Harkett's Haven (23 page)

‘I’m scared that thi
s will all be taken away. I’m scared Eric...because I’m....I’m falling in love with you.’

He pulled her into his arms and
lifter her onto his knees, burying his head into her neck.

‘To hear you say that Rache
l.........’

He held her tight and then whispered,

‘I’ll do whatever it takes to keep you safe.’

He lifted her into bed and held her in his arms, warm under the blankets and crisp cotton sheets. He kissed her and murmured his love for her before they fell asleep together and
at last, Rachel felt truly happy, truly at peace.

She
woke the next morning with the sun streaming in through the windows and for a moment wondered where she was.

Eric lay sle
eping next to her, peaceful. She watched him silently for a moment, taking in the contours of his face, his dark lashes and curled black hair. The sheets were turned down to his waist and his chest and arms were muscled and strong, his skin creamy and perfect. She shivered involuntarily, resisting her desire to run a finger down his body.

She took a bathrobe and went to the window. The day was clear and bright, the air clear
and crisp. Early morning dew was sparkling on the grass, burning off in the warm morning sunshine. The cliffs that had loomed darkly over the house yesterday were full of life, seabirds whirling on the eddies that rose from the sea. Clumps of red and white sea campions decorated the sheer rock face.

A small knock on the door made Rachel
jump. The door opened a crack and Esme stood there shyly edging into the room.

Rachel motioned for her to come in, smiling at her. She ran into Rachel’s arms and hugged her.

‘I wondered if it was all a dream. I’m so glad you’re here,’ she whispered

She glanced at her Dad still lying sleeping soundly on the bed.

‘It feels like we’re a proper family again.’

Rachel held her close to her, feeling tears well in her eyes.
Esme was right; this felt right, so right. And together they all gelled, all fitted together.

She bent and kissed
Esme’s forehead.

‘I don’t
know about you but I’m ready for breakfast. How about we go and check out what’s in the cupboards? We’ll leave your Dad to sleep.’

Esme
nodded and holding each other’s hands they quietly tiptoed out of the door.

They couldn’t help giggling as they made their way down to the kitchen, the pleasure of being in the beautiful house and in Nova Scotia making them feel like today was the first day of a particularly wonderful holiday.

When they reached the kitchen, Rachel noticed that the dishes they had left out had been cleared and everything was once again sparking.

‘I think that fairies have been working their magic again
Esme.’

Agnes walked in, surprising all of them.

‘Oh I’m sorry. I didn’t expect you to be up yet Miss Christensen.’

‘Please call me Rachel, Agnes.’

Agnes smiled at her and seemed to visibly relax.

‘
Well........ Rachel. Now what can I get you ladies for breakfast?’

‘
Please don’t worry about us Agnes, we thought we’d take a look in the cupboards and fridge....see what takes our fancy.’

‘Of course you’re very welcome but can I suggest that I run up a batch
of pancakes, bacon and syrup. My pancakes are something of a legend in these parts.’

Rachel grinned
, ‘That would be wonderful. How about you Esme? Does that sound good to you?’

Esme
nodded enthusiastically.

The elderly lady beamed her pleasure.

‘You two just go through to the living room, make yourself comfortable and I’ll give you a shout when it’s ready.’

‘Thanks Agnes. Thanks.’

Taking
Esme’s hand, Rachel made her way through to the living area. The sun flooded through the glass lighting every corner of the room. Light reflected off the ocean and danced around the room. The view was dazzling. A yacht cruised slowly past the house and Rachel went to the telescope and focussed on the boat. From here she could read the name of the boat – ‘Morning Star’.

‘
Esme. Come and have a look at this view.’

She helped her adjust the instrument and showed her how to focus.
Esme was entranced, delighting in watching the elderly man on the boat fill a mug from his flask as he sat at the boat’s wheel.

Rachel jumped when she felt arms snake round her waist from behind.

She turned quickly and Eric kissed her.

‘Good morning
beautiful.’

‘Dad!’
Esme left the telescope and hugged her father.

Eric lifted
Esme off her feet and swung her round, much to the delight of the little girl, who laughed in delight.

‘Would I be right in thinking that Agnes is making pancakes?’

‘How did you know Dad?’

‘Apart from the wonderful smell, she used to do that as a treat when I used to come here as a child. Her pancakes are legendary.’

Rachel laughed, ‘So I’ve heard!’

‘Come to the kitchen. They must be about ready.’

‘Now there’s an expert speaking,’ Rachel smiled.

Esme
tore off in front of them.

