Charles/Laura fic, Chapter 8 'Through Time & Seasons'
Through Time & Seasons by Missbevcrusher
Rated [M]
In case you need them, links to the previous chapters can be found here.
As usual, I will thank bytesofspencer for revising and being an amazing soundboard. (Here, I will point out that the last tiny bits of this particular chapter have not been betaed. So any mistakes there, are mine and mine alone). I will also thank unavitasegreta for being my cheerleader of sorts. Her enthusiasm has helped greatly in keeping me motivated.
Also, perhaps I don't say it enough. But a thousand thanks to everyone who have stuck with this story so far. You cannot begin to imagine how much that means to me.
This chapter took longer to write than I had expected but this time, I do not have my lethargic writing pace to blame. Rather, I was sick for quite a few days and could hardly get a sentence out. And when I started feeling better, another, more pleasant, distraction came forth... Marymas. LOL. Seriously, the awesome posts in my flist were too tempting to ignore. Yay Marymas! *sigh* It is now officially my favourite holiday.
Standard Disclaimer: Charles Lattimer, Laura Brown and the wonderful story that is 'For All Time' are property of their respective owners. No copyright infringement intended. I am simply writing what I would have loved to see at the end of the movie and then some.
And now, to the fic...
Chapter 8 ~ Winding Paths
Everything was quiet, most everyone asleep. The rooster hadn’t even awoken yet. Nevertheless Charles was up. Already dressed, he sat in the wooden chair in the corner of his room looking out the window.
The sun would be up soon, would mark the beginning of a new day-his last in Somerville.
Charles had told the Davis’ the night before, had thanked them for their hospitality but had stated that he really needed to move on.
The reason for his leaving, while a half truth, had been believable. He had said that as much as he loved Somerville, it did not have much to offer by way of advertisement jobs. Therefore, he would move back to St. Louis.
Tilting his head back, Charles rubbed his face and exhaled.
“What a mess,” he whispered.
He had much to do this morning, needed to pack. Also Mrs. Davis had been adamant that he stay long enough to share breakfast with them, a request Charles did not have the heart to turn down.
After, he intended to go see Mr. Abrams to tell him of his decision.
Charles would miss working with the colourful old man but at least the timing was good.
Abram’s son was almost ready to come back to work, had even dropped by the day before. Not only that, but they had made up for lost time these past few weeks and had caught up with repair demands.
His leaving at this time was the right thing to do. The sooner he left, the sooner Laura could move on.
I owe her that much…
~~~
Laura sat unmoving, her profile illuminated by an oil lamp as the sun had yet to rise. Dawn was fast approaching though, its impending arrival announced by the subtle purplish tinge in the sky outside.
Her mind still reeling from the night before, Laura had given up on sleep, had risen and headed for her armoire. The wooden box she hid in the back had beckoned her, had prompted her to seek it out and bring it over to her vanity-which is where she now sat.
The box rested, lid open, before her. Inside were her most precious mementos-a few photographs as well as some of Will’s belongings.
Eyes downcast, Laura held his glasses in her hand.
She wanted to remember, wanted to see his face. Sadly, time had taken its toll on her recollections. His scent and the feel of him had become as faded as the black and white photographs in front of her.
Setting the glasses aside, Laura took her favourite photo in hand and gazed at it. A small smile crept onto her features as she tried to recall the year it had been taken.
It had been some time before Mary’s birth. That much she knew. Will stood in front of the Gazette, his shoulders squared, his features proud.
Fingers grazing the image, Laura remembered how devastating his death had been. One day he had been fine and the next…
You left so suddenly.
The year following his passing had been especially difficult. The hardships so numerous, they had threatened to swamp her, had made her wonder how she would stay afloat. In the end, Mary had been her saving grace. In those little eyes that never failed to express wonder, Laura had found the strength to tread water and survive.
In short, she had persevered, first and foremost, for the little life she and Will had created.
They say time heals all wounds and while a part of her would always mourn the loss of her husband, this statement rang true to Laura. She had come a long way since that awful winter, could now look back with more fondness than melancholy.
