1105 Yakima Street - Debbie Macomber [54]
“We’re on our way,” Larry said, glancing at her as he pulled out of the circular drive. “Finally.”
Shirley smiled at him.
“You’re a beautiful bride,” he said.
“And you’re an exceptionally handsome groom,” she returned. “Are you happy?”
“Very much so—and sad, too.”
“Sad? Why?” she asked.
“Because we have so little time.”
Shirley didn’t want to think about the future, other than this coming weekend. Somehow they’d make it through the next eleven weeks. Then, after Tanni left for college, they could live together in California.
“Have I ever told you how much I enjoy Leavenworth?” she asked. They often spoke for two and three hours at a time. Shirley supposed she must have mentioned her fondness for the town at some point.
“Not that I recall. I was only there once and liked it tremendously. It’s the first place I thought of for a honeymoon.”
Shirley nestled in the plush leather seat. She was exhausted and the warm air from the car’s heater made her feel sleepy.
“Go ahead and rest,” Larry said. “I plan on keeping you up for most of the night.”
Shirley sighed contentedly. “Then you should be aware that I plan on wearing you out.”
He chuckled. “We’ll just have to see about that.”
The next morning, Shirley had to admit they were both right. They’d arrived at the cabin around eleven the previous night. While Larry lit a fire and opened a bottle of champagne, she’d unpacked their suitcases and changed into her silk nightgown and robe.
He was a gentle, caring lover. Afterward, they slept for a while and then made love again. In the morning, Shirley woke to sunshine. She sat up and stretched contentedly before she snuggled against Larry’s side.
“Mmm.” He rolled over, throwing one arm around her. “I like waking up with you beside me.”
“Me, too,” she whispered. Tossing aside the covers a few minutes later, she shivered in the morning chill and hurriedly reached for her flimsy robe, although it offered little warmth.
The coffee was brewing by the time Larry joined her. He’d dressed and immediately set about building another fire.
Not until she’d poured them each a cup did Shirley look outside. “Larry!” she cried, pulling open the drapes. “It snowed.”
“We are in the mountains, love.”
“Yes, I know, but it’s still October, and I wasn’t expecting this. It’s so beautiful.”
“Yes, it is,” he said, coming to stand behind her, folding his arms around her. She loved being this close to her husband, loved feeling his embrace. All too soon she’d be back in the real world, alone once again.
They spent one glorious day together, riding snow-mobiles, laughing, enjoying each other’s company. Larry took her to a wonderful restaurant for dinner and they spent much of that night discovering each other in new and exciting ways. Then, early Sunday morning, Larry drove them back to Cedar Cove.
Since he had to return the rental car to the airport, he took her home first. When they got there, he carried her small suitcase into the house, then held her close. “I don’t want to leave you,” he whispered.
Shirley didn’t want him to go, either. In fact, she felt like weeping.
Larry hid his face in her hair. “The weeks will fly by,” he said.
“No, they won’t,” she protested. “Every minute’s going to seem like an hour.” She felt his smile against her skin when he kissed her neck.
“I agree,” he said. “I’m doing my best to think positive here. How about a little help?”
“I’m positive,” she muttered. “Positive I’m going to be lonely and miserable.”
He glanced at his watch. “I have to go.”
“I know.” If he got delayed in traffic or at the rental return, he’d miss his flight. Shirley dared not keep him there any longer.
They kissed one last time, and she walked him out to the car and waved, forcing herself to smile, refusing to send him off with tears in her eyes. Standing by the fence she waited until the