Dave checked his watch and sure enough, it was still fairly early. He wondered what she could be wanting him to see in the almost dark of her garden. He went over to the corner where Molly had indicated he find some music and found a tall stand filled with music discs. He wondered what sort of things she liked to listen to and was surprised at the great variety. There was everything there from country to rock and opera and he was amazed. Most people he knew had one genre of music and seldom ventured to listen to artists outside that field. A small pile of empty cases beside the player indicated that it was full already, and he looked through to see what she had in there. Santana, Diana Krall's newest release, Ian Tyson, and someone named Josh Groban. He wasn't familiar with that name. The last was a collection of Gershwin...... one of his favorites, and he decided to leave the lot where they were. It was an interesting combination and not one that he might have thought would go together. He started the player and set it on scramble, and then went to join Molly in the kitchen.
She was just setting the mugs, a thermos, and a plate of cookies on a tray and smiled up at him as he came through the door. "What did you choose? No..... wait... don't tell me.... let it be a surprise. If you could just hold the door for me..." Dave went ahead and held the screen door while she came through and set the tray on the top step. She ran back inside and came out again in a moment with two cushions that she plopped down onto the second step and sitting on one, patted the other. Dave sat and Molly poured the mugs and handed him one. There must have been a speaker somewhere near or on the deck. He could hear the soft throaty voice of Diana Krall.
"Oh..... you left that one in." Molly laughed. "She's very good, isn't she."
"I left all the ones in you already had there. I don't think I've ever met anyone with such an extensive collection of different music."
"Well I don't watch a lot of TV. I'm pretty happy with my music and a book or some needlework." They sat quietly listening for a few minutes and munching on cookies.
"These are good. You'd think I'd had plenty at dinner time, but these are really good........hey! Look! There are fireflies in the garden." He heard Molly give a little giggle beside him. "Did you know they would be here?"
"Watch them for a minute and tell me what you see."

He did watch, and saw tiny greenish yellow lights flicker in the old apple tree and amongst the shrubs to the side of the garden. There was something odd, though and it took him a few minutes to figure out that they weren't actually moving about the garden as fireflies normally would. He looked over at Molly and found her laughing in delight. "They aren't moving. Are they really fireflies? "
"Nope. It's one of Grandpa's little garden tricks. He strung a bunch of really tiny lights and painted some of the bulbs black so they wouldn't show light. The others, he put an opaque wash on so they have the right color and then they look just like the real thing except they don't move unless the tree branch moves. Neat isn't it."

It was neat. A yard, already a special place in his mind, became even more so, and with the music in the background and Molly beside him, Dave couldn't for one moment imagine any place he'd rather be. The disc player had switched to Ian Tyson who was singing to a waltz beat and on impulse Dave got up and bowing to Molly he held out his hand. He was just a little surprised and a lot pleased when she laughed and taking his outstretched hand rose and stepped into his embrace as he danced her around the yard. He desparately hoped that the next few songs would be danceable. The ground was a little uneven and he was aware that he had to be careful not to step into the flower beds, but Molly in his arms was a delight.
The next few songs were danceable and Molly seemed quite content to stay where she was. He was dimly aware that even though they were farther from the house, the music was still clear, though not loud or intrusive. There must be speakers at this end as well. From the corner of his eye, he noticed a glow, and as the music ended, he turned to find that what he had thought was the end of the yard, was a narrow entrance to a tiny seating area, lit by softly glowing ground lamps. A bentwood bench was nestled into a overhead arbour, that had vines covering it. He could faintly hear the sounds of water falling and wondered what other secrets this amazing garden held.
" I hadn't noticed this little bit before." he said as he entered the small area. In the dim light, he could see a wall fountain shaped in a series of leaves falling from a branch. The water collected in a nest of twigs and was recycled back to the top of the branch. There was a wall of tall shrubs in front of the arbor that hid it from view from the main area of the garden. A tiny table next to the bench held a vase of flowers. "Every time I come here, there's something new and wonderful to discover. Did your Grandpa build this too?"
"He did start the alcove, but then got ill and I finished it off under his direction. He already had the arbor built, and then I saw a notice in the paper for a special interest class in building these branch benches and thought it might be nice to put one here in the arbor. It's a good place to read when it's sunny and hot and a good place to hide too. I miss him a lot sometimes and it helps to be here."
"This garden is the same sort of refuge for you as the mountain is for me, isn't it."
"Yes, I suppose it is. I added the little lights here and the fountain last year and if the mosquitoes aren't too bad it's nice and peaceful to just sit here in the evenings. Hang on a minute and I'll get that tray, and we can finish it off here where it's more comfortable."

