Touching Shadows

Epilogue

AUDREY

Before we lost phone service, Jemima sent me through a picture. I teared up, looking at the tiny little fingers and toes. Her 20 week ultrasound photo.

She and De'Laney had had some big hard discussions. He had walked out after she told him she was pregnant. She turned up on our doorstep again, absolutely devastated.

Later that night, De'Laney had knocked on the door, asking to see her. Bouquet of flowers in hand, a newly cut key, and a request that Jem move in with him. I thought she was all out of tears, but more kept coming. This time, it was from relief and pure happiness that she had finally found her match. Her love.

I showed Cohen, who was driving next to me.

"Look at little Bean! Those tiny little toes!"

He smiled, glancing at the photo I held up.

"Soccer players feet!"

I laughed and shook my head at him.

We pulled down a long dirt track, and Cohen expertly guided the car around the roots and pot holes.

"We're here, Red."

He slowed and parked the car, as I looked out the windscreen. The cabin stood there, patiently waiting for someone to unlock the front door and fill it with light and life.

I got out, and Cohen passed me the key, then started pulling out bags and boxes of supplies. Walking to the door, I paused and looked up. The treetops waved in the gentle breeze, a welcoming 'hello'. Taking a deep breath of fresh, clean air, I opened the lock and went inside to set about wiping the dust down and organising our things.

Cohen came and went, putting fishing rods on the front porch, food supplies on the kitchen bench, and our sheets and blankets next to the big, rustic four poster bed.

I heard the gentle lilt of his voice outside, and poked my head out to see who he was talking to. An old man with a long white beard, a chrcked shirt and a very well-loved hat was leaning against a tree.

Cohen saw me and beckoned me over.

"Red, come and meet my Dads' old friend, Bill. Bill, this is Audrey."

The old man looked down on me and held out a worn, calloused hand. I took it in mine and smiled. His eyes settled on the pendant that hung from my neck, and he turned to Cohen.

"So, she's the one...?"

I looked at them, one at a time. An unspoken understanding between them.

"Nice to meet you, Audrey. Consider yourself a wild woman?"

His eyes were bright and intelligent, and there was a hint of a smile in them.

"I guess I am, Bill. By no means an expert, but bare feet and wind in my hair makes me feel at home."

He nodded at me, then winked at Cohen. An approval?

"Better let you get back to it. I'll be seeing you around, Audrey. Bye, Junior."

He disappeared into the forest.

"What was that about?"

Cohen put his arm around my shoulder and we walked back inside.

"May have mentioned you last time I was out here, that's all."

He leaned down and kissed me.

"Now, before we go out to catch something for dinner, I think it's about time we tried out that bed. Just to make sure it passes the test. What do you think?"

I wrapped my arms around his neck in response, and he picked me up. Carrying me towards it his mouth hungrily devoured mine, his hands cupping my arse. He gently lay me down on the mattress.

"Cohen?"

"Yes, Red?"

He nuzzled my neck, and his hand snuck up my top to circle my nipple with his fingertips.

"Make love to me."

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Later that afternoon, we were out on the lake. The boat rocked gently in the breeze, and I sat with my back leaning against Cohens chest. The fishing rod was sitting against the side, the lure below the surface of the water. Sun warmed my arms, and I closed my eyes. This was heaven.

Cohen and I were here for three weeks. Three whole weeks of isolation, off grid and no distractions. The way we liked it best. It was reflective of how we got to know each other. How we fell in love.

When we got back to Heathmont, we would be packing up and moving into our new house together. A big kitchen, four bedrooms and a huge backyard was awaiting. But for now, I was going to enjoy the silence, the stillness and the strong arms around me.

Cohen tucked my hair behind my ear, and kissed slowly down my jaw to my neck.

"God, Cohen. I will never get enough of you doing that to me. Of you touching me. Of being in your arms."

He stopped and straightened, and I turned slightly to look at him.

"You sure?"

I grinned at him and nodded.

"Never been more sure of anything in my life."

He kissed me gently on the lips, then pulled back to study me.

"Me neither, Audrey Eloise Jeans."

Another kiss, more sure and full of unspoken promises.

Of adventure.
Of laughing hard.
Of fighting fierce.
And of love.

Of an entire lifetime of it.