Arm in arm, they left the station a spring in their step lighthearted and free at last. Eilea breathed deeply filling her lungs with refreshing air and with unguarded enthusiasm, freedom and light. Poignant poetic heart-wrenchingly moving. It was a new beginning, a change for the better.
She turned and looked Paul in the eye. “New beginnings,” she with featherlight joy. Pulling him to a stop, she placed her hands on both sides of his face and kissed him tenderly, fervently, with a depth of emotion she’d refused to allow herself.
In doing so, she rocked him nearly off his feet. He stood stunned staring at her, a mixture of amazed delight in his eyes and on his face. Momentarily letting go of Christina’s hand he wrapped his arms tightly around Eilea. “Good things often arrive when least expected and in the most surprising of ways.”
Christina and Andrew shared knowing glances. Christina whispered, “They are both right, new beginnings, good things, surprising ways. It’s special, seeing mom happy, truly happy.”
“I know. Don’t think I’ve seen this degree of lighthearted happiness in her face in a long time. I know I fought it at first. Now I see it’s what she needs. ‘Sides, he’s a pretty good catch. He obviously cares. I was scared at first, afraid she’d be hurt. But he’s better than that. I’m glad he made it through the “clan plan”.”
“Yeah, he is,” Christina snorted, “He did, didn’t he?”
“So what’s next?” Christina asked loudly.
“Whatever we wish!”
“Well, we’ve taken in your place, why don’t you come to ours? We can do some hiking and show you what Hardy has to offer.”
Eilea seconded the emotion. “I think that’s a splendid idea. I have a few days holiday left and we can share our little corner of the world with you.”
They headed to Paul’s to pack and planned to be back in Hardy by nightfall. He was eager to see her nest, her home, everything about Eilea her surroundings and the family.
Covert Novelist 