Eric put his arms round Rachel again.

‘I wanted to wake and find Swakont s you in bed with me this morning.’

‘We had a small visitor.....and you were flat out..
.... it would have been a shame to disturb your slumber.’

He kissed her again
.

‘Some things
are worth waking for.’

She pushed him away. ‘Pancakes remember.’

She ran from him as Esme had done.

He caught her easily as she reached the door and spun her round to face him.

He pushed her gently against the door jamb and pressed his weight against her.

‘Be my wife. I was serious yesterday Rachel.
’

11.

‘Eric. Esme’s going to be looking for us.’

He held her and kissed her neck.

‘Be my wife Rachel Christenson.’

‘Is this some kind of formal proposal?’ She laughed, loving his touch. Loving the effect her body was having on him, feeling his arousal.

He cupped her breast.

‘I couldn’t stop thinking about it last night. I watched you while you slept and I wanted to wak
e you, to get your answer. I want you to be my wife.’

She watched him closely, trying to gauge if she was a short term infatuation or the real thing for Eric.

He pulled aside her vest top and kissed the side of her breast.

‘Stop Eric.
  We have to go.’ She whispered, chastising him.

‘Please say yes.’

He took her nipple in his mouth and sucked at her.

‘Stop!’ she hissed, unable to control her body’s reaction to his touch, wanting him to take her fast and hard, knowing that it was impossible.

‘Say yes.’

‘Yes!’

He picked her up, whirling her round. She yelled in surprise and delight.

‘You won’t regret it Rachel. I’ll make you the happiest woman in the world.’

He set her down carefully and held her close, whispering again in her ear.

‘I promise I’ll make you the happiest woman in the world.’

Rachel felt she was walking on a cloud, feeling slightly faint, wondering what she had done.

She held him, inhaling
his scent, shivering slightly.

‘God Rachel.
I love you.’

‘Don’t say anything to
Esme...or anyone yet. Please.’

‘Why not?’

‘I ...........I just want a ...a little time to get used to the idea.........I can’t believe what’s just happened.’

He looked at her quizzically.

‘As long as you don’t go changing your mind.’

Rachel could hear
Esme call them.

‘Come on Eric. Pancakes won’t wait.’

Rachel pulled the door open and made her way to the kitchen, leaving him behind.

Esme
sat at the large kitchen table, a plate piled high with warm, soft pancakes in front of her. Another plate contained crispy bacon and a small jug of maple syrup.

Agnes sat beside
Esme, showing her how to layer up her food.

‘Rachel. Look what Agnes’s made.’

Rachel took a seat at the other side of Esme.

‘This is a wonderful feast Agnes.’

Despite her previous hunger and the delicious smells in the kitchen, Rachel’s appetite had vanished.

‘
Are you OK Rachel?’ Agnes asked, ‘You look pale.’

‘
I think it’s just a bit of jet lag catching up on me.’ She smiled weakly. Her legs felt shaky.

‘I’ll p
our you a cup of sweet tea. There’s nothing yet that a god strong cup of tea can’t sort out.’

Rachel gratefully accepted the hot cup of steaming liquid
and sipped slowly.

Eric appeared at the doo
rway and immediately saw that something was wrong with her.

‘Rachel. Are you OK?’

She nodded. ‘I was just saying to Agnes that I think it might be a bit of jet lag catching up with me.’

But she knew it wasn’t jet lag. She found herself here with a wonderful man, with his wonderful daughter in his fabulous house and yet she couldn’t let go of the feeling
that something was waiting round the corner to take it all away from her. She felt that she had just done something rash and instinctive when she should have stopped to think, to analyse and assess.

Eric came to her side and placed his hand on her forehead. Finding her temperature to be normal he bent to kiss her forehead and rub gently at her shoulders.

Agnes and Esme watched them together and looked at each other and smiled knowingly.

‘What!?’
Eric laughed.

Esme
took a plate and a pancake and drizzled the warm maple syrup over it.

‘I think this will make you feel top of the world Rachel.’

She slipped the plate in front of her and when Rachel took a bite she knew [bit/sp that Agnes was once again working her magic.

‘I’ve never tasted anything like them Agnes.
Superb.’ The delicious food immediately settled her shakes and warmed her through.

Agnes hugged
Esme and smiled.

She stood up smartly and brushed down her apron.

‘Well I have to be getting things ready for your grandparents Esme. I’ll leave you to your breakfast.’

She bustled out of the room, efficient and homely all at once.

It was Esme’s turn to blanch. She looked at her father.