And that was the fourth bolt of lightning. Molly was speechless. He was talking family. Oh, boy. She needed to think about that. She took a deep breath and a longer drink, the fire hot on her face, the Scotch burning her throat.
Unable to say anything, she simply offered her glass for a toast.
Molly was aroused when she got into bed and snuggled up tight to Bart’s body. He’d lost weight and was at least ten pounds lighter than before. She didn’t want to initiate sex, thinking that he needed more time, but when she brushed her arm over his privates, she felt his arousal. Okay, then. Maybe he was ready. She snuggled up tighter, and moved her hand below. Oh, boy. He was definitely ready.
Holding him in her hand, she said, “What do you think?”
“Let’s give it a try. I’ll let you do the work.”
She pulled back the covers and crawled between his legs, wrapping both hands around the shaft and putting the end in her mouth. His body responded immediately. He was aroused.She took her time, working until he was ready. She had a condom on standby, opening and rolling it on.
She crawled on top and pulled him inside. Holding steady, she leaned forward for a kiss that lasted a long time. At first, soft and warm, lips together, tender, sweet. Having him hard inside and gently kissing was perfection. She felt the warmth of the wood stove on her back, saw the flickering yellow light playing off the log walls, smelled the Jack Daniels on his breath, and felt him pulsing inside.
Looking down at her man, Molly was moved. She always loved having him inside, but this felt different. It wasn’t because it had been a few weeks, or that they were in Dark Harbor, or even because of the emotional trauma from his illness. She felt a warm contentment that was new. Before, there’d been issues. Unknowns. Questions about his commitment. Was it just a fling? When was he leaving? But, now, he’d done everything she’d asked. He shared his secrets. He invited her to Dark Hollow. He was preparing his home for her. He proposed that they spend forever together. He was negotiating a living arrangement. He was listening to her, while protecting his own values. That’s what committed couples did. They honored the other while working through their differences.
The kissing grew more intense, mouths opening, more moisture, more pressure, their mouths fitting perfectly, his tongue against hers. She was lightheaded, euphoric, the kissing heavenly. She felt so close to him like this. And, he wasn’t going away soon. He wanted to be with her. He was hard, and she felt him working his muscle. She pressed deeper so her pelvis was hard against his, her place getting perfect pressure. She wanted to talk.
“This is so beautiful. I know you don’t like to talk like this, but I do.”
He smiled, his blue eyes locked on hers.
“This is just the best. I love having you inside. I know you’re still recovering. Maybe we’ll just take it easy tonight.” She paused, the heat pulsing in her groin and up her neck into her face, her arousal intensifying, her emotions on the edge. She whispered, “Thank you for making your home welcoming for me.” No words, but he bobbed his eyebrows.
She put her hands on his shoulders and started a gentle riding motion, pulling up so just the end was barely in, then all the way down, and repeating. She’d had sex with a lot of men. But, she’d never made love like this. So tender, so beautiful. And that warmth deep inside. She worked slowly, her body now completely relaxed, the connection perfect, gradually increasing the speed, never taking her eyes off his. She needed to know he was comfortable. He was still weak from the sickness, but his erection was as powerful as ever. Maybe he’d liked watching her bathe and the after party.
Molly lost track of time--like reality had been suspended and she was floating on a cloud. He was inside, and she was riding him as gently as she could, and the end was approaching, but it felt more like a beginning. Was she really going to make love with this man for the rest of time? Had anything ever felt this good before? The end was near but she fought it off as long as she could until the first contraction caused her to sputter and gasp, and the natural forces took over, causing his release and their bodies to work in tandem. That’s what partners did: they worked in tandem, together, as one.
After, she left him inside, lying down on his body, her head against his shoulder. She needed that amazing connection. She felt the final pulses before finally pushing him out and sliding to his side, snuggling tight, her leg over his, her moist place against his thigh.
She didn’t remember him pulling the covers over or drifting into sleep. But when she woke in the morning, she was under the covers and tightly snugged into him.
That was how she wanted to wake up every morning.
Chapter 27
Several days passed. Bart got stronger each day. Molly was still cooking and chopping wood but Bart was on his feet, eating and doing chores. They’d fallen into a nice rhythm, and the negotiation was proceeding.
On Molly’s fourth morning, they sent the dogs to Silas with a long, handwritten note.
Dear Silas and Evelyn,
Bart was nonresponsive in his bed when I arrived. I put the IV in with an antibiotic, and eighteen hours later, he woke up. He’s gaining strength daily, and I’m confident he’s going to be okay.
Please convey my deepest appreciation to Reed and everyone for preparing me for this. I’ll tell you the full story when I get back. It’s been an adventure, to say the least, and I couldn’t have done it without the team.
Our best guess of the cause of his illness is a tick bite on his neck. He had a bite and a rash consistent with the photos in the manual. So my diagnosis is Lyme disease. Whatever the cause, his body has beat the fever, and he’s getting stronger by the day.
I’m going to stay five weeks until the end of October. Bart will return with me, and we’ll spend November at Summer’s End.
You might tell Betsy we could use a few more of those things she packed for us.
And maybe ask Becky to ride Ginger while I’m gone.
Betsy has complete authority to get what she can for the final two pups. Sorry to leave that to her. Inquiries are coming to my Summer’s End email. My password is MollyJoShadow!. Silas, could you ask Becky to periodically check my email?
Evelyn, I’m hoping you’ll be in charge while I’m gone. Thank you.
I still have big plans for the winter.
