felt much better after a wash and clean clothes. While Dave went in to do the same, she rustled about and got together a meal from the perishable things they had not eaten for lunch. The things that would keep, she put on the shelves in the pantry. She spread the meal out on the table in a buffet style, not being sure what Dave would want. She found that she felt quite at home in this place, and hoped that he would ask her back again. She went back over the hike up the mountain and tried to decide which of the things he had shown her was her favorite. The eagles were special, but coming out onto the bare mountain top after the closeness of the path up was breathtaking. Dave had still not put in an appearance and she could hear noises coming from the little bathroom that sounded as though he might be awhile longer.
She hoped he wouldn't mind if she looked around outside and she did want to have a closer look at the little stream at the edge of the meadow. As she walked across the open stretch, she looked around for Max, and then remembered that Dave had said that he had gone off home. She wondered what Jack and Elisabeth would think of her. She wished she wasn't as shy at meeting new people, but if Dave said they were nice, then they must be. Max was certainly a well behaved dog, so must have a good trainer. She wondered if Elisabeth would be a friend. Dave hadn't said what sort of things she was interested in and Molly wondered what she would find to talk to her about. When she had asked what they were like, Dave had just smiled and said "You'll see."
She reached the bank of the stream and found the water deeper than she had thought it would be. She could see small fish swimming by and wondered what sort they were. She must remember to ask when she went back. There were two places that were shallower and she thought they had been dug out of the bank rather than the stream itself eroding the earth away. The water wasn't deep enough to swim and when she dipped a hand into the running stream she found it too cold. It would be refreshing to paddle after a climb, but swimming was definitely out. A noise behind her made her look up and she found Dave coming toward her across the meadow. She watched him walking towards her and her breath caught. He was such a good looking man and walked with an easy gait that she knew, now, came from his hikes in this wonderful place. He was wearing a pair of dark jeans and a loose, long sleeved,pale blue shirt that he had rolled up, bearing his arms almost to the elbows, and he looked like something out of a movie. She had a mental picture of him walking toward her without a shirt on at all, and felt herself go all hot at the thought. She wondered if the reality would be as good as the dream thought, and turned a little flustered to look down into the stream, hoping that he couldn't see the blush that she could feel.
finished changing and came out to find a meal set out on the table, but no sign of Molly. She hadn't been in the main room as he came through either and he was just about to call, when he saw her leaning on the bridge rail over the stream. The meal could wait for a while, and he went out to join her. She looked up as he approached he saw her watching him and a blush suddenly color her cheeks before she turned to look down into the water. He wondered what she had been thinking and almost asked, but she looked up and smiled and pointed to the stream.
"It's very cold. Do you ever swim here?"
"Not here, it's a bit too cold for me and too shallow, but there is a bit of a pond in the meadow below that is deep enough for a swim. Mostly the deer and other animals use it, but I have gone in on occasion. It's pretty cold as well since this stream empties into it, but it's manageable. Did you want to take a look?"
"Maybe not today. If it means I will be able to come back again, I'll be happy to leave it til the next visit."
He smiled at her "I'm glad you like it well enough to come again. It's a little out of the way and lonely, but I love it here. I just wish I could spend more time up here, but most of the time I need to be in town. I generally just come up to paint if I have some sketches done, or if the city starts closing in too much."
"Well.......it's a beautiful place. Let's go back and finish off that food. I'm not sure about going back down that road in the dark."
"You're right.......it's no picnic even knowing the way. With all the washouts, it's even rougher than normal, and I do want to stop in to see the neighbors before going back to the city."
As they ate the rest of the food and tidied up, Molly asked about the fish she had seen, and he told her about stocking the stream with brook trout a few years ago. Most of them had not survived, and he had widened the sides in a couple of places to give the remaining ones a place to spawn. He didn't fish for them, but just liked to see them swimming about. He suspected that the racoons and herons managed to catch a few. After the meal, they tidied up and made sure the water had been turned off before packing the bags and heading back to the jeep.