Dave sat down on the bench to wait for Molly to come back with the tea things. He smiled as he heard her talking to Toby, who, from the sounds of things, was trying his best to get her to trip over him. Dancing with Molly had made him want very much to hold her closer and kiss her. He wanted to feel her soft lips under his and to know that she wanted him as much as he was wanting her. She seemed almost too good to be true. Smart, pretty and capable of building something beautiful. Not afraid to try something different. She was easy to talk to and comfortable to be around and ..... fragile. He had to remind himself not to push too hard but he wanted to feel her body against his and hear her calling his name in passion. He wanted to make love to her and the very thought made him hard with longing.

came back with Toby on her heels, to find Dave waiting for her on the bench, with one arm stretched along the back of it. While he had been dancing her around the yard, she had half expected him to kiss her, and had been a little disappointed when he had not. Was she being too distant? There was no getting around the fact that she was very attracted to the man, and then, just when she thought it would all be OK, she got scared again. Was he beginning to think of her as just a friend?
"Get a grip Molly." she thought furiously. "He's already told you how he feels. Just let it happen."

Setting the tray on the little table, she turned to find Toby making himself comfortable beside Dave and with a laugh gave him a shove over and sat down. She reached over and passed Dave the plate of cookies and a mug and trying to make it seem natural, leaned back and let her head rest on his arm. She could feel his warmth on the back of her neck and it sent a shiver over her. He slid his hand down around her shoulder.
"Are you cold Molly? We needn't stay out here."
"No.... no I'm fine." She smiled up at him and taking her courage in hand, said in a very small voice, "You're warm. It feels good being here with you."

He leaned across her and put the tea on the table,took her mug and put it there too, and with a gentle thumb under her chin, turned her face up to his. Very slowly he leaned forward, and kissed her forhead. His mouth felt hot on her skin. He kissed the tip of her nose and then after a long look lowered his mouth to hers, and Molly thought she was going to melt. One arm went up around his neck and she buried her hand in his hair, pulling him closer, and dimly heard him make a sound deep in his throat. She could feel his heart pounding against her breast, and his arm tightened around her. She felt Dave's tongue against her mouth and instinctively parted her lips and the kiss deepened as he tasted her mouth. Suddenly he pulled back and for a second Molly was all unbalanced, and had to grab his shirt and hang on. She gave a shakey laugh.
"Oh my. It's a good thing I'm sitting down. Your kisses seem to leave me a little weak in the knees."
"God, Molly. I want to kiss you all night. Actually I want to do a whole lot more than kiss you!"
"I know, Dave.......it's just..... I don't......I mean....." she trailed off miserably.
"Hush, Molly. Listen to me for a minute. I love you...... no don't say anything......just listen. I love you and I want to make love to you, but I promised I would not push you. I'm willing to be patient, but I do need to tell you how I feel. I want you to want me too, and I know you will. I'm going to kiss you one more time and then I'm going to go home. It's been an exquisite weekend and the next one will be interesting as well."

Molly closed her eyes in relief. She hadn't blown it after all. He loved her....his voice ran through her head over and over.......he loved her. She felt the tears start and forced them back, thankful that it was dark enough that he wouldn't see. She reached up and laid her hand against the side of his face feeling the roughness that he shaved off each day. She stood up, and he did too and took her in his arms. It was warm and safe there and as Molly raised her face for his kiss, he held the back of her head with one hand and with the other against her lower back,pressed her against his body. She could feel how much he wanted her, and she felt a shiver pass over her again. All thought left as he kissed her again, and then he broke the contact with her mouth.

"I have to go now Molly, or I'm going to break that promise. I will call you in the morning and wake you. I want to hear your voice all sleepy and sweet, and I'm going to kick myself for not being there to watch you wake up. I love you, and I thank you for tonight."
Molly walked with him to the house to retrieve his jacket and then to the front door. Part of her was screaming to make him stay and part of her was breathing a sigh of relief. How one person's feelings could be so confused, she had no idea. She watched as he walked down the path and paused at the front gate to turn and take a last long look. She leaned against the door jamb and wanted to call him back and just couldn't bring herself to do it. She watched his tail lights until they turned at the corner, and waited for just a moment longer.