Laura had made a life for herself as well as for her daughter.
Thoughts shifting, Laura contemplated how she had changed throughout the years, how she had evolved to be who she was now.
She was not only a mother but a provider. She had risen above challenges, a stronger woman for it.
A woman… Laura thought with a rueful expression on her face.
A certain passionate moment aside, it had been a long time since she had felt like one.
Charles had awoken long dormant parts of her femininity, had made her feel desired and truly alive for the first time in years.
Her heart had been hopeful that fateful day by the river. Until his revelation that is.
But now…
Looking at her husband’s image, Laura thought about the meaning of marriage.
Before today, it had meant a lifelong commitment to be broken only by death.
Charles’ story was forcing a reassessment of that belief.
Birth and death were the bookends of life.
If the bonds of marriage only applied to two living spouses, how did it apply to a person that has yet to be born?
It doesn’t.
Will was no longer part of this life. Charles’ wife had yet to be and wouldn’t-her birth only set to occur in a year most likely beyond their lifetimes.
The end result was the same. Neither she nor Charles would ever see their spouses again.
While this concept was mind boggling, it slowly started to sink in, making Laura see their relationship in a new light.
Perhaps theirs was not the forbidden love she had believed it to be. Perhaps she could be his and he could be hers after all.
“Oh my…” Laura’s breathless words preceded a drawn out breath meant to calm her hurriedly beating heart.
Could she allow herself to hope again? Could she open her heart once more and risk getting hurt again?
He had hurt her, yes.
But he never meant to.
Would he hurt her again?
No…
As Laura slowly reopened the door to her heart, her body came alive, the flutter of a thousand butterflies filling her insides. She felt anxious, hopeful, scared, and giddy all at the same time-an overwhelming sensation to be truthful.
“I have to go see him.” As soon as she whispered those words, a sinking feeling descended in the pit of her stomach.
A hand over her mouth, Laura sat there, wide eyed as Charles’ words came back to her.
…
“Let me explain and if you can’t handle what I have to say then I’ll leave… I’ll leave Somerville and let you move on.”
…
“Goodbye, Laura.”
…
“No.” Closing her eyes momentarily, she fought to keep from panicking.
Charles was going to leave.
I have to stop him.
As Laura rose to get ready, she heard the rooster’s call.
The day had begun and while she did not know exactly when he intended to leave, Laura could not lose this chance.
She would never forgive herself if she did.
~~~
The aroma of fried eggs and bacon filled the Davis’ cozy kitchen. The family sat around the table, enjoying the last bites of their breakfast.
“I’m sure your friends and family will be thrilled to see you back in St. Louis.” Mrs. Davis reached for the sugar and put a small spoonful in her tea.
Charles smiled as convincingly as he could but did not utter a reply. While he had never spoken of his family, it was only natural for the Davis’ to assume he had relatives over there. But in truth, no one was waiting for him in St. Louis.
Charles would truly be alone, starting anew-a pretty unsettling and intimidating concept.
Better not dwell on that.
Changing the subject, he said, “Breakfast was delicious, Mrs. Davis. Thank you.”
“Was nothing.” She answered, her cup halfway to her lips.
“Well, I gotta tell ya,” said Mr. Davis from across the table. “When you first got here, I had my doubts. Didn’t know how you were gonna fair out here seeing you knew beans about country life and all.” His amused expression shifted, indicated that he had been proven wrong. “But you did well, were a great help ‘round the place.”
Charles chuckled. “I recall a few mishaps but at least I learned a few things.”
“If ya ever come ‘round these parts again, know that you’ll always be welcome here.”
“Thanks. You and your wife have been more than hospitable. I really enjoyed my stay here.”
“You taking the eight fifteen or you gonna wait ‘til the five forty-five?” asked Mr. Davis from across the table.
“The eight fifteen.” The subject of his leaving was not one Charles could get used to. While he knew he had to go, it meant a true farewell to Somerville and to Laura. It was hard to think about and even harder to accept. But he had to. “I figure it’ll be easier to get settled if I get there early.”