He manoevered it around, and a rough ride and a short time later, slowed down and turned into the next lane. Max must have heard the jeep coming, for he was there to meet them as they pulled up in front of the house. He ran around to Molly's door and Dave had to laugh. That dog had certainly switched loyalties in a hurry. He wondered what Jack and Elisabeth would think of Molly. Jack came from behind the house as they got out and held out a hand to Dave with a smile.
"Well it's about time we saw you again. Seems like a long time since you were up last. Is the road washed out much up your way? We had quite a bit of rain this spring and I had a few repairs to do here. Who do we have here?"
"Jack.....I'd like you to meet Molly. I've been showing her around up there and we've had a lovely day hiking with Max for company. Molly.......this is Jack Winston. Move over Max......let the lady through." He laughed as the big dog tried to greet everyone at once. "Where's Elisabeth? I got her note to drop in on the way back and didn't think to put in a reply until after Max had left."
"She heard the horn as you went by and just managed to get a note in herself before Max took off."
found her hand clasped in a hard grip as Jack Winston shook her hand. He was a big man with iron grey hair and the look of someone who spent a lot of time outdoors. He had a welcoming smile, and walked as though he was still on the parade square. He reminded her a little of her Grandfather, when he was younger and able to get out and walk a lot.
"I'm very pleased to meet you, Sir. Dave tells me that you train Seeing Eye dogs. That's quite an undertaking."
"Yep.........Max was my first and he was supposed to go to somebody in the "Seeing Eye" program, but I found at the end of the training that I couldn't part with him. It took a lot of talking, but I convinced the folks in charge that I could do a better job with the next ones if I had Max as a helper. It was purely selfish of course, but they let me do it. He reached down and ruffled the big dog's head and Max wagged his tail and looked pleased.
"So this young lad had been showing you his mountain, eh? If he took you to the top you'll be ready to get back to town I expect."
"No.....really...... I'm fine. The whole place is just incredible. I'm just hoping he'll let me come back again some time. Apparently there are places I haven't seen yet"
"Well....he'd better. Come in and meet Elisabeth. She'll be dying to meet a girl friend of Dave's."
Molly felt herself blushing and bent down to give Max a hug, trying not to look in Dave's direction. She heard Jack laugh and he said something to Dave that she didn't catch.
"Get on you old fool." She heard Dave say with a laugh. "Take us in to see Elisabeth and mind your own business."
Molly had a quick look about as Jack led them towards the house. It was a big log cabin style that looked comfortable and fit nicely into the surroundings. She could hear dogs barking from behind the house and wondered if they had interrupted a training session.
"I hope we haven't interrupted anything." she said to him.
"Not at all......the dogs know we have visitors. I can take you back to meet them later if you would like it." He held the door open for them to go in ahead of them. Molly hung back a bit and let Dave go in before her. She felt a little nervous at meeting Elisabeth. Dave spoke highly of her and what would he think if Elisabeth didn't like her?
"Go right into the livingroom, Folks. I'll just run up and get Beth." Jack ran up the wide stairs.
Dave led her through an arched doorway into a big room with wide windows on two sides. Molly's jaw dropped as she looked about. The walls were covered with all sorts of weavings and tapestries. Without thinking, she went over to have a closer look at some of them. The woven pictures were something out of fairy tales. Hanks of rovings caught up in beaded ropes and golden strands, framing a background of forest greens and browns woven into a pattern that reminded her of mosses amongst stones. There were smaller framed pieces of leaves and grasses. One held a single leaf that had nothing left of it but the webbing formed from the veins. This had been painted or sprayed with gold and was displayed alone on a dark green background. She reached out to gently run her finger over the leaves of a maple tree. They quivered in the light and she saw that each tiny leaf had been carefully cut from a piece of copper sheet and attached to the branches in such a way that any breeze from the windows would make them move. It was all so fascinating that she didn't hear Jack and Elisabeth come into the room, and it wasn't until Dave came over to take her arm that she realized that they were no longer alone.