Later in bed alone, she cried herself to sleep. Why couldn't she just let go of all the fear and let him make love to her. Her body wanted it.....wanted it badly, and she had an ache in her stomach that she knew deep in her heart, that he could mend. If she could just let go enough to let it happen life would be glorious. The last thing she remembered was Toby jumping up and sniffing at her face,trying in his cat way to comfort her.

did keep his promise to go home, but it seemed an age before he could fall asleep. He dreamed of the garden and Molly, and the little bench at the end of the garden turned into a plush bed where he carried her and made love to her. He woke at first light a little embarrassed to find that his dreams had been all too real and was glad he was alone. He called her as promised and her sleepy voice on the end of the line had him thinking of making love to her all over again. He grinned ruefully to himself and thought that he was acting very like a love struck teen with a first romance. Well.......when all was said and done, perhaps that wasn't so far from the truth......at least about the romance. This was certainly a different relationship than any he had had before. He couldn't actually remember another where he had beem as concerned about the girl's feelings over his own needs. He realized that what Molly had said about the anticipation of a thing being a turn on was true, but he was certain that the real thing would be even better.

The next two weeks were going to be extrememly busy if he was to get any of the sketches finished for the Gallery show, and he explained to Molly that he would probably not be able to see her until the weekend, when he would pick her up to go to the farm. He thought she sounded a little disappointed and thought that might not be a bad thing. Perhaps if she missed him enough........... He promised to call every day and Molly did say she had lots to do in the garden this week and would manage to keep pretty busy herself. He told her again that he loved her and hung up almost before she could say 'goodbye'.

He dropped into the Gallery later in the morning to see what Joey had in mind for the decorations and preparations for the Open House, and ended up staying most of the day. That set him back even farther, and when he did finally get home he couldn't seem to concentrate on the work to be done. It was terribly annoying and he made a pact with himself, that if he would concentrate on the sketches, he would allow himself to find an excuse to drop in and see Molly on Thursday evening. He had never before had this much trouble getting down to work and he was a little annoyed at himself. If this was what love was all about he had obviously never been in love. It was exhilarating, annoying and embarrassing.

On impulse, he called Jack, having no one else to ask advice from. Joey would just tease him unmercifully if he called him and that wasn't an option at this point. It turned out that Jack wasn't in, and when Elisabeth asked if he wanted the call returned he said it wasn't that important. She knew something was on his mind though, and eventually he ended up asking what she thought he should do. It was a measure of their friendship that he could even consider asking another woman for advice, and it was one of the reasons that he valued that friendship so much.
"Oh Dave. I can certainly tell you what I think, but it would be from a woman's perspective and I'm not sure that's what you need right now. Didn't you feel this way with Margret in the beginning?"
"Not that I can remember. Perhaps we were just too much in a hurry, or maybe I didn't consider her feelings. I don't know Beth.......I don't remember feeling this way with any of the women I've dated. It's a little confusing. Isn't the man supposed to be in charge in these situations?" God, he hoped he didn't sound as pathetic as he felt.
Elisabeth chuckled. "Well...... if a woman has any skill at all, she can generally let a man believe he is. I think maybe you've just reached an age where you may realize that something good is worth waiting for. Women these days don't much like to be pushed into something, especially if they've been on their own for awhile. Molly's a gentle person, Dave, but there's a core of steel in there. She's been on her own long enough to know herself pretty well I think. Hang on a moment." There was a pause on her end. "Here's Jack now, Dave. He'll have much better advice for you than I have. You take care now."
Dave could hear voices in the background and a moment later Jack came on the line."Hear you've got a problem with your little lady, Dave. What can I do for you?"
"I'm not sure it's a problem exactly. I think it's a case of just not understanding women as well as I thought I did."

