He wrapped both arms around her, securing her gently to his chest. His voice made his chest vibrate against her cheek. “I don’t know about the future either.” He kissed her hair. “However, I don’t think I can look at you the same way in Amber’s kitchen wearing those shorts you wear.” Claire lifted her eyes, sighing at his shy smile as he continued, “I mean, now that I know exactly what’s under the shorts and t-shirt.”

Claire shook her head, “Oh my, I hadn’t thought of that.” She let her hand trail over his pectoral muscles and down toward his waist. “I might just need to blush myself, knowing what’s hidden by those delicious ripped jeans you like to wear.”

“Delicious?”

“Hmm – mm,” she murmured, hearing his laugh.

Stroking her hair, his voice became more serious. “Honestly, I’m not looking for forever, either. But if we’re giving out thank yous, you should be on the receiving end.”

“I think I was.”

He chuckled, and went on, “I confess, I’ve been thinking about this since you bought your first cell phone.”

Claire lifted her head. This new position gave her visual access to his soft blue eyes. “What? My cellphone, why?”

Harry grinned, remembering the scene. “I didn’t know your story or even much about you. It just struck me as odd – you were so excited about a phone. I mean everyone has phones. Yet, you were almost giddy. I remember you looked like a kid at Christmas. At that moment, I fell head over heels for your excitement, enthusiasm, and innocence.”

Claire lowered her head to his chest, “Harry, don’t be deluded. I’m hardly innocent.”

He lifted her chin and kissed her lips. “I’m not deluding myself. Innocence refers to lack of guilt and pretense. While often reserved, you fit that description. You’re also very honest and naively trusting.” He rubbed his thumb over her chin and stared into her clouding eyes. “Those, too, are admirable qualities. Besides, I think you’ve given me a pretty complete bio. You deserve the same.” Claire tried to subdue a yawn, it was almost dawn, “And I’ll give it, another time. Right now, let me enjoy the moment.”

Claire nodded as she nestled her head once again upon his chest. “I’m rather enjoying it myself.” His arm tightened around her soft bare shoulder. For the first time in weeks, she fell into a sound dreamless sleep.

Of all the animals, man is the only one that is cruel.
He is the only one that inflicts pain for the pleasure of doing it.
- Mark Twain

Chapter 25

Summer 1985...

Despite the rising outdoor temperature and humidity, the mansion remained cool, too cool. Marie longed for a momentary reprieve. Emotions were running too high. Sighing, she settled onto one of the comfortable lounge chairs Nathaniel had ordered to Sharron’s balcony and accepted the sun’s warmth on her upturned face. A slight breeze tempered the June rays, as Marie inhaled the fresh country air. Sitting barefooted in a pair of shorts, she stretched her long legs out before her, and attempted to read. Despite the lovely afternoon, concentration was difficult. After all, the doctor was completing his most recent examination of Sharron on one of his now daily trips to the estate. Since he usually had one or two nurses for assistance, Marie found it better to allow them their space. When he was done, he’d sit down with Marie and Ms. Amanda and give his daily report. Of course, if Nathaniel or Mr. Samuel were home, they too would be included in the conference. Although, Marie knew Samuel and Amanda didn’t approve of her presence, she appreciated they’d momentarily quelled their objections.

Ms. Sharron continually outlived every prediction made by the physician. But, as Marie listened to the monitors and witnessed her expressions, she knew Ms. Sharron was ready to go. The beautiful, elderly, frail woman believed in a higher being, a merciful God and a heavenly paradise. After spending over two years at the woman’s side, Marie believed Sharron refused passage due to an unseen binding, bound to this earth by the chains of love. The afterworld, full of beauty and peace, was waiting. She just needed to let herself go.

Some would call it cruel, but after careful consideration, Marie and Nathaniel decided to be honest with her. Although her eyes hadn’t registered any recollection in months and her mouth no longer spoke, there were times when holding her hand she’d momentarily squeeze theirs, in return. The physician explained this as mere muscle contractions. He reasoned emotional humans try to read meaning into scientific phenomenons, where in fact, there was none. Marie didn’t care about his explanation. She believed there were times, Sharron could hear, understand, and communicate any way possible.

They’d discussed their speech many times. These discussions occurred alone in Marie’s suite --usually in her bed. If Sharron wouldn’t leave this world because of her bond to Nathaniel, he needed to tell her to go. Not as he would dismiss a servant or an employee, but with love and understanding. He needed to explain, he wanted her suffering to stop, and he would survive. He would live again. And this was the part they debated -- he was living again. Not only living, he was loving.

They both hoped the knowledge of Nathaniel’s new life and new love would allow Sharron the peace to cross over. She could go where her body once again worked, where she could smile, sing and most importantly where pain, physical and emotional, ceased to exist.

The opportunity came only two nights ago, sometime after midnight. They’d been sitting in the plush high backed chairs, talking about something from Nathaniel’s work when Marie noticed Sharron’s eyes flutter and her hands open and close. Silently, Marie approached the far side of Ms. Sharron’s bed; Nathaniel did the same on the near side. Without speaking, they created a circle. Marie remembered the warmth and strength coming from Nathaniel. It was such a stark contrast to the cool fragility of Sharron.