She turned, still in a daze and found herself looking into the eyes of the most beautiful woman she had ever met. Her hair was snow white and was piled high on her head in loose curls and Molly thought her eyes might be navy blue. She had never met anyone with eyes that color before. She wore a denim jumper over a white turtle neck and there was a blue and green plaid throw across her lap. Belatedly, Molly noticed that the chair had wheels but that the woman was sitting in it as regally as though she were on a throne. Jack, stood behind her with one hand gently carressing her shoulder. She knew she was staring and felt herself go red. Elisabeth was laughing at something that Dave had said and holding out her hand to Molly in welcome. "I'm so pleased to meet you, my Dear. Welcome to our home."
"I'm so sorry......I didn't mean to stare......it's just........you're so beautiful. I've never met anyone with navy blue eyes before." It sounded as silly as she felt and it didn't help the embarrassment. "Gees.......Molly.......get a grip" she thought. She waved a hand at the walls."Did you do all this beautiful work? You've used natural dyes haven't you? I recognise some of the colors. How on earth do you get all the subtle shades?" She knew she was babbling, but Elisabeth seemed not to notice and grasping the wheels of her chair , rolled forward, leading Molly back towards the wonderful pictures on the walls.
"Yes......they are natural dyes. I got interested in dyes and textiles when I worked for the Shakspearian Festival in the city. We found that we weren't able to match up the modern dyes with the historic ones and ended up developing our own from plants and herbs. They are really much nicer and as you noticed, the shading can be quite subtle."
turned to Jack with a rueful grin. "Well I guess that's it for the girls for a bit. Molly's as passionate about her needle work as Elisabeth is about her craft and I imagine they'll just forget we're here for awhile." He had purposely not told Molly about Elisabeth's handicap and wondered if he was making a mistake, but seeing the two women together soon put his mind at ease. He had hoped they would be friends and was glad they had so much in common. He hadn't realized that Molly knew anything about dyes, and then thought that there was still a lot to learn, and that it would be a certain pleasure to discover new things about her.
Jack went over to the bar in the corner of the room and prepared a couple of drinks as Dave watched the two women deep in conversation on the other side of the room. How lucky he had been to go to the club that night. What would things have been like had he done the usual and stayed home. The days would have gone along as so many had, with work on his paintings and little joy and the knowledge that something was missing from his life and no way of fixing things. He looked over to find that Jack had been saying something and was obviously waiting for him to answer.
"Sorry, Jack.......I got lost there for a minute. I'm afraid I didn't hear you."
"Come on out to the porch where we can talk without disturbing the girls. I just asked where you managed to meet this gem." Jack laughed at him as he led the way to some comfortable chairs, and deposited the drinks on a small table between them. "You've pretty much been on your own since Margret left and we were beginning to give up on you. Beth's been worried that you'd never settle for anyone again."
Dave told him all about the night at the club and how he and Molly had slowly been getting to know each other over the spring. "I have to admit that I'm terrified that it's all a dream. It's a bit too perfect, if you know what I mean."
"I do understand how you feel. I am the same way with Beth. When we met it was like that and for the longest time I was afraid she'd see the light and wake up and wonder what on earth she was doing with an old fogey like me. It was the happiest day of my life when I finally got up enough nerve to ask her to be my wife and she actually said yes. I could have walked on clouds. Men aren't supposed to admit to things like that, I guess, but that's the way it is. We went through a rough time when she had her accident but we had a solid foundation and we adjusted. It was much harder for her than for me, though, because her whole life was turned upside down. I think it all goes along on a plan. We were older and didn't have to worry about children, and we were both ready for something more in depth than one night stands. I expect it is the same for you and Molly and I have to tell you that on first meeting, she passes with flying colors."
"Thanks, Jack. She's pretty special. I'm trying not to rush things too fast. I know she's been through a rough time of some sort, and I don't want to scare her off by moving into her life too soon. It's funny, but when I first met her I didn't think she was much to look at , but for some reason she just stayed in my mind and the more I get to know her the more beautiful she seems to get. Little things, you know, like the way the sun shines on her hair and makes it all copper and gold. And I never noticed her dimples until our first real date and then I almost made a jackass of myself because I couldn't stop staring at her mouth. It sounds pretty silly when you put it into words though."
