“I’m sorry I didn’t talk to you first. I should have.”
“No. It’s fine. As long as we can make it work financially.”
“It won’t be a problem,” he assured her. “We’ll still be able to take our yearly vacation. And if you keep your job, you’ll still have enough for some of the extras like pedicures and shopping trips, if you want.”
“I’d like to keep working. It gives me purpose.”
“I know it does. I’ve come to realize that and I think it’s good for you. I want that for you, too,” he paused, “Oh, and I know it’s early, but I was thinking… maybe in a couple of weeks, when you’re really up and recovered, we’ll spend a long weekend in Lake Placid at that resort we fell in love with our first summer together? I’ve already talked to Grace and she’s agreed to watch the kids for the weekend. What d’ya think?”
Sara was speechless. She nodded. Of course! Yes! She’d love to spend a romantic weekend away with her husband. She couldn’t remember the last time he’d even wanted to spend a weekend away, let alone actually doing the planning of it. Typically, Sara was the planner. She would organize all aspects of any trip they took together, including making reservations and arranging for childcare if needed. But Eric had already thought of all of that. He’d even remembered the very first place they ever stayed together!
“I thought you might agree so I’ve already made our reservation,” Eric grinned. “It’ll be a trip you won’t forget, I promise! I’ll take care of everything.”
21. Plans
The following morning, Sara awoke to the aroma of brewed coffee and eggs cooking on the stove. Wincing, she slowly rolled over and pushed her torso away from the bed so that she was sitting at the edge. Steadying herself with a crutch, Sara grabbed her cell phone from the nightstand and limped toward the bathroom door.
Sara was brushing her teeth in the master bathroom when she heard the sound of Eric’s footsteps softly padding on the hardwood floor as he approached her through the bedroom. “Oh, you’re up already,” he said as he stepped into the bathroom carrying a breakfast tray of orange juice, coffee and a western omelet. “I was hoping to catch you before you tried to get up. Thought you might like your first breakfast back home to be in bed.”
“Mmm… it smells wonderful. You did this?” Sara asked, surprised.
“I’ve had a bit of practice these last few weeks. I’ll set it on the bed, okay?”
“Sure. Thanks,” she agreed. “Join me?” Sara suggested to Eric in a playful tone.
“I’ve eaten already. But I’ll sit with you if you’d like. Let me just get Lexi out the door. The bus should be here soon,” he said.
“It’s okay. You don’t have to. I’ll eat and get washed up. It’s going to take me a while.”
“I can help you,” Eric offered.
Sara shook her head, “It’s okay. I think I can manage.”
“You sure?”
“Yeah. Thanks for breakfast.”
“Anything for you, my love,” he smiled. “Okay, Grace just got here to help with Jake. I offered to do the grocery shopping this morning, so I’ll be out. Do you need anything?”
“I can’t think of anything at the moment. I’ll text you if I do.”
“Sounds good. I’ll put this on the bed for you.” Eric motioned with the tray of food and kissed Sara gently on the forehead, “I love you.”
“Love you, too,” Sara said and noticed Eric wink at her just before he left the bathroom.
Sara finished her breakfast and took a hot shower. The warmth of the water soothed her muscles and momentarily quieted the ache in her back. She lathered her body with soap that smelled of cucumber and melon, a welcome change from the fragrance of the lackluster hospital soap she’d gotten used to. Sara traced along her abdomen a faint line of skin discoloration; the remnants of a bruise she’d acquired during the accident. I’m sorry, peanut, she thought. Sara’s eyes became crimson and full. She allowed her mind to drift from place to place, remembering the weeks that led up to the accident.
It was all rather confusing. Sara’s life with Eric before the accident was empty and ordinary. It lacked the love she craved. When she re-discovered that soul-binding love with Jude, she felt alive and complete. But now, all of that was different. Sara felt a growing re-connection with Eric. And the accident provided her with a new perspective on life. Although she mourned the loss of her pregnancy, Sara inherently knew it was a blessing that the decision she’d faced was made for her. In a way, Sara was given a second chance at her marriage. Had it not been for the accident, she might have kept the baby and ended her marriage. Or perhaps, she’d have had an abortion, which would likely have destroyed her relationship with Jude. And she could only imagine how Jude must have felt when he learned of the accident. There was so much that she wanted to say to him but how would she?