Not the whole truth, but it was all he could tell them, all they needed to know.
~~~
Laura got herself ready and left her room in record time. And seeing how efficient she usually was, this said much about the haste she was in.
“You’re not having breakfast?” Mrs. Clark stood by the stove, a curious expression directed toward the shawl and gloves Laura carried.
“I just need to take care of a few things in town.”
The older woman turned a stoic stare toward the lard she was smearing into a cast iron pan.
“Where’s Mary?” asked Laura.
“She went to get eggs.”
“I’ll try not to take too long.”
Once outside, Laura headed for the small wooden structure by the main barn, her ears picking up the soft clucking of hens as she got closer. Peering through the doorway, she was met by the familiar smell of the chicken coop-a strong but not unpleasant blend of grain and well… chicken.
When her eyes settled on her daughter, Laura could not help but smile.
Kneeling beside a basket of eggs, Mary held a strand of grass, tempting the birds to come and peck at it. From an early age, she had always loved animals, especially the chickens.
“You better hurry with those eggs. Your grandma has the pan ready and everything.”
“Hi, Mama.” The girl grabbed the handle and rose before making her way over. Lifting the basket to show what was inside, she continued. “Look, we got a lot, huh?”
“Indeed.” She ran a hand over her daughter’s hair and continued. “I have a few things I need to do. You help your grandmother with the chores while I’m out?”
“Sure.”
Laura watched as Mary headed back toward the house then started for the stables. Her mind racing to figure out what she would say, Laura strode in through the large doors then stopped dead in her tracks.
The stalls were empty.
Gasping, she covered her face with her hands and inwardly cursed her stupidity.
Land sakes alive, Laura.
Walt had told her the day prior that he intended on bringing the horses over to the blacksmith for re-shoeing, and she had totally forgotten about it.
Looking around the barn in aimless panic, Laura tried to figure out what to do next.
What if he leaves on the eight fifteen?
Dread settled firmly in the pit of her stomach as she pondered this.
There’s no way I could make it in time.
With a breath, Laura tried not to give in to despair.
All was not lost, she reminded herself. Charles might not be leaving today.
In a brisk stride, Laura left the barn, crossed the yard and started toward town. All she could hope and pray for was for him to still be there when she arrived.
He had to.
I can’t lose you again…
~~~
“It’s a shame to see you go, but I can’t say I blame ya.” Mr. Abrams looked saddened as he said this, but the humorous twinkle in his eyes remained. “Not much going on ‘round here.”
Charles extended his hand, which the older man promptly took. They shared a firm handshake and then, “It was a pleasure working with you. I’ll always be grateful for the chance you gave me.”
“Ah, don’t mention it.” Abrams smiled as he retreated behind the counter, fumbled in a drawer and took out an old, beat-up can. He removed the lid, reached inside and took out a few coins. Making his way back to Charles, he said, “Here you go, a little somethin’ for the road.”
“No, no. Sorry, I can’t take that.” Charles appreciated the gesture but he could not accept it. “Thank you, but…”
Abrams waved dismissively, smiled that cock-eyed smile of his, reached for Charles’ hand, and put the coins in his palm. “You take it, you say thanks, and that’s it. Besides,” the old man’s witty expression faded to one of genuine appreciation, “you saved my hide by helping this old codger keep up with the workload.”
Humbled, Charles looked down momentarily. “Thank you.”
Not one for drawn out goodbyes, Abrams gestured toward the door. “Go on now or you’ll miss your train.”
The old man had a point. It was getting awfully close to eight fifteen and if he didn’t get a move on, Charles would have to postpone his departure.
Reaching for his suitcase with his left hand, Charles donned his hat with his right and nodded once. “Goodbye, Mr. Abrams.”
“Norman,” he corrected.
With a small smile, the former protégé replied, “In that case, goodbye Norman.”
“Bye Charlie.”
