In Fallen Woods

by R N Merle

  Alison sniffed and nodded, wiping her eyes with the back of her hand.

  ‘Now, let’s go outside in the sunshine. I’ve got some blackcurrants, just ripe to pick.’

  As she walked home, Alison breathed deeply, taking in lungful’s of warm, scented air. She felt lighter, happier. The smile across her face widened instantly, when she saw John on the path ahead. She picked a stalk of long grass, and tiptoed behind him. As he walked in front of her, she held the stem high, and gently tickled his neck. He vaguely swatted the air, and moved onwards. She brought the grass down again, feather light over his ear. This time, she couldn’t help the laugh that escaped her lips, and he turned in surprise.

  ‘You are a fairy!’ he accused, catching her by the waist, his mouth stretching into a grin. ‘Appearing out of the air and making mischief!’

  Alison laughed, and put her arms around his neck.

  ‘I was looking for you, will you walk with me?’ John asked softly.

  ‘Of course.’ she said.

  They wandered, hand in hand amongst the bluebells, listening to the songbirds, high in the branches. She didn’t know if it was just because it was spring, but the woods this year seemed somehow brighter, more full of life.

  John led her to the forgotten orchard, and they stood in the circle of the five apple trees, amidst the fragrant boughs, that were weighed down with white blossom. Alison thought back to the time she had first set eyes on John, a year ago. How much had changed, most of all herself. Everything she had once held true had been swept away, and replaced with kindness and love. Even, her appearance had changed. Her figure had grown curves that were accentuated by the structure of the dresses Bess had made her. Her posture was upright and graceful, and she no longer felt like hiding.

  John brought her hand to his lips, and kissed the back of it.

  ‘Are you tired?’

  She smiled. ‘Perhaps a little.’

  John sank onto the grass, and leaned his back against a tree. He pulled her down onto his lap, and she wrapped her arms around his neck.

  ‘Can we stay like this for a while, I always feel stronger when your arms are around me.’

  His arms twisted firmly around her body, and he pressed his lips into her hair. The blossom formed a white roof over their heads. Occasionally a petal would break free and fall down upon them. Alison tilted her head back, brought her lips to his, and trailed her fingers through his hair. Their kiss soon became passionate, and they fell back into the long, petal strewn grass.

  ‘Alison,’ John murmured her name, before his lips claimed another expanse of white skin, seeking out places not covered by cloth to kiss. Alison’s hands trailed up his arms, feeling the quivering muscles beneath his soft linen shirt.

  John suddenly sat up, bringing them both upright. He rested his forehead against hers, while they caught their breath. It was becoming a habit. Even though she had healed, it had become their custom for John to carry her up the stairs each night. But lately, as he laid her onto the bed, before they parted, his lips took longer to break from hers, and her arms would not untwine from his neck.

  John took her face in both his hands, and lovingly searched her eyes.

  ‘I want you to be my wife.’ he said.

  Alison inhaled sharply, her eyes filled with tears. Before she could reply, John continued. ‘I know there is a chance that you might remember your parents, but…’

  ‘Yes.’ said Alison quickly.

  ‘Did you say…?’

  ‘Yes, I will be your wife. I trust you and I love you more than… I don’t have the words to explain how much. You have my heart John, and that won’t ever change.’

  John drew her close and kissed her, sweet and slow and rapturous.

  When they opened their eyes, Alison could see John’s eyes were shining, the expression they held mirroring her own incandescent joy. She did not know if she would ever remember where she had come from. She continued to gather snatches of information about her family from her dreams, and was always hopeful. But Alison knew that her future was with John, and that she could not be without him.

  ‘This is my home.’ she said, laying her head on his heart. The sunlight found its way through the blossom, and light and shadow danced over them.

  Acknowledgements

  I would like to thank my readers, I am so thrilled you chose to read my book and I really hope you enjoyed it. I would love to hear your thoughts and questions, you can find me on Goodreads, or Twitter:

  @rnmerlewords