The Millhouse Suite (Blogophilia 12.15)

 

The trip was her idea, a way to get some "we time" between work and kids' stuff.  Jimmy's mom not only offered to take the kids, but she had paid for the reservation. Everything was going to be perfect. Kathy had found the perfect place in the mountains where they didn't have to worry about being quiet. 

The drive up had been easy, with no traffic on the way in. The only problem was missing the turn to the Inn. But that was quickly fixed and they turned off the small sidestreet. The driveway was lined with wildflowers and the turning trees indicated summer's end. 

They got out of the car and looked at the building. They knew it was going to be special. 

Behind the desk was a small, blonde woman. 

"You must be the Morris', we've been expecting you."  She handed them the key and pointed toward the stairs. "The Millhouse Suite is at the top of the stairs. Enjoy your stay."  

Running up like a couple of kids, they started laughing when they got to the top. It was like they had gotten away with something. Jimmy opened the door, showing a cozy main room with a kitchen, s fireplace, and a second set of stairs heading up to the bedroom loft. Just the quiet getaway to have some fun. 

Jimmy swooped her up in his arms and carried her, screeching and laughing, over the threshold.

"Aren't you a little late for that, Cowboy?" Old Spice filled her nose, something she could never get enough of.

"Better late than never, Miss Kathy Simpson." With a kiss, he set her down in front of the fireplace and looked around.  "Can you believe it's been 20 years since we..."

"...had the picnic on the mountain?" Kathy finished the sentence as they walked around the main floor. "I'm surprised your Mom is even still speaking to us."

"Yeah, she wasn't too happy." 

"I know my Mom wanted to slap me for being careless. And they were both dubious we could make it work."

"We were too stubborn to think we would fail." He slipped his arm around her hips. "I think they are both happy with where we are now."

"I know I am." She smiled. Changing the subject, she said. "Let's get everything thing out of the car." 

It took two trips. Kathy took the suitcase and carried it upstairs into the loft while Jimmy got the rest of the stuff. There was an ottoman at the foot of the four-poster bed, along with floral lamps on nightstands on each side. She didn't bother putting anything in the dresser. They were only going to be there for a couple of days.

She took the personal bag into the bathroom and set it on the toilet. The tub wasn't big enough to share, but they had long gotten away from that. As she turned to leave, the image in the mirror caught her eye. 50 lbs heavier and had some wrinkles from where it all began, but it didn't matter. To him, she had always been beautiful. And so had he to her. 

Before going downstairs, she turned down the bed and turned on the lamp. Everything was ready.

Jimmy came in with the picnic basket and cooler, the same ones they had taken on the birthday trip so long ago. He set it on the dining room table. Inside the basket were ham sandwiches, chips, and a bottle of Chianti with an anniversary card signed by the kids tied to the neck. 

"They love us, don't they?" Jimmy remarked. 

"Yes, and I love you more"  

He opened the bottle while she laid the sandwiches out with napkins underneath them. It had been a long trip.  The rest of the meal was small talk about Charlie's Kindergarten teacher and the jump to Middle School for Emmy. All the while, they fed each other sandwiches. It wasn't long before they were gone and the best part came up, a box of four chocolate cherries. Attached it was a heart-shaped note saying "Get Mushy, Mommy" in Emily's sloppy cursive. 

Kathy laughed, showing the note, "I love that girl."

"I don't think she should worry about that."

"No," Kathy said. "She knows more about Mommy and Daddy stuff than an eleven-year-old should, but at least she isn't squeamish about it like her brother."

"Apples don't fall far from trees, you know."

"Ooh, Cowboy."She batted her eyes. "Are you saying she's my child?"

"I know so." Jimmy grinned. "And that kind of worries me."

"Hush." Kathy knew what he was saying. Emily was headstrong and they were starting to bump heads a little. However, she was still the most loving child she knew. And the man in front of her had given her life.

Kathy picked up a cherry, leaned over, and kissed her husband. It was a recreation of their first one so long ago. They savored each other until the cherry stem was perfectly tied. 

"We haven't lost our touch." She brought him to his feet, slipping the t-shirt over his head. As she kissed down his hairy chest, she said."Happy Birthday, Sweetheart." 

He kissed the top of her head, taking in the lavender scent. "It's funny how all the stuff, good and bad, happens on my birthday." 

"Because you are worth it. You were always there and I would do everything all over again."  

They went up the stairs and saw the full moon in the window. The rest of the clothes pooled on the floor, as they danced to an unheard tune. Her voice was barely a whisper.

"I want to ride my Cowboy into the sunrise."

"Miss Kathy Simpson, it would be my pleasure."

Jimmy laid her gently on the sheets. The bed was more comfortable than the rocks, but they were still the King and Queen of the Mountain.