Almost a Whisper

True feelings are said in almost a whisper…

It was dark out behind the bunkhouse where she sat looking up at the night sky. All was quiet around her except for the crickets chirping. A rabbit hopped near, suddenly stilled as she moved to watch it, then bounding away into the darkness.

Suddenly a noise behind her alerted her to his presence. Her heart began to race as he settled next to her. His hand reached out for hers, lacing his fingers through hers.

She leaned close, the scent of him filling her senses. He smelled or the outdoors, hay and horses with a hint of that soap Emma gave them to wash with. Smiling, she gently kissed his offered lips. Once, twice, three times.

“Mmmm, I didn’t think you were coming,” she whispered in his ear as he nuzzled her neck.

“Took forever for everyone to fall asleep…”

“I’ve been thinking of you all day,” she admitted, running her hands through his hair. It felt so soft and wonderful falling through her fingers.

Pulling her down to lay within the crook of his arm, he settled her head upon his shoulder. “You’re always on my mind. I can’t seem to get enough of you. I wish we didn’t have to hide our feelings any longer.”

“Me neither,” she replied, her hand resting upon his chest, reveling in the feel of his strong heart beating beneath it. “But we both know why…”

He laughed quietly. “For having been married six times, Teaspoon sure isn’t too insightful where you’re concerned.”

Giggling, she agreed. “Let’s be thankful for that!”

Hugging her close, he thought once again how lucky he was to have her love. He’d been alone for so long at times her being with him was like a dream.

It was no dream that shifted next to him so she could look up at his face in the moonlight. “I love you…” she whispered, her finger tracing the line of his jaw, then dropping to run along his open collar.

His eyes closed, losing himself in the feel of her touch. ‘Yes, he was a lucky man.’ Grabbing hold of her hand in his, he stilled her movement. Laying her on her back, he cushioned her head with his arm, cradling her in his hold.

“I love you too…” he murmured, kissing her deeply.