It was Jack's turn to laugh. "When you get it figured out, Dave, you give me a call and fill me in. Sounds to me as though you're really in love for the first time. It's a little disconcerting isn't it? You figure by your age you've got things pretty much sorted out. Well..... if it's any comfort at all, I think you're doing the right thing. Don't rush a good thing and Molly will love you for it when she's ready to. Beth's been wonderful in teaching me about how a woman thinks, and believe me, it's generally a surprise. Men just assume the ladies think the same as we do and it's just about as different as you can imagine. I expect Molly will teach you a few things before she's through. Just go with the flow for the time being. I assume you are happy with her?"
"Gees Jack......she's the best thing that's ever happened to me.....and yes.....I love her.... and I've told her that I'll be patient. It's just harder than I thought it would be."
"In more cases than one I imagine." Jack laughed and Dave couldn't help laughing as well at the unintended pun."Have you met any of her family yet?"
"No...... as a matter of fact, we are going to her parents for dinner next Saturday. Molly's told me a bit about them, and they seem interesting. I expect I'll meet them all eventually. There are a couple of brothers and a sister, and their respective families. It sounds like quite a crowd. Oh.......by the way.....this is interesting. Do you remember my telling you about the cop that helped me out when I was a kid?"
"The one that got you out of trouble and started on serious art?"
"Yes..... it turns out that he was Molly's grandfather. How's that for a coincidence!!"
" Funny things happen in life, Dave. A good turn sometimes comes back again when you're least expecting it. You just hang in there and I'm sure things will be just fine. It won't hurt you to be patient for a bit. If I can be any help, just give me a call. We both quite liked your Molly and think she's worth waiting for. I was feeling pretty much the same way when I met Beth, and I thought I'd go nuts waiting for her to make up her mind. It was worth the wait, belive me. We've got our moments, but then everyone does, and if there's anough love it all works out in the end and things just keep getting better."
"Well.....thanks Jack. It's been a help. I sure appreciate your input." Dave hung up after a few minutes of small talk, feeling better than he had all day. He buckled down to some serious drawing for the next few hours and though he thought of Molly often, it didn't interfere with his work this time.

spent the next few days dividing her time between her job, the garden and the Horticultural Club. They were planning a garden tour later in the summer, and each garden on the tour had to be checked out and brochures drawn up so there was lots to keep her mind off Dave. At least there should have been, but Molly found her thoughts going back to the garden kisses time and again. Dave called her just as he had promised and she found herself waking just before the phone rang and then waiting in the evening for him to call again. It was a little annoying that she was acting like a school girl, but she was finding that she was missing him a whole lot more than she had anticipated. On Tuesday, she called her Mom to confirm dinner on Saturday, and to find out if she wanted her to bring anything.

"What sort of meal would your man want, Molly? "
"He'll eat anything Mam. He's not the least bit fussy and don't go to a lot of trouble on his account. Just be yourself and he'll love you to bits."
"Have you met any of his family, Lass?"
"No Mam......they're all gone. He was an only child and his parents died in an air crash when he was a kid. There was an elderly Uncle that took him in after that , but he died a few years ago."
"Oh my goodness..... the poor dear man. What does he do for a living then?" Molly could just picture her Mom getting all maternal and had to laugh.
"I think you'll like him, Mam. He's an artist. You've maybe seen a few of his things in the National Geographic that Da gets. Are you sure I can't bring anything?"
"No.... no, Lass. Just you come and bring himself and we'll make sure he feels right at home." Molly laughed to herself as she hung up. Mam would go out of her way to make sure "the poor dear man" had a wonderful meal. There was nothing she liked more than having another lost chick under her capable wing.

On Wednesday, she got together with Angela for lunch and filled her in on the past weekend, trying not to sound as though she was bragging. She did have to finally admit after some questioning on Angela's part that..... yes..... she was probably falling in love with Dave and that she was very happy that she had told him about Jeff and the baby and that it was all OK. Angela seemed relieved as well and they had a good afternoon shopping for new shoes for Ange and some garden things for herself.

On Thursday evening Molly took herself out to the garden to work on something that she had been putting off for too long. A couple of years before, she had sunk some cut off pails in to hold some grasses that tended to want to take over a very large area in a very short time. She's been gradually raising the soil level in the bed and now the pots were buried and the pesky grasses had escaped over the tops. The pails would have to come out and it was time to thin out that root ball in any case. It wasn't something that she was looking forward to doing , but the pails weren't about to pop out on their own any time soon. She was in a mood for some really hard work to take her mind off Dave, so with spade in hand, she had at it and after some digging and sweating,had them dragged out. Trying to get the root ball out was another matter, and by the time she had it done she was dirty and cross and had given the offending pails more than one kick.