His last farewell taken care of, Charles left the modest shop. He looked at the street lined with its familiar buildings, gazed further down the road to where the Gazette was located and sighed. Recalling his time spent there, he lingered. Then, with a heavy heart, he started for the train station.
There weren’t very many people gathered on the wooden walkway by the tracks that morning, not that Charles really noticed. He made his way into the station, bought his ticket, then came back outside where he sat on a wooden bench.
The train would arrive shortly, its distant whistle expected any second now.
Charles could not bear to look at the tracks, instead leaned forward, elbows on his knees as he cast his gaze downward.
While he was leaving for good, would never see Laura again, Charles was desperate to keep recollections of her in his heart and mind. He wanted to remember every detail; the warmth of her eyes, that amazing smile that could turn his insides topsy-turvy, that infectious, bubbly laugh of hers.
God, I’m gonna miss you…
His mind struggling to recall everything about her, to see her as vividly as he had when he had first sketched her, Charles’ heart broke once more.
What if I forget?
His eyes drifted to a few strands of grass by the wooden walkway and settled on a sight that had him both smiling and crumbling inside-a daisy.
It brought back memories of his first day here, of the time she had given him just such a flower.
The white petals would forever be synonymous with Laura, beautiful, delicate-perfect. With a need to cling to this place and to her, Charles rose and retrieved this final memento of his time here.
He held the resilient flower between his fingers, twirling it slowly by its stem.
Goodbye Laura…
~~~
The walk to town was excruciating, not because it was physically taxing, but because Laura feared she had run out of time.
As much as she tried to keep a positive outlook, she could not suppress this sinking feeling that she was headed for heartbreak.
Stop it.
Her feet carrying her in brisk strides, Laura took a calming breath and decided not to dwell on the worse case scenario.
Think, Laura, think.
What would she say to him?
As the familiar cluster of buildings grew nearer, Laura’s mind was besieged with things she wanted to tell him.
Don’t go.
I’m sorry I pushed you away. It was just too much all at once.
I believe you.
Please, stay…
…
I love you…
It was a silent rehearsal of sorts, one she knew full well she would forget. But she could not help it, went through several variations, each more pitiful than the next, at least in her estimation.
Recognizing her fidgety state, Laura feared she would sound like a blithering idiot-more a certainty than a prediction.
But blithering idiot or not, she would not hold back, could not afford to. There had been too many misunderstandings between them, too much left unsaid. If they were to have a chance at this, they would have to be totally open with one another.
A chance at this… oh my…
To hope…
Do I dare to?
It was dizzying. A feeling of anticipation so great it made her insides quiver, made her legs feel shaky.
And so she walked-her pulse rapid and deafening in her ears-until she reached the busy streets of Somerville.
Just where am I going?
Laura had been so concerned about what to say that she had failed to establish a specific destination.
Where would Charles be?
Unwilling to ponder the possibility that he had taken the eight fifteen, Laura guessed he would either be at the Davis’ or at Abrams’ shop. The latter being closest, she opted to go there first.
Laura found Mr. Abrams outside. He was writing on his blackboard, hunched over as he usually was.
When he saw her, he stopped writing and smiled. “Morning, Mrs. Brown.”
“Good morning.” As she neared, Laura returned his warm expression, hoping she did not look as nervous as she felt.
“How’s that press of yours holdin’ up?”
“It’s running perfectly, thank you. Tell me,” Hoping to sound calm and collected, she continued, “Would Charles be in today?”
At her question, the older man’s expression became more sombre, almost apologetic. “I’m sorry, Ma’am. He boarded the eight fifteen this mornin’. Went back to St. Louis.”
Laura blinked, her heart shattering into a million little pieces. She looked away for it was all she could do to remain composed. Her eyes already stinging, she tried to swallow the lump in her throat. Finally, she dared to meet the older man’s eyes, a semblance of a smile barely covering her sorrow. “I see. Um… Well, I guess I just missed him then.”
A second or two passed as Laura stood there, ill at ease. “I’m sorry to have bothered you. I uh… best be going.”