Sara glanced at the clock on the wall in the bathroom. She’d been in the shower for twenty minutes and decided she had enough time to call Jude before Eric got home. She dried off as quickly as she could and dialed Jude’s phone number with her cell phone.
“Jude?”
“Sara? Hi!” Jude said excitedly.
“I can’t talk for long. Eric will be back soon from the grocery store, but I wanted to call. I hate that we were interrupted yesterday.”
“Me too. I’m so glad you called. I wasn’t sure when I’d get to hear your beautiful voice again.”
“Jude, I miss you.”
“You have no idea how I’ve missed you.”
Sara’s heart sank. She could hear the pain and sadness in his voice. All she could think of was how badly she wanted to console him. Sara longed to be able to comfort him in a way that only she could. But she was conflicted. “I’m sorry. This must be difficult for you too. And… I’m sorry about the baby.”
“Don’t apologize. It’s not your fault. I guess it’s just what was meant to be,” Jude sighed. “You know, I thought I had His plan all figured. It just seemed so obvious to me. But then, the accident… and now with the baby gone, I don’t see it so clearly.”
“Maybe we’re supposed to make our own plan?” Sara suggested.
“I don’t know. I always thought that I was given this ability for a reason. And, that somehow, you fit into that reason. In one form or another, I’ve always loved you. For as long as I can remember.”
“I’ve loved you, too. God, I wish there was a way for us to see each other now.”
“Sara?”
“Yeah?”
“Something’s been bothering me since yesterday, at the hospital.”
“What is it?”
“Well, I sensed a difference in your heart. It was sort of like there was something missing.”
“The baby?” Sara suggested.
“I think that was part of it. But… you’re confused. And, I think it’s Eric.”
Sara took a deep breath, “I can’t hide it from you… that’s for sure. You’re right. There is a difference, and it’s Eric. He’s … well, he’s different now. My accident, in a way, it changed him. He’s been taking care of me...” Sara’s voice trailed off.
“You don’t need me anymore, do you?” The tone in Jude’s voice was dismal.
“Jude, how could you say that? Of course I need you! I need you like flowers need the rain. We share a connection that, I think, very few people have. We’re soul mates. I’ll always love you.”
“I need you in my life, Sara. I don’t know how to let go of you again.”
“Jude, you never let go of me before,” Sara suggested remembering the framed photo she’d found in Jude’s home of their graduation.
“Yeah. I guess you’re right.”
“You don’t have to let go of me now. I don’t want you to. We’ll figure out how to make this work.”
Sara heard the shudder of the kitchen door closing. “Shit! I think Eric’s home. I’ve gotta go. I love you.”
“Oh okay. I love you, too,” Jude professed just a moment
before the line went dead.
----------
Three and a half weeks later, Eric excitedly started packing a suitcase for a long weekend getaway with Sara at the Mirror Lake Inn nestled among the Adirondack Mountains in Lake Placid, New York. He’d given Grace the day off and decided to take Jake with him to get some last minute items for the trip.
Eric used a damp washcloth to wipe Jake’s face clean and scooped him up out of the high chair where Sara had just finished feeding him lunch.
“Do you want me to come with you?” Sara questioned.
Reaching for his keys across the kitchen island, Eric replied, “No, that’s okay. You stay here and enjoy the quiet of the house. I’ll take Jake with me so you can have a bath or get your things packed without being distracted.”
Sara shrugged. “Okay. Thanks.”
“I have quite a few stops to make. I don’t know if I’ll be back in time to get Lexi off the bus in a few hours. Do you mind?”
“Of course not! She’s my daughter, too. I think I can handle it,” Sara joked.
“Great! Okay… I’m off. I’m really looking forward to this weekend with you.”
“Me too.”