A low flying robin took off across the yard with Toby in hot persuit and she turned to call him off, only to find Dave leaning on the garden gate with a big grin on his face. She wiped a strand of hair off her face leaving a smudge,and smiled over at him.
"Don't you look comfortable. How long have you been standing there?"
"Long enough to enjoy the view and learn that you've got a bit of a temper." He laughed. "I should have offered to help, but it looked as though you had things in control. I've brought you something." He opened the gate and bending down, picked up a pot with a wand of yellow orchids attached to a stake.
" Oh, Dave....... they're beautiful. I've never tried orchids before. Is there an instruction sheet with them? This is awfully nice of you." Should she tell him she'd been missing him? Maybe it would sound silly, but she had been."It's nice to see you too. I've been missing you." She could feel a blush starting and tried to ignore it.

caught sight of a pot of yellow orchids in the window of the florist on his way by, Thursday afternoon, and bought them for Molly. He didn't know if they were garden material or not, but it didn't matter. They reminded him of her and would be a good excuse to drop by. There was no answer at the front door when he knocked, and he was about to go home when he thought maybe she would be in the garden and walked down the back lane to see.
He caught sight of her digging furiously in one of the beds, and was about to call out when she bent over to haul something out of the ground. He sucked in his breath at the sight, and felt suddenly guilty, as though maybe he was doing something wrong by watching her. She was wearing a pair of gardening shorts, and he realized that he'd never seen her wearing anything other than a long skirt or jeans. She had very nice legs, and a very nice bottom and the whole thing was slightly erotic. He knew he should call to her but didn't,and felt a little like a 'peeping tom'. She was pulling out a pail that had been in the ground and as he watched, she struggled to get the large ,overgrown root ball out. He could hear her muttering to herself, and gave the pail a kick. So she did have a temper, after all. That was interesting.
A robin flew low, just missing his head and he caught sight of Toby tearing across the yard after it. Molly turned to call to see what the cat was after and stopped in surprise as she saw him there. She brushed her hand across her face leaving a streak of earth and he thought she looked charming. He wondered if she would be angry that he had been watching her and not offering to help,but instead she just laughed, and asked how long he had been watching. She seemed pleased with the pot of flowers, and as she took it he reached over and brushed the dirt from her face.
"I've been missing you too, Molly. Phone calls just don't seem to be cutting it."
"They do leave something to be desired. How are you coming along with your paintings? Do you have time for a tea? I'm certainly ready for a sit down."
"Well......maybe a quick one. I'm in the middle of two that need some work on them and I think maybe I can finish them tonight. I've got a few small sketches that I'm working on. I really hate painting here in town, but must, since the Open House is only a couple of weeks away, and there isn't enough time to travel back and forth."
"Good.......I'll put the kettle on to boil while I clean up." She looked at him over her shoulder as she washed her hands and filled the kettle."Why not just stay at the cabin for a week or so then?"
He moved over to the door and gazed out at the garden. It was the practical thing to do he knew, but he didn't want to be that far away from her. He wondered what her reaction would be if he told her that. Had her suggestion been prompted because she felt she was being rushed into the relationship?
"Is everything OK, Dave?"
"Yes..... It's just...... I miss you Molly. It's the pits, but I just can't seem to concentrate on the painting." She poured boiling water over the tea bags and handed him a mug, looking at him thoughtfully.
"I'm flattered more than I can tell you, Dave, but I thought this Open House was important."
"It is, but part of the problem is that I've grown used to doing the painting part at the cabin and not in town where there are so many distractions."
"So don't answer the phone or the door."
"It's not that...... it's your fault Molly."
"It is? How's that?"
"I want to be with you. This is so crazy..... I feel like an idiot confessing all this. I get started on something and before I know it I'm wondering what you're doing and you have no idea how many times I've wanted to just come over." opened the screen door and he followed her onto the deck, sitting beside her on the top step. She was flattered by what he said, but a little uncomfortable as well.
"I'm sorry,Dave. I don't quite know what to say. I don't suppose it would help if I confessed that I miss you as well. I guess that's one of the reasons I picked tonight to dig out those pails. Gets my mind off you for a bit, and rid of some energy."
"What's with the pails, anyway?"
"I plant that fancy grass in them because if it isn't contained, it tends to take over a garden. I just let the soil get too close to the top and the roots escaped over the edge."
"Oh." He heaved a sigh. "No wonder you love it here, Molly. You can hardly even hear the traffic from back here and can't see the neighbors."
She had a sudden thought, and wondered if she should ask, or if he'd think she was being silly. Well......no harm...... "How portable is your painting stuff? What about bringing it over in the morning, if the weather is nice, and setting it up here, or even in the greenhouse. I can open the flaps there and roll down the shades, and it may not get too hot. I have to put in a couple of hours in the Craft shop and then man the phones and reception desk at the Hort Club til one, so you'll have the peace and quiet to yourself. Toby can keep you company and I'll leave you a lunch in the fridge so you won't have to stop to get anything. Would that work at all?"

