BIG BEAR CHAPTER 12-2
643 Words
THE MORNING SUN ROSE over the mountains, sending bright rays of gold into the bedroom through the checkered curtains. Vanessa thought they looked quaint and rustic in the dawn’s light as she stretched luxuriously in bed. She bumped into someone’s arm and reality returned with a rush of happy disbelief. Rolling over she smiled, biting her lip at the sight before her.
Emma Jane was still sleeping soundly, her hair in disarray around her upper arms and shoulders, hiding most of what wasn't covered by the sheets under its dark, velvety weight. Instead of getting up, Vanessa curled into bed around her love, spooning her while she slept and watching as the sun outside her window began its daily climb into the heavens.
Was it only a few weeks since she'd been devastated when this amazing woman had tried to run away, out of the very real fear that she'd accidentally hurt or kill her? Right from the beginning, they’d been so drawn to each other it had been difficult to resist the attraction. It had seemed impossible, but after everything that happened they'd magically found the answer to their prayers. Vanessa fingered the warm green stone nestled between her breasts close to her heart, closing her eyes with wonder as she sent out a prayer.
Thank you. Thank you for everything.
Vanessa wasn't sure who she was thanking, whether it was God, Big Bear, Evelyn, Robin, or the universe, but it didn't matter. She was in the one place she'd never known she wanted to be and now never wanted to leave. She was with her other half. She caressed Emma Jane's shoulder, softly brushing her hair away. Vanessa sighed with contentment. Everything was perfect.
Except one small thing, but it was a crazy thought. Vanessa looked down at Emma Jane's sweet, strong face. Would she agree? Vanessa leaned closer, kissing her neck to wake her in a way she knew would delight. Emma Jane made a small purr of approval, moving against Vanessa sleepily before slowly turning to look at the source of her awakening, eyes still cloudy and soft from sleep.
"Good morning, love," said Emma Jane, yawning as she rubbed her eyes clear of the sleep that blanketed them.
Vanessa drew her closer, holding onto her as if she was a fragile ornament that would break if she let go. "Good morning."
Vanessa kissed her softly, falling under Emma Jane's spell once more. When they were finally ready to get up, it was much later and they only moved then because they were starving and needed food. They showered separately to avoid distraction, then got dressed.
"Let's eat out," said Vanessa. "I want a change of scenery, in case we end up spending the rest of the week in the room."
Vanessa gave Emma Jane an impish smile which made her laugh.
"You are a bad girl," said Emma Jane, then she smirked. "Bring it on. I'll raise you a week in here for the rest of your life."
Vanessa stopped, turning back from opening the door to face Emma Jane with a serious look on her face as her love uttered the words she'd been unable to find.
"If you're asking, I accept."
Emma Jane stopped, eyes wide. "Do you mean..."
Vanessa nodded, moving to stand across from her, then grasping Emma Jane's hands and bringing them up to her heart. "I want to be with you forever. If you’re serious about the rest of my life, I'd love to add a ring or two to this necklace."
She watched as emotions flew across Emma Jane's face like a fast-moving prairie storm, overjoyed to see the moment when they coalesced into a decision.
"Let's do it. You already own my heart. I'd promise a thousand forevers to have the rest of you."
It was Vanessa's turn to shed tears of joy. Her life changed, becoming perfect in that instant. They embraced passionately, the excitement of a promise of forever carrying them away again
- Writer