Her eyes betraying her heartbreak, she turned and walked away.
…
While age had robbed Mr. Abrams of many things-good hearing and a straight back for instance-it had given him something in exchange, insight brought on by a lifetime of experiences.
And these tired eyes had discerned something in Mrs. Brown’s reaction, re-colouring his perception of his former protégé’s sudden departure.
In hindsight, there had been an aura of melancholy surrounding Charles that morning. At the time, he had attributed it solely to the sadness of leaving. But now…
The picture, clearer now, was a sad one. It told the story of things not meant to be, of love lost.
Having known heartache, the old man felt rather bad for them.
“Such a shame,” he thought. “Would’ve made a good match.”
~~~
The wind was gentle; it swept the surrounding fields in soft waves, made the tree leaves rustle a delicate song. The sun, now higher in the sky, shone down brightly, evaporating dampness from grass and soil.
It was a glorious day, immensely beautiful-not that Laura could see it.
Wanting to hide her sorrow from the world, to be alone, she walked and walked, away from town, from everyone.
With no clear idea on where she was going, Laura simply put one foot in front of the other.
Her senses in a haze, she did not notice the farmers working their lands, did not hear the blue robins’ uplifting ‘chur-a-lee’ in the distance.
Numb to everything, Laura traversed the countryside aimlessly. Her feet carried her down the beaten road to a narrow, sinuous path bordering the old Haines place, further still to the grassy patches lining the riverbank.
Step after countless step, she wandered.
Open spaces gave way to sheltered groves where the sunlight filtered through the canopy, creating shimmering patterns.
It had been a long time since Laura had walked these parts. As a young woman, she often came here to hide away and read a good book.
Those had been innocent times, happy ones.
Such a stark contrast to the present.
Unable to go any further, Laura stopped and closed her eyes. It was all too much.
She had lost yet again, seemed destined to spend the rest of her days alone.
Hidden from prying eyes, Laura yielded to her sadness and allowed her tears to flow freely. Burying her face in her hands, she cried softly, her body shaking.
~~~
He’s gone…
“He’s truly gone,” she whispered.
Laura sat on the dry bark of a tree that had fallen on the edge of the river. It rested, partly un-rooted, with a section of its trunk hanging over the rippling surface. Her shawl, gloves, and boots discarded nearby, Laura stared ahead vacantly, her bare feet skimming the shallow water that flowed lazily below.
Though her tears had dried, Laura was just as devastated as she had been earlier, perhaps even more.
Reality had set in. She would never see Charles again. To go after him was impossible. Not only did she have responsibilities here, but she would never find him even if she tried.
It’s over.
It really was and it left a gaping wound in her soul.
Once more, Laura would have to pick up the pieces and keep going.
This is your life, Laura…
Get used to it.
Happily ever after-it was a ridiculous notion, one meant for fairytales. Perhaps some were lucky enough to be granted such a blessing, but not her.
Her mind swirling with ‘what ifs’, Laura experienced regret unlike ever before.
It’s too late now.
Lifting her gaze, Laura took in her surroundings, noted the changes that had occurred over the years. The grove had matured-new trees had grown, some of the older ones had died. Time, it seemed, had a hold on anything and everything.
Even the river had felt its effect, its winding path slightly different than she remembered.
Well, I’ll be.
Laura’s visual contemplation had resulted in discovery-a familiar sight that brought the faintest smile to her lips.
There, as tall as she remembered, stood two weathered trees. Entwined in an eternal embrace, they had survived through time and seasons, had weathered storms, droughts, and whatever else mother-nature had thrown at them.
Compelled to approach them, Laura slid from the trunk, her feet meeting the rounded pebbles of the riverbed. Lifting her pale blue skirt so as not to get it wet, she made her way out of the water and onto the grassy bank.
The two trees reminded her of a patriarch and matriarch, made wise by age, still going strong because they had one another to lean on.