He was silent for so long that she began to think maybe it had been a mistake to make the suggestion. She glanced up to find him leaning back against the railing , looking at her. He reached over and cupping her face with one hand, ran his thumb over her lips. She felt goose bumps all over at his touch, and very slowly, not taking her eyes from his, she set her mug down and leaned forward into his arms. His hand brushed down to circle her waist,and pull her closer, grazing her breast on the way and she felt her nipple harden at his touch. The familiar ache was back in the pit of her stomach,and she wondered how it would be if she could just let go and let him love her. It would be so very easy to let this man into her life. Why did she have to be so afraid!
Trying not to think too much, she wrapped her arms around his neck and heard him groan as he bent his head to kiss her. His lips were soft on hers, but as she buried her hands in his hair, he shifted and tighted his hold on her waist, drawing her even closer. She could feel his tongue tasting her lips and she opened her mouth to him, and as he filled her mouth with his tongue, she felt the heat and tension pool in her body. Her mind might not be sure, but her body knew waht it wanted. The kiss went on and his mouth became harder and his tongue more insistent. Molly heard a buzzing in her ears and she felt as though she couldn't breath. His hand was on her leg, pulling it across his own and then stroking up the inside of her thigh. She froze when he moved it under the hem of her shorts.

had been waiting for Molly to do her frightened rabbit thing ,so wasn't too surprised when he felt her go still. He knew he'd been testing her out and he knew it was wrong and felt guilty. Lord, but she felt had good in his arms, though. He broke the kiss and looked down at her. Her eyes were closed, and he could feel her trembling and felt a protective urge that took him by surprise.
"Damn it, you idiot! She offers you the sanctuary of her garden to help you with the painting and you repay her like this." "God, Molly, I'm so sorry. There's no excuse for that other than I really wanted to hold you." He put his hands on her shoulders and turned her so she was resting against his chest, with her head under his chin. He wrapped his arms around her and waited to see if she would pull away, and was thankful when she didn't. He sat there in silence,looking out over the garden, not knowing if he should say anything. Molly spoke in a very low voice,.... something that he didn't catch.
"I'm sorry, Love. I didn't hear what you said."
"I said 'do you think there's something wrong with me'."
"Lord, Molly..... no..... why would I think that?"
He felt her shrug slightly. "I like your kisses. I love it when you hold me, and then just when everything seems wonderful, I feel like I can't breath or something. I know you wouldn't hurt me,Dave,so what's my problem?"
He had to think for a moment to make any sense of it himself. "How many men have you made love to, Molly?"
She didn't say anything and he thought she might not answer.... then..in a low voice.... "Three."
"And what happened to them?"
"Well..... there was Ted..... you know all about him. Then there was the guy after him who left when I told him I couldn't have kids, and one after that."
"What happened to him?" This time the silence was even longer. "Molly?"
Her voice was shaking when she finally answered "He left. He said I was just a tease. He said all I did was lead men on and not deliver. I tried, Dave. I really tried, and it was OK up to a point and then I'd get scared. Kids in school do that. I'm not a kid."
"No you aren't, Molly, you're definitely a woman, but these men haven't loved you, they've wanted you, and you've tried to live up to something that you aren't. Sex isn't the same for men and women. For men it's a physical thing and women need to be involved emotionally. Haven't you talked about this with anyone? Your Mom? Fiona?"
"No.....I'd have to tell them about Ted. I've talked to Ange, but she likes sex and thinks I'm weird. I read stuff and listen to talk shows, but that doesn't help much when I'm in the middle of something like tonight."
Dave couldn't help smiling. At least there was nothing wrong with her desire, it was just getting past the emotional thing. "Well.... I do love you , Molly, and we can work this out. I'm not about to give up on you. I'll admit that it's a bit of a strike at the old ego, but on the other hand, I'm glad you aren't the sort to jump into bed with just anybody. Listen..... let's not worry about it. I will take you up on your offer to paint here, and I'll bring some stuff over in the morning if it isn't raining. I don't think it's supposed to."
"We could try again if you want to. It would probably be alright if I can just get over that one bit."
"We could try again, and it would be alright, but that's not what I want. You'd be doing it for me and I want you to do it for you. Besides..... at some point I'd be making you go against your instincts, and no matter how you define it, that's rape. When you think in terms of 'probably' and 'alright' I know you aren't ready. I love that you'd do that for me, but I want you to want me. You'll know when it's time and then it won't be just alright, it'll be glorious." twisted in his arms and looked up."How did you get so smart about all this?"