Jack laughed and nodded. "Believe it or not, I felt that way about Beth and it just keeps getting better and better. After her accident, though, it took me a long time to persuade her that I wasn't going to run off. She was pretty down for months and then that job with the Festival came up and she rallied back and got interested in living again. Women are pretty tough when they need to be. Did you know that she can walk a few steps again? I'm not supposed to know about it. I think she's planning to surprise me, but I've caught her a couple of times standing out by the kennels and clinging onto the fencing for support."
"Wow, Jack. Wouldn't that be lovely!!" Dave was pleased for his friends. He knew that the months after Beth had fallen from her horse had been bad and had felt helpless to do anything.
"I came around the corner of the house and there she was with Max right behind her, and I almost called out. Something told me not to and I ducked back and watched her take two or three steps. I thought she was going to fall and just about went to her, but that dog pressed himself into the back of her legs and held her to the fence until she got turned and then she took the two steps back to the chair. I tell you, man. I had to go back into the house and get myself under control and when I went back out, I made some noise to let her know I was coming. When I got to the kennels, there she was feeding the dogs some treats as though nothing had happened. I never let her know I saw anything, but that woman has guts, and I'll keep the secret until she's ready to say something."
The converstion turned to how they were getting on with their respective careers, and they forgot about the girls for a bit. Dave couldn't help thinking as they looked out over the bit of town that you could see in the distance that he would love to be able to move here permanently. He wanted to make the move but not alone and it was way too early in the relationship to mention it to Molly yet. He knew that she was very happy in her little home and garden, and she had her job as well. She hadn't been in the house for very long and she was relishing her independence. He couldn't interrupt that and have her move all the way out here. It would be too isolated especially in the winter, and he couldn't ask that of her.
Also there were times when he would be away on trips. He did some freelance photography work for a couple of magazines that delt with travel and wildlife, and was away for a couple of weeks at a time. He could hardly expect Molly to stay here all by herself then and when he got right down to it, they had only known each other for a couple of months. Hardly long enough to ask someone to uproot their life just because he had discovered that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her. It hadn't been a conscious thought before the trip here, but after today, he knew. It felt as though he had found the missing bit and he was thankful that he at least had the brains to recognize it. Well......the one thing he did have on his side, was time. He didn't need to be in a hurry and he could take his time and let Molly get to know him properly. He just hoped he could be as patient as she deserved.
He glanced over at Jack and saw that he was just sitting there with his eyes closed. He wasn't sleep........just enjoying the peace and quiet. He chuckled, and Jack opened his eyes and smiled over at him. " A bit lost in thought there, old chap. I gave up on the conversation when you seemed so peoccupied. A lot to think about isn't there. Some big decisions to be made."
"You're certainly right about that. I expect you to keep me in line."
They were laughing when a noise at the doorway caught their attention and they looked up to find the women coming out to join them. Molly was walking beside Elisabeth's chair and they were still chatting away about their work.
"Are you going to stay long enough to go to the jamboree with us tonight? I didn't have enough time, before Max went tearing off ,to add that to the note." She stopped the chair beside him and looked over at Molly. "You'd really enjoy it, I think."
Molly looked a question at Dave. "It's a once a month town dance." he explained. "They have a very good local band that plays all the latest country music and some of their own as well, and during the intermission anyone who wants to, can get up and do a song or play something if they wish. Elisabeth's right........it's lots of fun. I don't know if I've tired you out with all that hiking today, though. You might prefer to go home." He really wanted her to say she would like to go. For one thing, it would mean that the day wasn't over and it would give him the chance he had been looking for to hold her in his arms without making it a big deal. He supposed that she knew how to dance, but in any case it didn't really matter if he could spend a few more hours with her. He would leave the decision up to Molly. It really had been a long day and if she wanted to go home, he would accept that with as much grace as he could.
