Refuge of our Love

a night under the stars

We loved our woods this time of year. No one would be on the lake, which was even better; leaving us with the feeling of, traveling back in time. We parked the truck about two miles back in our shed, never had the heart to clear a road.

This was our sanctuary. Our little piece of heaven on earth, built for two. Normally we would take the four-wheeler to the cabin, but today we felt like a hike. The air was filled with the fragrance of fall. A faint scent of a smoldering fire mixed with damp leaves, mixed with pine and the sweet smell of an apple orchard, was all-around.

 We never have felt like empty nesters. With two we began and with two will we end, but I’m hoping no time soon.

We had finished the long cold hike to the cabin. A mild easterly wind reminded me that my sweater was not heavy enough. The ashen sky clearly told me to wear my coat, but then I had everything else I needed in the basket.

Last year the hike seemed shorter, and so I guess it will be just a little longer with each passing year. Once we stepped inside the red cedar cottage, the smell rushed to greet us. I laughed softly to see that we both drew in a deep breath at the same time.

“Mind if I skip-out for a few hours and wet my line. Might catch our supper?”

“No, I don’t mind, it will give me a chance to air out the house.” And with a boyish smile and quick kiss, he was off.

I started the fire fresh and prepared for his return. I arranged the items in my basket. Within no time I saw him building a small fire outside. I knew he planned to smoke whatever it was, so I quickly diced an onion and potato to cook on the coals.

In perfect timing, dinner was cooked, and the stars were out. The clouds had moved on, and Jupiter hung low on the horizon. The planet dazzled bright, making the other stars lack in luster. The cool breeze had more of a bite to it as we lay suspended in our hammock, waiting on the moon to move overhead.

We had a leisure talk about nothing which slowly turned to a warm debate over our favorite football teams. We booth laughed hardly and nestled tightly together. Watching the flames dance across the coals and the smoke gently drift to heaven.

 With a wink, I stood and motioned for him to follow. “I have a blanket in front of the fireplace and a chilled bottle of wine.  He doused the remaining coals, and we retreated to the refuge of our love.

Reviews

[Barbara Walker]

This is a beautiful descriptive story of the refuge you have in this cabin in the woods, as well as a loving refuge in each other. The one and only suggestion would be to use spell check and or one of the many programs that help authors in spelling, word choice and grammar. Errors can distract the reader, thus can detract from the story.
The story itself is just great!

[Cherrie]

Thank you Barbara, very much.

[Crosby Idasa]

Such a beautiful story, so smooth and every part of it is interesting... Hmmm, a chilled bottle wine is good

[Cherrie]

Thank you, Crosby.

[barleygirl]

This is my very favorite scene of relational bliss, however that may occur in one's life. Even tho my own similar experiences were not usually with a partner, I love sharing your rendition as seen thru a steady union. This is the perfect length & amount of details for a sweet intermission from life, especially with online readers having short attention spans. You've perfected the art of including a ton of imagery details without going on & on in purple descriptions that last too long. Your details appeal to all the senses & are sprinkled thru your story like sparkling pops (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Cherrie]

I try really hard to keep to the touch and go style of writing. I just made that phrase up but I think it sums up what I do. Cause I hate when a author takes a whole page to tell me it's raining.
PS I'm glad you enjoyed the trip thru the pines.

[barleygirl]

Back in the old days we called it purple prose . . .

[barleygirl]

I love the line "touch & go"!

[Cherrie]

I wonder if that's where the song purple haze came from lol

[barleygirl]

There are some good ideas there that could be made into a poem . . . *smile*

[CrimsonShinigami]

Nice story. The perfect sanctuary for the one you love. Being together where there is no hindrances is almost too perfect. You describe it all to well. Keep up the great work

[Cherrie]

thank you, so much

[Workvio]

A sweetly written romantic piece full of warmth and the promise of love to come...

[Philip Muls]

That comes very close to my ideal of a refuge, you describe it in a very harmonious manner. I envy you. Cherish what you have.

[Cherrie]

Thank you so much for reading this and I look forward to have you review my writing again

[Samuel Dickens]

What a lovely scene of country life this is. I live in a little town, but might just have to go find some woods to walk in tomorrow. A delightful read, Cherrie.

[Cherrie]

Thank you Sam, and keep a eye out for the poison ivy