"I'm not really....it's mostly just that I've been more or less on the outside and I've watched people. I've talked to Elisabeth some too. She and Jack helped me sort things out when I was having all the trouble with Margret. Beth's pretty smart about stuff like this."
"Well I'll have to thank her some time then." She tugged gently at Dave's arms and when he moved, she stood up. "I'll probably have left when you get here in the morning. I'll give you the key to the gate and the back door so you can get in." She paused, looking at him. "Thanks, Dave. It really helps that you are being so good about all this. It must be frustrating for you, and I'm really sorry to be like this. "
He stood up and reached over to touch her cheek. "It's the difference between loving you and just wanting sex.There is a huge difference between the two, you know. I may not be here when you get home..... out of the way of temptation and all that, so I'll leave the keys on the counter in the kitchen and ....... thanks for this ,Molly.
She smiled up at him, wondering if maybe......just maybe this time it was going to be alright. "Not 'alright'" she thought".......this time it was going to be glorious. Just ,please, let him hang in long enough." She walked with him to the front door, stopping on the way through the house for the keys. Toby followed along as usual, and Dave reached down to ruffle his fur as he left.
"Take care of my lady for me Toby. " He said goodbye and she watched him drive away again. She made herself pick up some needlework that she was doing and thought of the things Dave had told her. It did all make sense and she hoped desparately that she could get things sorted before long. She was pretty sure that she was falling in love with him and surely that would make things easier.
As she was getting into bed, the phone rang. "Hello, Sweet. I just wanted to tell you goodnight."
"You too Dave.And thanks again for being so understanding."
"I'll drop round for you about three on Saturday. Is that enough time do you think?"
She smiled. "Yes.....that's good. It's only about an hour's drive and it'll give me time to help Mom with the meal if she needs it, and to show you around. It's an interesting place."
"I'm looking forward to meeting your parents. See you then, Love. I'll call you tomorrow night. I love you." He hung up before she could say anything else. Molly looked at the reciever in her hand ruefully."I'm going to surprise the hell out of you one day." she thought."I wonder what you'll do when I say 'I love you, too.'" She lay awake for a time remembering the feel of Dave's arms around her and feeling curiously safe for the first time in a very long time. Toby came in and grunted as he jumped up on the bed. He wasted no time in curling into a ball and the last thing she heard before falling asleep, was his purr. was pleased when he woke in the morning to find it sunny and warm. He ate a quick breakfast, and wasted no time in gathering up the things he would need to finish off the two paintings. When he arrived at Molly's he was disappointed to find that she had, in fact, gone to work already. He felt slightly annoyed that she hadn't waited for him, but then again, she did say that she would be probably not be home. Still...... she might have waited.
He walked around to the gate, and opened it,and looked around the garden. It felt curiously empty without her pottering about in one or another of the beds. He walked to the end, and sat for just a moment on the little bench in the alcove, remembering the evening there. The sun hadn't quite reached this bit yet, and it was cool there. Movement in the kitchen window caught his eye and he chuckled to himself as he saw Toby opening and closing him mouth in meows that he could see and not hear. The big cat reached up a paw and scratched on the glass. Well..... so he wasn't alone after all. He gave himself a mental shake."You're just an idiot Dave. She's trusted you with her keys and her garden and offered you her brand of peace and quiet and you can't just be thankful. Get a move on and don't waste the day wishing."
He walked to the back door and opened it for the cat. "Stay out here for a minute Toby, while I get the painting stuff." It would be easier to bring it through the house than to cart everything around to the back gate. In a short time he had brought all the things through to the garden and looked around for the best place to set up. Maybe the green house would be best after all. He could use the potting benches to put the things on and if it wasn't too hot there it would keep any wind from blowing grit onto the wet canvas. Toby followed him back and forth and when he realized that Dave seemed to be planning to stay in the glass house, he took a run around the yard and then came and curled up on one of the benches in the sun. Molly had lowered the shades on the ceiling glass before she left and there were flaps in the roof that let out built up heat. It was pleasant there, and the light from windows on all sides was quite amazing. Perhaps this was something that he should think of for the cabin.