To his delight, she said she would love to go if what she was wearing was appropriate.She was assured by all, that it was perfect, and while Jack and Elisabeth went in to get ready, Dave and Molly sat looking out over the trees and town far below and Dave thought that he hadn't had a day as perfect as this one since he couldn't remember when.
knew she was tired after the long day, but she wasn't ready to have it end. She had enjoyed the hike and meeting Jack and Elisabeth had been wonderful, but to have the day end with a dance and the possibility of dancing with Dave, was just too good to pass up. It would mean that she would be in his arms in a neutral situation. Every time he had taken her hand to help her over rough spots on the hike, she had wished that the path had been wide enough to allow them to walk side by side, but then she'd get nervous and be glad it wasn't.
She thought he was wonderful, but was still not sure about starting a new relationship with someone. He was also so darn good looking that she wasn't really sure why he wanted to spend time with her in the first place.He could have just about any girl he chose, and she was nothing special. Most of the time, when they were talking about something, she could forget how he looked and just concentrate on the converstaion, but then she'd catch herself really looking at him and her breath would catch in her throat and she's get all flustered again. She hoped that he had never noticed that he had that effect on her.
A dance, though, would be perfect. There would be lots of people around and it would be safe. They followed Jack and Elisabeth into town, and found a space to park and waited while Jack manoeuvered his van into a space not far away . As he sorted out Elisabeth's chair and helped her in, Molly tired to remember just when it was during the evening that she really became aware of the fact that Elisabeth was in a wheel chair. Oh, she had seen it right away, but the actual realization hadn't come until later in the conversation. She asked Dave about it on the way in and learned that Elisabeth had fallen from her horse on a ride in the mountains. It had been a long recovery and tough times for both of them, but they had adjusted and had grown closer. Dave told her what Jack had said about Elisabeth teaching herself to walk again, and Molly promised not to let the secret out.
They joined a group of people heading into the hall where the jamboree was being held, who greeted Jack, Elisabeth and Dave warmly, and Molly wondered if he often came to the dances. Dave introduced her and they said how glad they were to meet her and assured her that she would have a wonderful evening. Once inside, they hunted around for a table near the dance floor where Elisabeth would be able to see and Molly was completely astonished when a younger couple gave up their table and offered to move to one farther back. Elisabeth wouldn't hear of it and insisted that the couple join their group. Molly felt a moment of panic at the thought that she would have to make conversation with strangers, but the girl, Crystal, and her husband Mark, seemed very friendly. Dave, Mark and Jack went up to the bar to get drinks for everyone and Molly looked around. Many more people were coming in and she thought that the jamboree must be one of the main entertainments in the little town. Several people came over to speak to Elisabeth and she introduced Molly to them all. She'd never be able to keep all the names in mind, but everyone seemed so friendly that she began to forget that she was an outsider. The atmosphere was so different than the dances in the city, where no one knew anybody, and were just there for a moment of excitment in their lives. In contrast, this was a gathering of friends with much laughter and calling back and forth. She decided that she much prefered this than the dance the girls had dragged her to. On the other hand, if she hadn't gone, she would never have met Dave and that had certainly turned out to be a very wonderful thing.
She watched Dave as he made his way back to the table with the drinks and couldn't help a little smile, as she saw several girls greet him as he passed, and though he smiled at them he didn't stop to chat. He was easily one of the best looking men in the room and she thought how lucky she was to be here with him tonight.
saw Molly look over at him as he came back from the bar with their drinks and flashed her a smile. Some people called a greeting to him as he passed their tables, but other than a quick "hello" and a smile, he didn't stop to talk. She was settled in beside Elisabeth and Crystal and they were chatting to another lady he recognized as Mrs. Adamsen. He couldn't help thinking back to the nervous girl he had rescued at the singles dance in the city, and hoped that she would feel comfortable here. He had often attended the jamborees with Jack and Elisabeth and had always had a fun evening. Some of the local talent was quite amazing and he was looking forward to this dance especially, thanking whatever Gods had chosen this particular weekend for him to bring Molly to the cabin.
He set the drinks down and Molly smiled up at him as he sat down. He greeted Mrs Adamsen and looked around for her husband and waved a hand when he caught the elderly man's eye.
"I never thought to ask what you wanted to drink, Molly. I got us both a ginger ale for now, but we can get something different if you'd prefer."