“Love you. Bye!” he said.
Sara looked at the time on her cell phone. It was 12:08 pm. Perhaps Jude is on a lunch break. She thought. She launched the messaging app and tapped out a message to him.
Eric is out for a few hours. Can you sneak away?
She waited for several long minutes until finally Jude replied.
On lunch now. Next patient at 2pm. Can you drive? Where should we meet?
Although Sara’s back pain was almost completely gone and she was able to walk without the use of a crutch, Sara hadn’t been cleared by her doctor to drive. She thought for a moment about disobeying doctors’ orders but decided it was safer to have Jude come to her. She tapped out instructions for Jude and hit the send button.
Still can’t drive but I can walk. Meet me in the park at the end of my street.
A flurry of emotions stirred inside Jude and he quickly texted Sara back.
On my way.
Sara tossed on her spring coat, walked to the end of the street and entered the park. The air was cool, but comfortable and the empty park was quiet except for the chattering of a few birds high in the trees above. Sara wandered over to a large metal swing set that stood beside her favorite oak tree. She used the sleeve of her coat to wipe away a small puddle of rain water that had pooled on the center of a sling swing and she plopped into the swing. Her mind bounced from one thought to another while she gently swayed. Sara wasn’t at all certain as to what she was going to say to Jude. She just needed to see him.
A silver Lexus pulled into the lot adjacent to the park. Sara’s eyes lit up as she watched Jude step out of the car and saunter toward her. When he reached her, Jude held out his hand to pull Sara up from the swing and into him, their bodies flush against each other. The thoughts that swirled in Sara’s mind quickly settled in Jude’s presence, which was calming and familiar. Their eyes met, holding an entire conversation in the absence of any spoken word. Jude wrapped one arm around her waist. He traced Sara’s soft lips with the thumb of his free hand and then kissed them fiercely, sucking and playfully biting them as if his life depended on it. Jude’s embrace was warm and firm. We fit so well together, Sara thought. She drew in a deep breath, inhaling his scent, which consisted of dark wood and amber. Their lips continued to dance in synchrony. Jude’s every movement answered the requests of Sara’s heart perfectly, until they both became breathless and stopped to come up for air.
“Wow! That was …” Sara exhaled, struggling to find the right words, “It’s all still there, isn’t it?”
Jude nodded, “I’m constantly amazed at the effect you have on me, Sara.”
“I could say the same for you, my dear.”
“I got carried away just now. I’m sorry. I couldn’t help myself. This has been the longest month of my life, I think.”
“Don’t be silly! And I’m not sorry. I love that you can take my breath away like that.” Suddenly aware of her surroundings, Sara became worried that a passerby might recognize her in the park. “But we shouldn’t do this here. Come, follow me back to the house.” She separated herself from Jude and motioned for him to follow her.
They walked side-by-side back to Sara’s house, each with their hands inside their jacket pockets so as not to tempt one another’s hands to find each other. Little was said between them while they walked. They were about halfway between the park and her house when Sara noticed a royal blue Toyota pick-up truck that seemed to slow as it passed them on the street. She didn’t recognize it as being one of her neighbor’s vehicles, but became nervous that it might be someone she knew and quickened her pace nonetheless.
When they arrived at the house, Jude and Sara spared no time in making their way to the guest bedroom on the first floor. Sara drew the blinds, darkening the room, casting thin shadows of horizontal lines on the walls and bed. As she stood at the window, Jude crept behind and grabbed her hips, pulling them into him and planted gentle kisses along the side of her neck. Sara tilted her head to the side instinctively encouraging him to continue. She closed her eyes, reveling in the delicious warmth of Jude’s soft lips until he’d made his way to her earlobe and cheek. She turned toward him and wrapped her arms around his neck as their lips embraced. Jude sucked and tugged at her lower lip with his teeth, the intensity of his desire quite evident.
Making out with Jude was one of the biggest turn-ons for Sara. As usual, it was impossible for her to hide her appetite and Sara’s V- throbbed with desire. Jude pressed his thigh firmly into the apex of her legs, applying pressure to Sara’s clit that teased her and left her longing for more.
