Zipping it closed behind us, I lay back to marvel at the sky.
A vibrant tapestry of colour is unfolding, now that it’s darker.
“Thank you Vonnie for choosing a tent with a see-through lining,” I smile.
What more could an almost-birthday boy wish for?
Galaxy views above, soft cosy sheets below.
And a handsome man for me to smooch.
I snuggle into his arms, kissing him softly on the cheek.
“To think we almost ended up in Longreach,” I sigh. “Imagine missing out onthis.”
“But we didn't,” he whispers. “You kept going, bub. I'msofucking proud of you.”
My fingers drift across warm ink-patterned skin.
“Might have chosen differently if you weren't there,” I admit.
“But I really wanted to share this with you. This part of me.”
We sink deeper into each other, my attention torn between two loves.
Amos and the heavens.
Our bodies weave together in this secret haven for two.
He holds me tight on a river bank where I once felt so alone.
Gentle fingers sweep back and forth along my wrist.
“Wish we could capture this moment and take it home with us,” I say.
“I know we have the lake, but this sky right here? It’s special to me.”
“Plenty of room in the truck,” he grins.
“And you would if you could,” I laugh. “My handsome star thief.”
We lay in silence for a moment, soaking it all in.
Then he rolls toward his satchel, returning with something in his hand.
“What are you...?”
“Hold still, my love.”
In the light of the glowing embers, he removes the cap from his pen.
Cradling my arm in one hand, he begins to draw.
His gaze moves from skin to sky.
From sky to skin.
With each stroke, a delicate replica of the Milky Way appears.
