you?"
"What? Not at all." he defended himself uncertainly.
"Then speak." she caressed his chest soothingly, while she gazed at him lazily in the bright morning light.
«I was just thinking…I thought that…»
"Continue..." she encouraged him with a thoughtful tone.
«…that I like seeing you laugh. My existence was quite… definitely… uhmm… boring and lonely, but when I met you… since you gave me your smiles, my life is much more… pleasant.» he looked down.
"Just pleasant?" she teased him with mock disappointment by kissing his chin.
"No…" he swallowed with that vulnerable expression she had come to know. «Pleasant and satisfying…very much.»
Louisa burst out laughing and pulled him towards her, clinging to his back and legs.
"You're really stingy with compliments, you know?" she scolded, caressing him. «But sooner or later I'll make you confess everything... and I'll also make you laugh... a nice hearty laugh, you'll see... dear husband..." she pressed her lips to his in a resounding kiss.
"Wonderful."
"What, Martin?"
"My life with you…is wonderful."
Louisa felt tears prickling her eyes. Of course you had to insist and push him... a lot... but when he opened up, he warmed her heart.
«Yes… mine is too, Martin…» she murmured. «…and this moment is also wonderful…you and me…alone and embraced in our bed.» she kissed him. «I…I think we're one and the same, you and me, you know? I can't even imagine a life without you anymore."
"Even if I make you angry?"
"Yes."
«Even if I have an obsession with keeping everything in order?»
«Yes…in fact…I'm starting to appreciate it.»
"Even if I criticize what you eat?"
"Yes." she laughed exasperatedly. «Will you stop being funny now? I was serious..."
"I know." his expression became serious again. "For better or for worse, then?"
"For better or for worse."
"In sickness and in health?"
"In sickness and in health."
"Until the end?"
"Until the end."
He kissed her tenderly.
«You're right, Louisa. I also think that we are one…intertwined and linked forever.»
She clung to his neck and they kissed…soon slipping back into more intimate talk.