The Mountain Between Us

Chapter 25.

"NO!" you screamed, leaping from Tilly's back and running towards the drop.

You were about to leap over the edge after him, uncaring for your own safety, when a strong pair of arms wrapped around your waist and restrained you. You fought desperately against them, tears streaming down your face as you struggled to see over the edge, your screams echoing in the valley.

"I'm sorry darlin', he's gone, I'm sorry" Clancy murmured, holding onto you tightly as your screams turned into great, heaving sobs.

Just like that, Tom was gone. You couldn't see through your tears, and even if you had been able to you wouldn't have seen anything more than the sheer mountain side, with its enormous blocks of granite and scrubby flora that clung to life. Worst of all, there were no calls of reassurance echoing up the mountain to comfort you that Tom was alive.

You collapsed, taking Clancy with you, sobbing dejectedly into his chest as you tried to comprehend that the love of your life had leapt to his death without a second hesitation. You didn't notice the men staring, Father's mouth hanging open like a broken gate. All you knew was that Tom was gone, and with him went all your hopes and dreams. 

As you sobbed, a different pair of arms encircled you, pulling you into their lap and rocking you back and forth, like you were a small child. Through the haze of your hysteria you realised it was Father. You didn't move away, instead clinging to him desperately.

"I'm sorry Claire. I wish...I wish I could do something" Father murmured softly, holding onto you a little bit tighter.

You didn't remember being put back on Tilly, or the solemn and subdued ride back to the station. All you could think about was how you wished you'd launched yourself off the mountain after him.

"Claire!" Aunt Rosemary gasped as you rode into the yard, her face white when she saw you.

You slid out of the saddle and into her arms, sobbing anew as you tried to tell her what had happened. You could hear Father speaking, but it wouldn't change the fact that Tom was gone.

"Come inside and we'll get you all cleaned up" she said, gently leading you towards the house.

You were almost inside when the crack of a stockwhip rang, loud and clear, followed by a collective gasp from the men.

The sun was setting the world around him ablaze as he guided the brumby herd the final leagues towards the station, Regard and Tessa leading the herd. Tom's mouth was set in a hard line, his brow furrowed as he singlehandedly drove the herd into the open pen, his sweat soaked shirt sticking to his body, revealing every taut muscle beneath. Tau was also drenched, covered in a thick white foam from neck to flank as he stubbornly trotted on, his legs shaking with every step, his fiery eyes bright in defiance of his exhaustion.

Your legs shook and you took off towards Tom, decorum and other ladylike behaviours forgotten. Tom dismounted Tau fluidly and caught you at the last second as you launched yourself at him, the two of you falling backwards into the dirt.

"How - are - you - still - alive?!"  you gasped between kisses, tears of joy flowing down your cheeks as you straddled him in front of everyone.

"Sorry for scaring you" he mumbled, words swallowed as you continued to kiss him.

"Why did you do it?! I swear, Tom, if you ever do that to me again, I'll find you and kill you with my bare hands!"

He chuckled. "I believe that" he replied, pushing you off him and standing, helping you up. His arm snaked around your waist and he smiled down at you, dirty, sweaty but beaming with pride. You didn't think you'd ever seen him so happy and you felt your heart swell with love for him. 

"Tom" 

It was Father. Your breath caught in your throat and you braced yourself for the worst. You felt Tom's arm clench around your waist tightly.

"A thousand pounds" Father said, holding out the roll of cash. Slowly, Tom reached out and took the money, putting it in his pocket without a second glance. Father had a strange look on his face, a look you'd seen maybe once before...

"I intend to marry your daughter, Sir. With or without your permission" Tom said, his voice steady despite how tightly he was holding onto you.

You realised you were holding your breath but you didn't dare release it.

"Well, fortunately for you...you have my permission...Sir" Father said quietly.

The breath whooshed out of you, and a massive grin spread across your face. You remembered now where you'd seen that expression on Father's face. It had been the other night when you'd held the gun to his throat, and the look was unmistakable pride.

You looked up at Tom and knew that everyone could now see what you saw in him. A proud, honest, hard-working man. Tom seemed to stand taller in the wake of Father's approval, a weight lifted from his shoulders. He looked back at you, his eyes burning, mouth turned up in a handsome smile. 

You reached up to cup his face and he leant down to attach his lips to yours, holding you close to him. You could feel his heart thudding steadily in his chest, beating in time with yours. You clutched him closer as you kissed him fiercely, the world glowing golden as you felt at peace for the first time in your life.

"I love you" Tom murmured as he pulled away, eyes boring into yours.

"I love you too...and I have a ring" you replied, pulling the simple silver band Aunt Rosemary had given you. "Spur made it for my Mother. Aunt Rosemary thought you could give it to me" you said softly, holding out the delicate ring. Tom took it in his dirty hands, holding it up for closer inspection. 

"Amor Vincit Omnia. Love conquers all" he said, reading the inscription aloud. His smile grew and he looked at you like he couldn't fathom how much he loved you. When he spoke again, his voice was soft and choked, and only you could hear it.

"It certainly does"