Falling for Forever (20 page)

Somewhere in Mariah's sweet embrace, she had found herself. And in Mariah, she had gained back her innocence. Words could not express the joy, the gratitude, or the love Bryn felt for Mariah as she lay beside her, basking in the soft glow. She brought Mariah's fingers to her lips, granting each tip with a delicate kiss as she stared lovingly into her pale blue eyes. The softly blazing fire felt warm against her back as she stretched out her wings to fully embrace Mariah once again. Mariah brushed her lips over hers. The kiss was sweet and gentle.

Nothing could have prepared Bryn for the embrace of someone she loved and that loved her back. Mariah was like nothing she had ever experienced before. Having her be with her in that way was sweet, innocent and blissful. Their union had been gentle and loving, nothing like the pain and agony of what she had previously experienced. Painful memories became as distant as the howl of a wolf, far off to the west. All that remained of her life before Mariah were a few fleeting emotions which were quickly swept away by her gentle hands as she held her.

"Mariah?" she asked softly.

"Hmm?"

"Can we lie here tonight, just like this? Please?"

Mariah smiled at her and planted a warm kiss on her forehead. "Of course, darling. We can stay out here as long as you wish."

"Thank you," she replied sleepily.

Mariah nodded and ran her hand down her back. Bryn watched her eyes in the near darkness.

The fire reflected in them like liquid magic. Bryn turned her head, her eyes focusing on the dwindling firelight. One of Mariah's hands came up to the side of her face, cradling her against him. Her body felt warm, whole, and comfortable. Mariah held her gently, caressing her as they both looked into the flames.

"Is this a dream?" she said uncertainly.

Mariah chuckled softly and she turned her attention back to her, her gaze questioning. "You don't have to worry about this fading away. Not tomorrow or ever."

"So when tomorrow comes… ?"

"I will be right here with you," Mariah promised. Bryn smiled at her and gave a short, satisfied nod. She was looking forward to her being there tomorrow, and the next day, and the one after that as well. Mariah held her gently, stroking her hair.

Their bodies were both covered in a light sheen of perspiration. Bryn was quickly reminded of how sweaty she really was.

"I need a bath," she whined softly even though they both knew that she didn't have enough strength to get one.

"Tomorrow," Mariah said as they exchanged sleepy smiles.

Bryn nodded and rested her head against her chest. Sleep's embrace was near, and she welcomed it. Mariah's fingers ran idly through her hair as they both watched the fire. As sleep came, her last thoughts were of Mariah.

The crisp sheet was soft against her skin. She rolled onto her side and moaned. As the sun forced her awake, she began groaning and pulled the blankets over her head. She didn't remember going into the bedroom. Her memory was slightly hazy, but she was sure that she would have remembered doing that.

She sat up and started to pull the sheet around her bare body but stopped midway up her stomach. She was wearing a short white night dress. Mariah had dressed her. She could just barely recall her doing it and the feel of her lips on her cheek as he had left her to sleep. She had thought that had been a dream.

The other half of the bed was still made. It looked unslept in. "Mariah?" she called hopefully. There was no answer. "Mariah?" she called again, only to again be answered by the calm silence of the cabin.

Bryn slipped out from beneath the sheets and began walking into the common room when she stopped. The bathroom door was slightly ajar. She crept silently toward it, hearing the softest hint of water lapping against the tub. The door opened before she reached it, revealing a broadly grinning Mariah.

"I thought you promised to be there when I woke up," she teased, a mock scowl playing at her lips.

"Well, I had to do something first," Mariah said as she gently pulled her into her arms for a warm embrace. Bryn nodded against her neck as the smell of lavender and chamomile swirled around her.

Mariah released her and led her to the tub, which was filled just inches below the wide rim. Delicate white rose petals floated over the warm water. "You said you wanted a bath," she murmured against her neck as she stood staring at the tub. Mariah trailed a few light kisses over her neck and shoulders before stepping away from her. Mariah backed quietly toward the door, not wanting to intrude. Bryn looked over her shoulder as her fingers grazed the door.

"There is enough room for two in your bathtub," she said shyly. Bryn could feel the tips of her ears burning as Mariah crept up behind her, her strong hands encircling Bryn's waist from behind, holding her against Mariah as Bryn's lips found hers.

"If you're sure" Mariah said as she released her. Mariah's kisses had left her breathless and wanting more.

Bryn nodded and turned toward her. She ran her hand over her bare chest. She gently undid her belt, allowing it and her white pants to fall to the floor. Mariah cupped her cheek in her hand and kissed her gently as she helped her pulled the short nightgown over her head.

Bryn turned away from her and stepped gingerly into the warm water. Mariah quickly followed, sliding in behind her. Mariah lifted her gently onto her lap, her legs entwining with hers as the water washed over them.

Bryn leaned back, her cheek resting against the side of her warm neck as Mariah's hands began shyly exploring her body. Mariah's fingers moved delicately down her arms, to her thighs, then back up her stomach. Her touch was light, gentle, just barely tasting her skin.

Bryn's eyes drifted closed as her lips came to the nape of her neck and she began gently kissing her. Mariah's kisses traveled up her slender neck to the curve of her ear. Mariah's hands slid up her fluttering ribs to the curves of her breasts. Her touch was feathery light as she caressed her. Bryn leaned back, pressing herself into her touch as her fingers gently moved over her body. She trembled lightly in her hold.

"Carry me to the bedroom," she breathed against her neck. Mariah nodded and lifted her out of the tub. She laid her gently on the bed and stretched out next to her.

Their lovemaking was tender, slow and gentle. Afterward, Bryn lay stretched out next to Mariah, her legs tangled with Mariah's who lay on her stomach, her face pressed into the pillow. Bryn wasn't asleep yet, but she was close. A thin sheen of sweat covered their bodies in the morning sunlight. "I love you," Bryn softly said to her.

Caitlin Ricci was fortunate growing up to be surrounded by family and teachers that encouraged her love of reading. She has always been a voracious reader and that love of the written word easily morphed into a passion for writing. If she isn’t writing, she can usually be found studying as she works toward her counseling degree. She comes from a military family and the men and women of the armed forces are close to her heart. She also enjoys gardening, hiking, and horseback riding in the Colorado Rockies where she calls home with her wonderful fiance and their two dogs. Her belief that there is no one true path to happily ever after runs deeply through all of her stories.

Website: www.CaitlinRicci.com