"This is just fine, thanks, Dave." she said with a grin. "I've been meeting so many new people that I'm sure I won't be able to keep everyone's names straight."
He settled into the chair beside her just as the band stepped onto the small stage and the lights dimmed a bit. The lead singer took the mic and introduced the others and said that if no one objected they could get started with the fun. Everybody clapped, and for a short while, he just sat and enjoyed the music without trying to talk.
As the people started filling the floor, he wanted to ask Molly to dance and couldn't help remembering how frightened she became that night at the club when the man had come over to her table. He was trying to make up his mind what to do when Elisabeth jogged his arm and asked why he wasn't asking Molly to dance. He glanced over to find her smiling at him and when he stood and held out his hand, she jumped right up. On the floor, he had a moment of uncertainty. Maybe she couldn't even dance. He had never thought to ask, and he stood there a little awkwardly for a second.
"Umm...... do you know how to do the "two-step" by any chance?" There were several people in a loose circle to one side of the floor.
"It's been awhile, but I think I can pick it up fairly quickly. I went to line dancing classes for a bit and it's one of the ones they taught. I just haven't done it for a long time."
Dave led her over to the group and two of the couples made room for them with smiles of welcome. It didn't take them long to remember the steps and it helped that most of the people in the circle had obviously danced together for some time and he found that by watching the feet ahead, they could follow along easily. When the song ended, everyone stayed where they were, and almost immediately, the band stuck up another familiar tune. He was pleased to see that Molly seemed to be enjoying herself and didn't seem anxious to sit down. Dave rather hoped that they might play a slower song so that he could hold her a little closer, but didn't want to spoil the moment. Molly was light on her feet and after the initial hesitation picked up the steps quickly, so he gave over to the music and the feel of Molly on his arm and enjoyed the dancing.
had wondered if Dave was going to ask her to dance and was glad to catch Elisabeth giving his arm a nudge. She was a little worried that she would not be able to remember the steps to the country dances, since it had been a few years since she had taken lessons, but found that once they were on the floor, it all came back and it helped that the other couples knew them so well. She found to her delight that Dave was a very good dancer and she began to enjoy herself tremendously. After a few rather fast ones, she was wishing that the band would play something a little slower." It's only so I can catch my breath" she thought to herself, but knew it wasn't just that. She wondered what it would feel like to be in Dave's arms and feel his heart beating under her cheek. She glanced up at him to find him looking at her with a smile on his face and she smiled back and felt him give her hand an extra squeeze.
The music ended, but instead of going right into the next song, the leader called for their attention. "We've got a nice surprise for you tonight."he said. "Here's a young man visiting his grandparents for the weekend and he's agreed to do a couple of songs for us. He's just finished recording his first album and you folks are getting a sneak preview here tonight. Please join me in welcoming the next big country star....... give a big hand for our young friend......... Patrick Adamsen."
Molly looked across the room to the table where the Adamsens were sitting and saw them on their feet clapping hard. The dance floor was emptying and they rejoined Elisabeth and Jack at their table. Molly watched a boy take his place on the stage. He couldn't have been much older than thirteen or so, but he didn't seem at all nervous about being there in front of an audience. He carried his guitar as though it was an old friend and took his place in front of the mic with an assurance that told Molly he was used to being in the spotlight. He smiled out into the crowded room as the clapping slowly ended.
"Thanks a lot folks. It's always nice to come up here to be with Gran and Gramps and get out of the city for a bit. I'm happy to be able to join you tonight and I hope you'll like my music."
Molly was amazed as he began to sing one song after another.Some she recognized and some, he announced, were his own compositions. He had a wonderful voice for one so young and the town folk were obviously fond of him for the clapping went on and on after he had finished the last one. Some of the men were shaking Mr. Adamsen's hand and Mrs. Adamsen had a huge grin on her face. Young Patrick came over to join them and there were congratulations all around on his success and hopes for a long and prosperous career.
