Endearment

It was a quiet spot, lush with greenery. We unpacked out blanket and laid it under a big shade tree. Once we were comfortably seated, we ate and talked for the rest of the afternoon. Emily told me all about her life and her pa’s problem with gambling. She told me about growing up in Kansas City, and about her ma that died when she was just a child.

As I lay on the blanket, my head resting on my elbow, I took in every detail of her beautiful face. She had the tiniest freckles that were scattered across her nose and I loved each and every one of them. Sitting next to me, her legs crossed underneath her, she looked down at me and smiled. Gently she brought her hand up to my cheek and cupped my face in her hand. At that moment, I knew that I was in love with her. I could feel it in every ounce of my being. She was beautiful and smart and kind and I loved her.

She leaned down to me, her eyes growing serious. Running her thumb across my lips, she licked hers with anticipation. I know I did the same. I watched her coming closer and closer and I knew that I had never wanted anything so bad in my life as I wanted that kiss. I could almost feel it, taste it. And when our lips finally did met, I tell ya I thought my heart had stopped. I thought time had stopped. I knew nothing in that moment, but the love I felt for her. And it was beautiful.

Author and story	Scene/moment	Nominator and motivation
Cindy You Can Do Magic at Writers Ranch	Story	Tyra This story gives me a warm fuzzy feeling.
Dayna The Day I Died at Writers Ranch	It was a quiet spot, lush with greenery. We unpacked out blanket and laid it under a big shade tree. Once we were comfortably seated, we ate and talked for the rest of the afternoon. Emily told me all about her life and her pa’s problem with gambling. She told me about growing up in Kansas City, and about her ma that died when she was just a child. As I lay on the blanket, my head resting on my elbow, I took in every detail of her beautiful face. She had the tiniest freckles that were scattered across her nose and I loved each and every one of them. Sitting next to me, her legs crossed underneath her, she looked down at me and smiled. Gently she brought her hand up to my cheek and cupped my face in her hand. At that moment, I knew that I was in love with her. I could feel it in every ounce of my being. She was beautiful and smart and kind and I loved her. She leaned down to me, her eyes growing serious. Running her thumb across my lips, she licked hers with anticipation. I know I did the same. I watched her coming closer and closer and I knew that I had never wanted anything so bad in my life as I wanted that kiss. I could almost feel it, taste it. And when our lips finally did met, I tell ya I thought my heart had stopped. I thought time had stopped. I knew nothing in that moment, but the love I felt for her. And it was beautiful.	Wendy M Wow...just a beautifully sweet story all the way through..retelling the love between Emily and Ike... Dayna tells it in first person, and as you read it you can almost imagine words flowing from Ike's mouth..or wuld have if he had been able to speak...
Karen Rest Assured at Welcome to Sweetwater	“Do you know where we are?” she asked. He looked at her to be sure he understood her question before answering, “The river.” “Yes, the river,” she answered. She paused a few seconds and then asked, “Do you know what happened here five summers ago?” He hung his head and mumbled, “I was made.” She put aside the water container. “Yes,” she said. “You were made. Do you know how long it took me to be able to return here?” He shook his head still looking at the ground, ashamed for being the cause of the pain his mother had endured. “I didn't come back here until you were over one summer old. I was frightened so I tried to hide from my fears,” she said. “Lone Wolf made me realize I couldn't do that and stay alive. He made me come back. He dragged me here and made me stay until I could do the things I needed to do. As I began to work, I noticed that the place had changed quite a bit; the river had altered its course. In fact, the place where you were begun was now underwater.” She paused and looked around. “It's different now then it was last week. Look.” He slowly lifted his head and looked around. “See,” she said pointing out a new growth of bushes. “These are new, and by next spring they will provide food.” He nodded. “What happened there?” he asked indicating a pile of deadwood. “That's where the river used to go,” she answered. “One day those trees fell and blocked the path. The river carved out a new course. It's only other choice was to dry up and die. Do you understand?” He looked at her and nodded. She continued, “You need to be like the river. You need to be strong and carve out a course for yourself. You can't be afraid all the time, you must go learn to be a warrior like your brother.” She paused and watched as he sat thinking. “I need you to go out and explore, discover yourself, your talents. I promise to keep an eye on you, to guide you as the banks do the river, but you must move forward. If you don't, you will die because you will cease to grow.” She smiled as he turned his oh so serious face to hers. “Besides,” she added, “if you don't stay out of my way, I'll never get anything done. Now, grab the water and let's go home.” They returned to the village. Red Bear had finished his lessons with Lone Wolf. He joined his mother and half brother as they walked toward their home. “Let me help,” he said reaching for Running Buck's water container. “No,” his younger brother answered looking up at his mother. “I can do this. Then maybe you can show me how to track something. I need to start learning so I can help take care of Mother.” Shining Star smiled at her sons as they went off together . . .	*bright A mother's wisdom and love shines through.