The Cuckoo's Song

Chapter Nineteen

Elli had promised Anna that she would give her and Abe the evening alone... unless it was really urgent. They had spent a wonderful afternoon together, Abe playing with her nonstop, even with his broken hand. Sam had apparently tripped, and Abe had tried to catch him. Anna wasn't convinced but said nothing more. Elli would surely question him about it as he put her to bed. Elli had insisted that she only needed Abe this evening; there was something important she needed to ask him, she insisted. They had left Anna waiting for him in the garden.

"There you are little lady," Abe said, tucking the blanket in around her as she nestled into her pillow. "All good?"

"Yes," she said, and he kissed her head lightly. "Can I ask you something?"

"Of course."

"When will you ask Anna to marry you?"

He laughed loudly as she stared at him for the answer. "Elli, do you ever not go a million miles a minute?"

"Please," she said, her whole face pulled into an adorably serious expression, "I just want to know!"

"Look," he levelled with her. "I don't know when I'll ask her. But I will ask her."

Her face lit up. "You promise?!"

"Cross my heart," he said. She shot up and hugged him quickly, Abe squeezing her back. "Now, y'all need to sleep."

"Goodnight," she said dreamily, giving him leave to go downstairs to Anna.

Abe walked past the drawing room where the others were spending their time. Hollywood caught his eye, raising his glass of whiskey to him and wiggling his eyebrows. Abe just glared at him and went to find Anna. She was sitting on the grass, her expression tranquil as she enjoyed the cooling breeze. The weather was beginning to hint towards summer, the air around them more temperate. She looked so beautiful. She was wearing a dress that exposed her shoulders, her dark hair bouncing freely. When she saw him, she smiled, pulling him down to sit beside her.

"Was she any trouble?" she asked.

"She never is," he smiled, tucking his arm around her. He lay back, taking her with him so that they could enjoy the outside huddled close together.

Anna adored the gardens of this house. They were immaculately kept and filled with such vibrant, beautiful colours. She stared up at the sky, enjoying the pinks and oranges of its hue. She loved being tucked into Abe in this way. He always felt so warm, her hands splayed across his chest.

He looked so handsome... she couldn't stop herself. Her foot rubbed below his knee, testing for his reaction. Abe pulled her in closer, kissing her head lightly. She ran her hand up his chest to cup his cheek, pulling him to kiss her properly. He did so, tenderly. But went no further.

Was he not understanding her?

Anna propped herself up on her elbow and looked down at him, his arm tucked behind his head, the other hand still stroking her back gently.

"Watcha looking at?" he asked with a smile.

"You," she said softly, which made his grin spread even more. "I've been thinking about you a lot, too."

"Well, that's mighty good to hear," he laughed.

Anna bent down close to him, her lips touching his ear ever so slightly. "About how much I want you," she whispered, kissing his ear lightly. She paused, feeling his grip on her tightening as his breathing grew heavier.

Abe turned to look at her, rolling onto his side as their eyes met. His were hungry, Anna gripping his shirt as his fingers wound into her hair and pulled her in. This kiss was deep and filled with wanting. His tongue searched hers, Anna rolling onto her back and pulling him with her so that his body covered hers. Her arms wound round his neck, her fingers tracing it softly. He felt so good, every part of her excited to feel him this close. When his hand ran up her thigh she moaned against his lips, her leg pinning him closer still.