Page 97 of The Unknown Birds

Rook took her hand and she nestled into his shoulder. “I wish this didn’t have to end.”

“The best part doesn’t have to, surely?”

She sighed deeply. “It will though. Real life always gets in the way.”

“This is real life. We only get the one, even if it feels like we’ve been granted two. Anyway, don’t worry about it,” he said, hefting to his feet and offering her a hand. “I’ve a spectacular afternoon planned for tomorrow. But to enjoy it properly you must get some sleep.”

“What if I don’t want to sleep?” she asked with a saucy pout as they made their way up the stairs.

Rook inhaled sharply. “Then I suppose it’s my duty to at least ensure you relax.”

“Your duty, Lance Corporal?”

“My solemn duty.”

And he turned out to be very good at making her relax.

Sleeping side by side or back to back with Rook, the familiar warmth and weight and scent of him brought Ash a peace and comfort she’d not known since leaving France. It was as though she truly slept for the first time in twenty years.

On Friday the cook fixed them a basket, and Rook led Ash to a wood on the edge of the property.

“I hope you’re leading me off to some magical fairy cave,” she teased.

“Something like that,” he replied.

Eventually the path opened into a tree-lined grove, absolutely carpeted from head to hilt with violet-colored bluebells, rolling waves of them as far as the eye could see. The little footpath was like a part down the middle of the ocean.

“Oh,” she breathed, taking in the sight.

“Good job it’s been such a cold summer. I can’t believe they’re still in bloom,” he said. “Better than a fairy cave?”

“Better than anything I’ve ever seen.”

“Stick with me, kid. Every day will be an adventure.”

“Do ladies like adventure?” she mimicked Captain Davies.

With a smirk Rook replied, “You tell me.”

They followed the path until it widened into a shady glade, and there they found a fallen log on which to perch for their picnic of cold chicken, savory cheese, fresh grapes, and creamy jam tarts.

“The cook has outdone herself.”

“Mmm,” Rook agreed. “She’s wasted on a bloke like Davies. He was never happier than with a tin of cold beans.”

“Maybe he was putting on a brave face for the men.”

“Can’t fake that kind of relish. He couldn’t get enough of the stuff.”

“I seem to recall you eating your fair share.”

“Well…” He sighed deeply. “It was war, after all.”

The mention of war brought her soberingly back. “I don’t think I can go through it all again.”

“You don’t know what you can do until you’ve done it, Ash.” He took her hand and added, “You won’t have to go it alone.”

She couldn’t bear to ruin their beautiful day with the clouds of tomorrow, so she smiled and kissed him until those clouds felt far away.