Some time later he stood back and looked at the painting critically. It felt finished. The scene was one of the pond below the cabin, with mule deer drinking at the edge and another just coming out of the trees. He'd taken the original photo one morning last fall, but had modified the actual scene so it looked as though the pond was a much smaller pool in a forest clearing. A shaft of sunlight through the trees made the water sparkle and the deer's reflections could be seen as they drank. If he touched it up any more it would be too much. Part of his success, was knowing when to stop, and for that he went on how it felt when he looked at a finished work.
Toby uncurled and after a long stretch, jumped down and headed for the house, and Dave realized that his stomach was growling, and followed him. Molly had said she'd leave lunch in the fridge and he wondered what he's find there. A note beside a plate of cold cuts, hard eggs, and sausage rolls, indicated that there were crusty rolls in the bread bin on the counter, and if Toby was making "give me food, I'm starving " sounds, there was a can on the next shelf, and he could put a small spoonfull in Toby's bowl. He boiled the kettle and took his lunch out to the deck. This yard was every bit as good for painting as the cabin was. The light was excellent, and there were few sounds from the street. On impulse, he went over to the green house and brought back a tablet of paper and some charcoal sticks. He made three quick sketches of the yard from different vantage points, thinking that he might do them up in a sort of collage for Molly as a gift.

Dave worked on the next painting for a couple of hours, hoping that Molly might come back before he was finished. From time to time he glanced at his watch, but when one o'clock came and went and he had done as much as he could, he thought perhaps it might be a good idea not to press his luck, and gathered up his things. He was disappointed that she hadn't come back, but perhaps she had been delayed at the Hort club. With the painting things stored back in the jeep, he made sure Toby was in the house, and that the gate and back door were locked. He left a note on the table thanking Molly for her offer, and saying that he had been pleased to get two done as well as some extra sketches,and that he would call her later in the evening. He let himself out the front, making sure the door locked behind him.

had in fact come back before Dave left, but when she saw his jeep parked in front of the house, had driven past without stopping. She was pleased that he had taken her up on her offer, and thought about going in, but if he was in the middle of a picture, she knew she would be a distraction. With nothing left to do, she took the opportunity to go to the bookstore and see if she could find the next book in the series she was reading, and in the end spent almost two hours happily browsing amongst the shelves. Dave had gone when she drove back again, and she was both disappointed and glad. She was always in such an emotional up heaval when she was near him, and knowing that she would be spending most of the day tomorrow in his company, she thought she could do with some quiet time today.
Toby met her at the door, and she heaved him into her arms. She could faintly smell Dave's cologne, and buried her face in the big cat's fur, sniffing until he squirmed to get down. In the kitchen, she found a note on the table and took it out to the deck to read.
"My Love...... thanks for today. The light here was amazing and I got two whole paintings finshed and several sketches as well. Toby is good company and ..yes... we did eat. Thanks for lunch as well. You're an angel. That greenhouse is just the thing, and I'm thinking seriously of building one at the cabin. Perhaps a project for us later in the summer. Excellent idea. So sorry that I couldn't wait til you got back, but the peace and quiet here gave me the inspiration I needed to get a lot done and I'm on a roll for today at least. I'll give you a call later in the evening to thank you properly. I love you...... very much...... Dave."

The note was surrounded in the margins with little line drawings of her garden and Toby asleep on one of the benches in the greenhouse. There were birds splashing in the bath, and at the bottom Dave himself busy in front of an easel, with his hair sticking up and drops of sweat flying everywhere. She laughed and a shiver of pleasure went through her. She read the note again, and suddenly realized that this wasn't just a note of thanks, it was a love note. She'd never received one of those before. She went inside and rummaged about in a closet until she found a small decoupaged box with a hinged lid and she read the note one more time, before folding it again and putting it in the box with a smile. The box found a new home on the little table beside the chair she used most often for her needlework.
She did a bit of weeding in the garden, and after dinner curled up with her new book. Dave called just before she went up to bed and thanked her again for the use of the garden and she thanked him for the note. Arrangements were made for him to come by for her by three the next day, and Molly tucked in and had the best night's sleep in ages.