I woke up on Saturday morning with a leisurely stretch on the mattress. Warm sunlight poured in through the large windows as a soft breeze made the white curtains billow.
Spring was in the air as I looked outside, leaning up on my elbows to watch the sun reflect off the gentle waves that lapped up at the jagged rocks.
Faint notes of Jazz were drifting up into the bathroom, making me smile as I got out of bed. Gabe was an early riser, so it wasn't uncommon for him not to be in bed anymore. When I slipped into my robe I opened the door, welcoming the scent of fresh coffee and breakfast that greeted me.
Descending the stairs I had to smile as I watched Gabe swing a spatula by the stove, singing along to the throaty jazz vocalist.
"Good morning" I laughed, hugging him from behind.
Looking over his shoulder, he sent me a big goofy smile, "You're up. I'm sorry if I woke you" he said, looking slightly bashful as he sat the spatula down and turned around.
"You didn't wake me" I smiled, kissing him.
When he drew back he ran a hand through my unruly hair, his blue eyes shining in the bright light of the beautiful day.
"Did you sleep well?" he asked, reaching over and picking up a coffee mug for me.
Bobbing my head I slipped into one of the high chairs, cradling the cup between my hands, "I dream a lot more vividly here as I did my old house" I noted, watching him as he finished the pancakes.
The familiarity of the situation made my heart swell, the small smile staying on my lips as he settled across from me.
"I have an idea, in light of recent events" Gabe said, with a cheeky smile as we washed up the dishes.
"What's that" I said, drying off the plates and the frying pan that he gave me.
"I'm not telling you what it is, but you'll need sturdy shoes and a windbreaker"
Frowning slightly I looked up at him, "a windbreaker? Should I be worried?"
He pressed a kiss to my cheek and mounted the stairs, disappearing upstairs.
Grinning at his spontaneous nature, and good mood I followed him upstairs, picking out my hiking boots before getting ready.
*
Gabriel was cradling my hand in the pocket of his jacket as we walked towards the northern end of the shore path.
"It ends up there you know" I said, watching the end of the path approach.
He nodded his head, smiling down at me, "I know"
We walked the remaining distance, crossing the parking lot before we stood in front of a neat house that advertised whale watching out front. Confused, I looked up at Gabe. I'd been here with Michael many years ago, during one of our dates. It had been a lovely experience at the time, but this place had been overshadowed by our breakup ever since.
"C'mon we have to hurry a little. The boat is leaving soon" Gabe said, ushering me up the steps and into the house.
Ten minutes later we stood on the bobbing deck of one of the cruisers that would take us out to find whales, dolphins and puffins amongst other animals.
Finally Gabriel angled his body towards me, pulling me closer until my arms wrapped around his strong torso.
"The reason I brought you here is because you told me about this place. You said that you'd loved the experience, but Michael had ruined it for you. I thought, because of what happened last night, that it would be a good idea to retrace all the places you two had been to and create new memories. You know, as an ending to a chapter in your life" he said, looking slightly abashed as he revealed his intentions.
YOU ARE READING
Paper Hearts
Romance"You want to know what I think!" "Yes I want to know what you think!" I yelled back at him. "I think you're afraid of commitment, afraid that you'll get hurt! But damn it Marnie sometimes its worth the risk!" He shouted, raw emotion on his face...
