My lips tremble as she steps into the aisle of the church. Her leather coloured hair is sprinkled with tiny daisies and her ocean eyes glisten under the veil. Her lacy dress brushes her ankles with every step and her pink wattle bouquet is secure in her grasp.
She's so very perfect, walking down the aisle with the sun shining through the stain glass windows of the church.
She's so very perfect, racing the horse through the paddocks to the flowing creek.
She's so very perfect, when she sleeps beside me, softly breathing and quietly dreaming.
The war hasn't affected her like it has me. I wake with a start in cold sweats, screaming and gasping for air.
She wakes quietly, tears trickle down her cheeks and she huddles herself closer to me, hoping I'm something of a comfort.
It's tough, trying to make it through long days with limited sleep, but somehow the two of us are managing.
Elsie works in the hospital while I work on the station. Both of us like to keep busy, as it takes our minds off of the past.
Alice sprinkles rose petals in front of Elsie as she makes her way towards me.
Ned, Tom, Arthur and the boys of the 45th, all stand beside me, proud as punch, but longing for the beer that's awaiting them.
"You're one lucky bloke Clancy Taylor." Ned whispers in my ear. "We both are." His eyes are fixed on Kate's, the two of them haven't even been married a month yet.
Mr and Mrs Stockman's eyes follow Elsie from start to finish, analysing and studying every move she makes.
My mother and Mrs O'Dwyer weep in their seats, Elsie and I can't help but chuckle when we notice.
I take her soft hand in mine, bringing it to my lips and placing a small kiss on her dainty fingers. She blushes before turning to the priest.
-
And just like that, we're married.
Elsie O'Dwyer finally becomes Elsie Taylor and life seems more complete than its ever been.
"Speech!" Spud hollers as I rise to my feet.
Our guests are scattered throughout our shearing shed. An endless supply of beer and food is keeping them entertained.
"Alright, but it'll be short." I sigh.
"Short?" Pete scoffs, "get real Clan."
The crowd laughs.
"Righto, Elsie, my love. From what I recall you came into our lives before our Tom here, before Kate and Mary. You were there before we started school, before we grew up, before the echo of youth was smothering us. Before the war, before the nightmares. I've had the most perfect person in my life for as long as I can remember and all I want is to spend the rest of it with you. My sweet girl, I'm reminded right now of a moment we shared in the Casualty Clearing Station on Lemnos I believe. I'd just woken from my operation, delirious and in a lot of pain, I didn't know whether to scream or sleep, but either way I didn't dare move, because there you were, laying there, asleep. Our fingers were interlocked and your head rested against my shoulder. You didn't move for three hours, neither of us did, and I didn't mind. I loved watching you sleep so peacefully, with the knowledge that my heart beat was steadying yours. Before every battle, I would think of you and suddenly I was calm, collected. Thinking of you made it all okay my love, knowing I was coming home to you made it all worth it." I reach out and grip her hand, tears welling in our eyes.
"I've never loved someone as much as you Els. I've never wanted something as much as I wanted you and our future life. These moments are worth every hour spent waiting. I love you, with my whole heart I love you." I bend down and press my lips against hers, making the crowd cheer.
-
Her dress sits in a pool on the floor and I don't know where my suit jacket has gone. We're on the bed, closer than we've ever been before.
Elsie leans over me, her warm breath hits my cheeks. She traces my face with her thumb, running it across my jawline and then up to my lips before catching them with hers. Her hands cup my face as we kiss.
"I can't believe I've got you." She whispers, moving down to my chest.
My heart pounds as I flip her over and kiss her again. She sighs into the kiss, wrapping her straining fingers around my neck. Her hand scratch the tender skin of my back as pleasure consumes her.
"Clancy!" She breathes, burying her face into the crook of my neck and clenches her fists around the sheets.
I trail kisses down her neck and the valley of her breasts as we keep our slow rhythm. Perspiration trickles down her brow, our cheeks are flushed and her breathing is heavy. Her eyes glisten, she's so lost in absolute bliss. There is nothing as perfect as this. Nothing!
My hands grasp her hips and she gasps when I pull her closer. Her fingers touch each bullet hole in my back and shivers race down my spine.
The candle flickers beside us, and I can see every bit of her. My eyes are full of adoration and as she begins to lose control I hold her tight.
We collapse, breathless but so in love. She kisses my lips and she lingers there for a moment, remembering this moment forever.
"I love you." She mutters.
I tuck a piece of hair behind her ear and kiss her temple, "I love you more."
We fall silent, just enjoy each other's company, but thoughts swirl around my mind.
"Elsie I have a question."
"I know what you're going to ask, I thought you would sooner." She moves closer to me.
"If I didn't want to marry you, I wouldn't have. I didn't love Hamish, Clancy. I never did and although I mourned his death, I never, ever would have married him and to be honest I don't think he was going to marry me either. I spoke to Sara a few weeks ago and she was more effected by his death than us. You have to understand that I love you, I've loved you since we were small and I will always, always love you." She falls against my lips.
"Hamish has never had my heart."
"I love you Mrs Taylor."
"I love you Mr Taylor." She smiles.
YOU ARE READING
The Echo Of Youth
Исторические романы"I didn't realise that I could miss something as much as I miss my innocence." It's 1914, the world is at war, and it's unlike anything anyone has seen before. The men of cities and country towns are leaving for a cause much bigger than they realis...