“God, I’ve missed this,” Jude said in between breaths when their lips became momentarily unlocked. Sara exhaled audibly in agreement and met his gaze. Jude’s eyes were such a deep shade of blue. She felt as if she could see into his soul.
Sara wanted nothing more than to surrender entirely to the moment. Her mind unraveled, temporarily letting go of all worries while she slipped her fingers beneath the waistband of Jude’s trim dress slacks, unfastened the closure and pulled the zipper down until they slid from his hips and dropped into a heap on the floor. She loosened Jude’s tie and one-by-one, she slowly slipped each button through the buttonholes of his light blue, fitted cotton dress shirt, exposing his firm and muscular chest.
The plush, pillow-top bed of Sara’s guest room was dwarfed by the king-sized bed in Jude’s townhouse that they were accustomed to, but they didn’t seem to mind the lack of real estate for their love-making. Jude skillfully disengaged the closure of Sara’s bra while he swiftly pulled off her blouse, and then lifted her from the floor, cradling her in his arms the way that a parent might carry a sleepy young child at bedtime. He tenderly placed her on the bed, taking care not to disrupt her healing body. Slowly, Jude pulled Sara’s jeans and panties below her waist and down her legs until she was entirely exposed. Completely naked, Sara was aware of the newly formed scars and flaws of her injured body, but she didn’t care about them. Jude’s every touch, every kiss and every movement was done in an almost reverential manner, such that Sara knew the extent to which he cherished her, and was disinterested in her self-conceived imperfections.
They spent nearly a half hour pleasuring each other, enraptured in intercourse until Jude successfully made Sara come. Twice. And then he climaxed inside her, collapsing on top of her when it was all over.
22. Lake Placid
The following morning, Sara and Eric kissed Lexi and Jake good-bye and drove away from their home in Sara’s new Honda Pilot SUV toward Lake Placid, New York. Sara spent much of the three-hour drive only half-engaged in conversation with Eric. She was distracted by thoughts of making love with Jude. Ordinarily, Sara was very good at compartmentalizing the feelings of her various roles in life. That is, until her subconscious heartstrings were sudden
ly tugged, bringing her feelings for Jude to the forefront. Nonetheless, she tried like hell to pay attention to Eric as they made their way through winding country roads, which eventually deposited them onto the Northway and into the Adirondack Mountains.
It was early afternoon when they arrived at the front desk of the resort. A friendly receptionist greeted them, “Checking in?” she asked.
“Yes, Eric and Sara Preen,” Eric replied as the petite, young woman searched through a computer for their reservation.
“Ah, yes. Here you are.” The woman’s voice was exceptionally perky as she continued, “Welcome, Mr. and Mrs. Preen! We have our premiere accommodations ready for your arrival. You’ll be enjoying your time with us in the High Peaks suite, which is located in the Colonial House, just along Mirror Lake Drive. Here is your key. Let us know if there’s anything we can do for you.” Sara thought she observed the woman wink at Eric when she finished her monologue.
“Thank you,” Eric cheerfully replied, “I’m sure everything will be just perfect!”
When they arrived at the suite, Sara glanced around the room, which featured modern rustic décor with hand carved accents, a king-sized bed and living area with a stone fireplace and flat screen television. The eight hundred square-foot suite was more luxurious and spacious than the room Sara and Eric stayed in on their first visit. She poked her head into the Travertine tiled bathroom and noticed a jet tub that would, no doubt, be useful in soothing her aching muscles later in the day.
“Oh Eric, look at that view!” she exclaimed as she approached a large, sliding glass door. It led to an over-sized balcony overlooking Mirror Lake with picturesque mountain views.
Eric stepped onto the balcony and pointed at a small, round wicker table with two matching chairs, “Shall we sit?”
“Sure,” Sara agreed and sat in one of the chairs. Eric turned toward the suite and started to walk away. “Aren’t you joining me?” she asked.
What Sara Said Page 14