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“To Prairie Sky! May the future of this farm be bright, beautiful, full of love and incredible memories!”
“Cheers to Prairie Sky!” everyone shouted as they clinked their glasses in excitement.
“I think it's time to celebrate!” Hayden exclaimed, heading over to the dance floor and table he had set up with speakers. “Ms Lynette, let's see those moves!”
* * *
As the sun started to set, the fairy lights were turned on, shimmering over the celebration. Rock and country tunes, along with chatter and laughter filled the quiet spaces as the festivities continued. Ever stole a moment to walk down the long driveway as she watched the beautiful prairie sky spin with bands of pink, purple, yellow, and orange. Wrapping her arms around herself, she thought of all that she had experienced this summer. The mysteries, the discoveries, finding her mother, finding Ben. She couldn’t help but think about her father. This place she had once associated with so much disappointment and pain was now a place with so many unforgettable memories. Was her father guiding her? Bringing her back to her roots made her truly think about what she wanted for her life. Making her question her dreams and if she could have it all. Did he bring me to Ben? Hearing his footfalls behind her, Ben's familiar strong arms enfolded her. She leaned back and rested her head on his chest, letting out a shaky sigh.
“What are you thinking, sweetheart?” he whispered in her ear as they stared towards the dancing sky.
“I am just thinking how wonderful this summer has been and how grateful I am to have met you.”
“You make it sound like you will never see me again,” he commented, kissing her head affectionately.
“It feels like a goodbye to me.” Her voice cracking with emotion.
Ben turned her around and looked deep into her eyes, cupping her face gently in his large hands. His pools of blue held so much promise, love, and conviction in them.
“No, Ever, sweetheart, it's just a see you later. I promise we will see each other.”
Ever nodded, a tear escaping. Ben captured it with his thumb as he leaned down and brushed his lips against hers sweetly. Burying herself in his chest, she breathed in deeply, taking in the familiar scent of him, this man she had grown to love so much. This man she could not imagine living without. Knowing that although they were not yet saying goodbye, their goodbye felt inevitable.
* * *
After all the guests had left and the moon was high in the sky, Ben and Ever filled her car with the boxes of keepsakes and belongings she planned to take back with her to Toronto. Closing the trunk, they walked hand in hand together up the porch stairs.
“Can we just sit here for a moment?” Ever asked, feeling melancholy.
“Sure.”
They sat down on the top step of the stairs and Ben put his arm around Ever. She shivered, and he removed his jean jacket to wrap it around her shoulders. Grateful, Ever gave him an appreciative smile, feeling the burn of tears well in her eyes. Looking down at her hands, she tried to steady her emotions. Putting his hand out, Ben reached for her, and she intertwined her fingers with his. They fit so perfectly together, like her hand was meant to hold his. Looking out onto the yard of her childhood home, the fairy lights were still on and twinkling along with the stars in the prairie night sky. They sat there together in contemplative silence, so many words wanting to be said but left unspoken. Ben pulled her into his chest, his strong protective arms enrobing her in his warmth and protection. The feel of him, his steady heartbeat under her cheek, making her tears fall and a sob escape her throat. Ben’s breath hitched, and she knew he was trying to control his own emotions and be strong for her. Pulling her in tighter, he let her cry. No words of consolation, just his tender touch supporting her. When her tears subsided, he lifted her into his arms, and she melted into him. He carried her into the house and up the stairs to her bedroom for their last night together.
* * *
Ben’s heart ached in his chest as he set Ever down on the bed. He loved her with his whole being, and he wanted to show her what this glorious summer had meant to him. Express to her that there would never and could never be anyone else for him. He loved her with his entire mind, body and soul, and she needed to know. Even if it didn’t make a difference in her decision tomorrow, he needed to lay it all out for her.