The band took to the stage once more and Molly and Dave danced to almost every song. She couldn't remember when she had had such a wonderful time and it seemed all too soon that she noticed that folk were making their farewells and leaving. She and Dave walked out with Elisabeth and Jack and waited while he arranged her in the van and they said their goodnights and how much they had enjoyed meeting each other and how looked forward to getting together again soon.
tucked Molly into the front seat of the jeep and walked slowly around to the driver's side. He didn't want the evening to end, even though it was after one in the morning. It had been the most perfect day he could remember having in a very long time and he wondered if he would be out of line suggesting that they go back to the cabin instead of home. He got in and rested his arms on the steering wheel and looked over at Molly. She was sitting with her head resting back against the seat with her eyes closed, and he could see a small smile on her face. He thought that she must be very tired after the climb to the top of the mountain and then the dance. Maybe it would be too much to ask of her, but nothing ventured and nothing gained and she could always say no.
"I was just wondering ........ well........ whether you might prefer to go back to the cabin instead of driving back to the city." he didn't look at her as he waited for her reply and when it didn't come he glanced over. He saw that she was looking at him but wasn't smiling and wondered if he had blown a perfect day after all, and gave himself a mental kick. "Oh nice going idiot. Now you've ruined everything." he thought furiously. "Gees, Dave, give the girl a little room! She means more to you than a one night stand and that's what she's going to think you're up to."
"Sorry, Molly. I shouldn't have asked that. It's just.........well.......it's been such a wonderful day I hate to have it end." he trailed off lamely and felt foolish. It had been a long time since he had felt that way around a girl and decided he'd better keep his mouth shut before he made things worse. This girl was different than ones he had known and he realized he didn't want to do anything that would make her not want to see him again.
looked over at Dave and thought about how she would answer. She was very tired now that the evening was at an end but she didn't really want it to be over either. On the other hand, what was he really asking her. Did he expect her to sleep with him? She knew she wasn't ready for that, even though it was a warming sort of thought. If she went back to the cabin would he think she was one of those girls who hopped into bed with anyone after a date or two? If she didn't go back would he think she hadn't had a good time? Or that she didn't like him? She maybe liked him a little too much, but going back to the cabin tonight probably wasn't a good idea. He was waiting for an answer and she took a deep breath . Better to be honest about her feelings and live with the consequences.
"The thing is, Dave, one part of me wants to go back to the cabin and one part of me wants to go home. It's been such a perfect day and I don't want it to end either, but to be honest, I think it would be better if I went home. I'm not sure if you'll understand this, but I want to wake up in the morning and be able to think about today and know that it was perfect. I want to look forward to being with you again with things still to be learned and I don't want to be this tired the first time we spend a night together. I guess I want to spread all the good things over some time and not lump them all into one day. I don't know if this is making any sense to you, but sometimes the anticiption of something I look forward to sort of adds to the getting. Do you have any idea what I am trying to say?"
She was very relieved to see him smile at her after a moment and he reached over and gave her hands a squeeze where they rested, gripped together in her lap. He started the engine and manoevered it out of the parking space and onto the road, turning back toward the city without saying anything, and Molly began to think that he might be upset with her after all because she had wanted to go home.
"You're right, Molly." he said at last when they were under way. "I was scared there for a minute that I'd pushed you too fast. What you say makes perfect sense and I've got to say I'm a little relieved that you decided for going home, and a little disappointed as well. I'm tired too and as you say..... it gives us something to look forward to.As long as I can call you tomorrow I'll be happy."
For the rest of the trip back to the city, they discussed the things they had done and how much Molly had enjoyed meeting Jack and Elisabeth and the things that Dave had in mind to improve things at the cabin, though she assured him that it was pretty perfect as it was. Molly had been afraid she would fall asleep on the way and was surprised that it seemed like no time before Dave was pulling up at her door. They both got out and Dave helped her unload the picnic hamper and her bag from the jeep and carry it to the house. They could hear Toby on the other side of the door wailing about how awful Molly had been to leave him alone all day and they laughed as he streaked past them when the door opened. Molly dumped her bag onto the kitchen table and told Dave to just leave the hamper there as well and she would clean it all out when she got up.