Fingers grazing their scars, she could not help but envy them. While she could manage by herself, Laura wished she had someone to share her life with, someone that would stand by her and love her.
She had found that kind of love twice now. And twice, it had been taken away from her.
It was more than unfair and, in Laura’s opinion, undeserved.
Why had God given her such an ability to love if she was meant to spend the rest of her days alone?
Feeling a resurgence of tears, Laura turned her back to the old twosome, leaned against them, closed her eyes, and took a quivering breath.
She did not want to think anymore, did not want to feel what she was feeling.
Her senses as her escape, Laura inhaled deeply, took in the earthy scent infusing the air around her. She registered the roughness of the bark pressed against her back, the softness of the breeze that tickled her face, the lulling sound of the water that flowed by.
Wanting to forget, Laura went outside her heart and mind, kept focusing on those things around her. This eventually led to a desire to open her eyes once more.
When she did, a powerful feeling descended upon her-a heightened sense of awareness or intuition. Instinctively drawn to something in her peripheral vision, she slowly looked to her right.
What she saw, or rather who she saw, nearly caused her heart to burst out of her chest.
“Charles?”
...
He had waited and waited, but the train had failed to show. When told the delay would be a lengthy one, Charles had been unsure of where to go or what to do.
He had already said his goodbyes and, not feeling capable of handling a repeat, had decided to seek solitude.
The river hollows had beckoned him once more, had prompted him to seek the refuge they offered.
And now, here he stood, face to face with the one person he least expected to find here, the woman he would have given everything to see again.
Is this real?
The utterance of his name had been but a whisper on her lips. Her expression of amazement not at all what he had expected.
“I thought you left.” Laura finally said.
Her voice served to ground him, made him blink a few times. Without tearing his eyes from hers, Charles set his suitcase on the ground and replied. “Train didn’t show.”
One second passed by then another.
The silence was broken by what she said next-a revelation that nearly toppled him. “I’m glad.”
“You are?”
Her eyes brimming with unshed tears, Laura nodded, a joyous smile piercing through the overwhelming emotions coursing through her. She started walking toward him, her gait unhurried yet purposeful, stopping only when they stood at an arm’s length from one another.
Here they were, suspended in the space of time. Two people, hopeful gazes entwined as solidly as the wise, old trees standing nearby.
All hurt had vanished, replaced by the promise of a new beginning.
The beginning of what exactly, Charles did not know and did not dare to assume. It could be friendship, it could be something more.
Whatever it would be, he would accept gladly, grateful beyond measure to have this wonderful woman back in his life.
This dance would be hers to lead; she would determine what would happen next, would set the tone and pace of this new chapter.
Because no doubt about it, a page had been turned-this, the first paragraph in a story that had yet to be told.
Laura’s gaze swept his face; she perused his features from his eyes, to his mouth and back again. It was as if she too could not believe this unexpected meeting.
Perhaps fate had decided to intervene once more after all.
Had it not been for the train being delayed…
How they had gotten to this moment did not matter, not really. The important thing was this, them, and what would follow.
Spellbound, Charles stood unmoving, his eyes lost to hers. In them, he sought to divine her thoughts, the endeavour halted only by her next move.
A tear trickling down her cheek, Laura closed the distance between them. She snaked her arms around him, wound her fingers in his hair and buried her face in the crook of his neck.
It took a second or so for reality to sink in, but when it did, Charles felt peace and contentment unlike ever before. Closing his eyes, he enfolded her in his arms, held her tightly and revelled in the feel of her against him.
Ensconced in his embrace, Laura breathed the scent of him, felt his heart beating wildly, in tandem with hers, against her chest.
From heartbreak to utter joy, it was enough to break the fragile hold she had on her emotions.
A series of small tremors overtook her body, intensifying when she recognized the quivering quality of Charles’ breathing.
His hand spanned the expanse of her back in slow, soothing motions, radiating warmth through her clothing.
Completely and utterly lost to this most beautiful of moments, Laura whimpered softly, quietly, eliciting a caring response from Charles.