He slowly removed his clothes, then sliding his jacket off her shoulders, he reached for the hem of her dress and drew it over her head. Unclasping her bra, she lay back on the bed, her hair cascading around her making his breath catch at the sight of her in the moonlight. So beautiful. Laying next to her, she turned to face him. Wishing he knew how to give voice to his feelings right now in this moment, neither spoke, just held each other’s gaze for what seemed like an eternity and yet like no time had passed at all. Beholden to this woman he loved so deeply, he reached up and smoothed down her hair, running his fingers through the stray tendrils next to her face. The gesture was so tender, her eyes filled with tears. Capturing her emotion, his lips met hers, a kiss so full of love and devotion, he thought his heart would burst. His kiss promised he was hers forever.
She kissed him back with reverence, not wanting to let him go. His hands roamed over her curves, caressing and touching all the places he had grown to know so well. His lips left hers as he dusted feathery kisses over her skin, wanting to taste her sweetness and sear it into his memory.
She reached for him, and he came over her his powerful body hovering over hers. His eyes met hers, glossy with tears, as she gave him a look of pure and honest love. A look he would never forget. His heart broke right then and there, and tears filled his eyes too. Swallowing their emotions, their lips met softly at first and as if a match was lit, the desire ignited in a tangle of emotion and passion. His tongue parting her lips, he slid his tongue against hers, telling her without words he was going to make love to her.
Wrapping her legs around him, she felt him enter her slowly, stretching her, until her heat fully surrounded him. Deep inside her body. Deep inside her heart. Deep inside her soul. They moved together in a steady rhythm as familiar to them now as breathing. Savouring every pang of pleasure their joining offered. Feeling themselves unravel beautifully together they let the wave of pleasure crash over them, drowning themselves in each other's love. Losing a part of themselves to each other as they crashed to the shore. Their souls bound forever.
* * *
Waking early before dawn had broken, Ever slipped out of bed quietly. Looking down at Ben, who was turned away snoring softly, she smiled sadly. Last night had been in one word; magical. She closed her eyes, envisioning the way he worshipped her body and how they came together so perfectly, their love making a tangle of raw emotion and exquisite passion. She loved Ben, no question, but she knew in the early hours of the morning as they lay together exhausted by their intense emotions, what she needed to do. The tears that flowed over the last few days, both in his arms and privately, made her heart ache unbearably. She could not do this. The pain of saying goodbye to Ben was more than she could bear, and she needed to go. His love and affection made her mind hazy. If she removed herself from him and returned to her life in the city, she could see clearer. Clarity would help her determine what was best for her and her life. Leaving now, without the long sorrowful goodbye would protect both their hearts. She knew it was for the best.
Quietly dressing and stuffing her clothes from last night into her last remaining bag. She tiptoed out of the room and made her way down the stairs, avoiding the spots on the steps she knew would creak under her weight. Entering the kitchen, she saw a bouquet of daisies sitting on the table from last night’s festivities, just like the one Ben brought her on their first date. She smiled a sorrowful smile, a raspy sigh escaping her throat. I hope he will understand, she thought, too many questions clouding her judgement. She needed to leave quickly before they overtook her. Looking at the envelope in her hands, she propped it against the vase where he was sure to find it. Making her way to the front door, she quieted for a moment, making sure Ben had not woken. The silence was deafening as hot tears pricked her eyes. With one last look at her childhood home, she left through the front door, not sure when or if she would return.
* * *
The next morning Ben woke to the familiar sound of birds chirping and rolled over, finding the bed next to him cold. He sat up and looked around the room, checking the clock. 7 a.m. Ever must be downstairs getting together the last of her things. He had slept so soundly after their love making, the memory of her soft body beneath him making his body and his heart flutter with anticipation of seeing her. He got out of bed, slipped on sleep pants, and padded down the stairs, calling her name. “Ever? Sweetheart? Where are you, baby?” Silence was the only reply.
His brow furrowed as he descended the stairs and into the kitchen. She was not there. His eyes caught sight of the daisies on the table and an envelope propped against the vase. As he approached the note, he noticed her endearment for him. “Bear” written on the front. Picking up the note, his stomach fell, and he rubbed his hand over his beard anxiously.
Bear,