She walked to the door with him saying how much she had enjoyed the whole day and that she'd better go out and see if Toby was lurking nearby and ready to come back inside. As soon as she opened the door, Toby came tearing in past her feet, and as she stepped aside to avoid treading on the cat, she bumped into Dave who put out an arm to steady her and before she could really think about it, she found herself in his arms. She looked up into his eyes and her breath caught as he slowly bent his head to kiss her, and she did not pull away.
hadn't intended to kiss Molly and had just followed her to the door to help her look for Toby. He had had a few moments of pique, after the dance, when she had opted to come home instead of going back to the cabin, but he knew she was right and that they did, in fact, have time to take things slowly and savour the growing awareness of each other. He had decided that he would just help her in with her things and wish her a "good night" and go home himself. When Molly turned suddenly in front of him to avoid the cat, he instinctively reached out to prevent her from tripping and she ended up in his arms. He looked down at her sweet face and without thinking too much about, it he bent and kissed her lips very gently , only vaguely aware that after a moment, she was returning the kiss.
He could feel his own heart hammering and as he tightened the embrace with one arm and with his other hand buried in her hair,cupping the back of her head, he felt her hands gripping his shirt front, as she leaned into him. "Oh, Lord" he thought, someplace in the back of his mind, "this is even better than I thought it would be." He ran his hand through her soft hair, and felt it warm and alive against his palm, and with a shiver running through him, raised his mouth from hers. She turned her face resting a cheek on his chest and he rested his chin on the top of her head. Her hands were still gripping his shirt and he wondered what she was thinking. The silence stretched out and he wondered if he should say anything........ whether he should apologize.....or just let her be the first to speak. She just stood there quietly until he couldn't stand it any longer.
"Molly ???"
"Mmmmmm????"
"Molly...... I'm sorry.......I hadn't intended that to happen."
felt a little numb. She knew she had a death grip on Dave's shirt and thought that if she let go she's probably fall down, since her knees didn't seem to be working all that well. She felt Dave's hand stroking her hair and she knew he was saying something but she was more interested in remembering the kiss. She thought that it was a very long time since a kiss had made her feel this way and she was a little sorry that it had ended. He was still holding her close, and stroking her hair and it felt wonderful, and she wasn't at all sure she wanted it to end. She wondered if he was remembering her little speech in the car about taking things slowly and felt foolish. She was a little afraid to look at him and kept her face against his chest listening to his heart beating in her ear and wondered if he could feel hers. He seemed to be breathing a little fast and she wondered if the kiss had had the same effect on him as it had on herself.
He was saying he was sorry but she didn't think he sounded particularly sorry at all and smiled a little. "Don't apologize, Dave. I'm not a bit sorry and it's the perfect ending to a perfect day." He loosened his grip a little and she looked up into his face and smiled. "Sometimes it's better if it isn't planned and that was amazing. I think I can stand on my own now though." She laughed a bit and reaching up with one hand laid it against the side of his face. "I suppose you'll think the little speech after the dance was all twaddle."
"No Molly........it's the way you feel and you're right. We aren't teenagers who have to experience every little thing all at once. You're also right about anticipation.......... I'm certainly going to be looking forward to the next time I can hold you like this."
At that moment a loud, drawn-out and very indignant yowl startled her and they both jumped a bit. She looked around to find Toby staring pointedly at his very empty food bowl and couldn't help laughing . "Well.......that brings us back to reality in a hurry. The poor thing must think he's going to starve to death."
"And I'd better go, Molly, though I truly hate to leave you."
"That's sweet, Dave and this has been the best day I can ever remember. Thankyou so very much for showing me your world."
"I'll call you tomorrow, Molly. "
"Look........if you haven't any other plans, why not come over tomorrow.......or rather.......tonight ......... and let me cook you dinner. That is if you want to........ I mean...... "
"I'd love it. I'll see you then."
She walked him to the edge of the verandah, and when she had watched the lights of the jeep turn the corner, she went back in to feed Toby. This had been the best of days and it looked as though tomorrow was going to be just as wonderful. Her last thought as she fell asleep was "Please let this go on for a long time. Please don't let it be too good to be true."
