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Julia returned his s the blanket so that she could take his proffered hand

As they journeyed downstairs and across the yard, his expression grew playful

“Have you ever made love in an orchard before?”

Her eyes widened and she shook her head

“Then I’rip on his hand “You’reon the flashlight as they entered the woods behind the house He led the way, navigating over roots and uneven ground

It was June in Pennsylvania and very warm The woods were thick and the canopy of leaves blocked ht fro song of birds and the sound of katydids

Soon they were entering the clearing Wildflowers littered the expanse of green At the far edge of the area stood several aged apple trees Extending back into the remains of the old orchard, the new trees that Gabriel had planted were spreading their boughs toward the sky

As they walked to the center of the clearing, his body relaxed So about this space, sacred or otherwise, always soothed him

Julia watched as he spread the blanket carefully over the thick grass, then turned off the flashlight Darkness wrapped around them like a velvet cloak

Overhead, the full moon shone, its pale face occasionally muted by wisps of cloud A clutch of stars twinkled above them

Gabriel brushed his hands up and down her ar the modest neckline of her sundress

“I like this,” hehis wife’s beauty, visible even in the shadows: the arch of her cheekbones, the pout of her e, expressive eyes He lifted her chin and brought their lips together

It was the kiss of an ardent lover, co with his ainst her petite one, his fingers tangling in her soft brown hair

“What if soue into his mouth

She explored him earnestly until he retreated

“These woods are private And as youher lower back

He traced the space where her dimples lay, as if they were land up to her shoulders Without cere it to the blanket Then he unfastened her bra with a led at his practicedthe bra up to cover herself It was made of black lace and was attractively transparent

“You’re very good at that,” she observed

“At what?” His large handsbras in the dark”

Gabriel’s silence echoed around the reminded of his past

She reached up on tiptoes to press a kiss to his angular jaw

“I’ After all, I’m the beneficiary of your skill”

At this, he traced her brsts through the lace

“While I appreciate your lingerie, Julianne, I prefer you naked”

“I’ the peri someone to interrupt us”

“Look at me”