He shushed her gently, his breath feathery light against her hair.
Willing control over herself, Laura bit her lower lip, kept holding on to him. She never wanted to let go, wanted to feel the comfort of his love forever and always. “I’m sorry.”
Charles gently grasped Laura’s shoulders and eased her slightly back. Seeing her regretful expression, he reached for her chin, guiding her gaze to his. “Nothing to be sorry for.” he whispered as he cupped the side of her face.
Touched by his attentiveness and understanding, Laura brought her hand to cover his at her cheek. “What you said last night…” she trailed off and took a breath.
Finally, “I believe you.”
Three words, simple yet profound-Charles could not believe his ears, felt fortunate, blessed even, for hearing them. Hopeful yet wary of misinterpreting their meaning, he asked, “Now what?”
“We try this again.”
“This…” he echoed.
Laura recognized his question, sought to answer in the most transparent way possible.
She leaned forward, got up on her tiptoes, stopping just short of pressing her lips to his and looked in his eyes. This pause was not a hesitation but rather Laura’s way of conveying the certainty she felt.
Closing her eyes, she went the rest of the way, covered his mouth with hers in a kiss so profound and meaningful it nearly shattered them both.
Unlike their first kiss, this one was free of conflict. In simple terms, it felt right.
Bringing delicate hands on either side of his face, Laura poured everything she felt into this most intimate of expressions. His lips divine against hers, she could not get enough, kissed him again, and again.
What she gave, Charles returned as fervently, the side of his hand grazing her jaw, her neck. His fingers unhurriedly wound their way into the tendrils that framed her face, lingered there in feathery touches as silky strands glided between digits.
Laura’s little sighs were heavenly, made Charles feel like the luckiest man alive. To be free to hold her and kiss her-he had never felt as privileged. Ever respectful of the pace she set, he followed her lead, did not deepen the kiss until he felt her lips part in consent.
And even then, Charles did so gently, tentatively at first.
The hum he heard and felt reverberate against his mouth only added to the mounting passion between them. He held her tighter still, practically lifting her off her feet.
Sheltered in his arms, Laura felt the years of loneliness melt away, replaced by a feeling she had not known for years now-happiness, complete and absolute. Her heart soared and thrummed wildly in her chest, her insides awhirl with a yearning so intense as to overwhelm her.
Her mouth finally parting from his, Laura kept her eyes closed as she relived every blissful second of this life altering moment. A smile found its way onto her features, her gaze rising to meet his once more.
The expression on Charles’ face was one of amazement, as if he did not quite believe this latest twist of fate. He shook his head slowly from side to side, a small smile finding its way to his lips.
Reaching for her hand, he brought it up and deposited the most heartfelt of kisses on the inside of her wrist.
As he did this, Laura watched him, her lips upturned and her eyes bright with tears.
They laughed then, a quiet expression born of relief and elation.
Laura touched his face once more, captured his mouth in another kiss, as beautiful and memorable as the first.
Once it had ended, they held one another, oblivious to anything and everything except the two of them.
While this reunion seemed almost too good to be true, it was real. More than either of them could ask for, they basked in it, thankful for having been given this second chance.
“Laura?”
“Hmm?” she asked, her head nestled in the crook of his neck.
“How do you think your mother is going to take this?”
This question, though valid, brought forth laughter. “I hadn’t thought of that.”
“So we’re in trouble, aren’t we?”
Laura pulled back and looked at him. “I’d say we are,” Her eyes twinkling, she added, “But we can handle it. Don’t you think?”
Charles feigned careful reflection before his features transitioned into an easy smile. “Definitely.”
Humour lingered but eventually receded as their lips met yet again.
Beneath the shimmering radiance of the midday sun, Charles and Laura welcomed this new beginning, each looking forward to what the future had in store for them.
There would be twists and turns ahead, they knew. But at least they could look ahead with hope and optimism.
And how could they not?
They had one another to lean on after all.
This isn't the end, folks... chapter 9
Once again, thank you for reading. I really appreciate it.
Lata'