She stood in the shadow of the barn door, watching him, his bla

The Realisation

(Set in the summer before a Festive Follyfoot)

She stood in the shadow of the barn door, watching him, his black hair taking on a golden hue in the last rays of the evening sunlight. She couldn’t see his face but then again she didn’t need too. It was imprinted in her head, as well as her heart. The dark eyes, the strong nose, the full lips and the smile, that even when she was angry with him, could melt her.

She knew she loved him, how long she had she couldn’t say, perhaps it had been from the first time she saw him. She certainly hadn’t felt like this for anyone else. Not that she had much, if any previous experience of being in love, really in love.

She thought about the last few months and how their relationship had changed. She always thought of him as her best friend and she his. They had a very special friendship, despite their frequent arguments and disagreements, but lately there had been a closeness not there before, almost an intimacy, but not quite.

Shouts, laughter and sound of a motorbike revving brought her back to the present with a jolt.

She saw him jumped out of the way as their workmate, Ron, rode at him with his bike, swerving away at the last minute, the tyres throwing up clouds of dust then Ron pretended to ride at the newly repaired fence, a wicked look on his face.

Even these two young men in her life were getting on better now. They had, in the past, had their own disagreements, some of them leading to full on physical fights, which she had hated.

With another cloud of dust and a toot on the horn, Ron roared out of the gate, friendly cursing followed him.

She smiled as she walked down the yard, the dust still in the air causing her cough a little. He turned and saw her.

‘Hi, Dora.’ He called out to her. ‘Wondered where you were?’

‘Hi, Steve. Ron causing trouble again.’

‘Yeah. Nothing more than usual. Still, at least life's not dull with him about.’

‘No.’ she laughed. ‘Good old Ron.’

He waited for her to reach him and smiled when she did.

‘Do you still want me to help you with the paperwork after supper?’

‘Yes, please.’ She replied. ‘Do you mind? If you have something to do, it doesn’t matter.’

‘No. Of course not. Come on.’ He put his arm around her shoulders in a friendly way, as he had done many times before but with his touch Dora could feel her heart beating faster, a delightful shiver passing down her body as they strolled into the farmhouse. He swore he could feel her tremble slightly in his embrace, which puzzled him a bit. He hoped she was okay?

An hour later Dora and Steve were in her study. Her study! It had been her uncle’s for such a long time it still seemed odd at times that it was now hers. He had retired through ill health and passed the farm on to her. But it felt like he was still here, occasionally she believe she could even smell his tobacco. Her uncle visited every now and then to check up on the account books and paperwork. He was due in the next few days hence the mad rush to get it in some resemblance of order.

Dora wasn’t entirely at ease with doing all the administration work that went with the day to day running of the place. Despite her fancy, expensive education, she found it a little daunting. Steve, on the other hand, didn’t seem to mind and appeared quite comfortable with it. Although his schooling was slightly unorthodox, with spells in reform centres and orphanages, as well as prison, he certainly wasn’t uneducated. She knew he loved reading and would read anything and everything. The knowledge and skills, he had acquired, were mostly self- taught. It was one of the things she admired about him, that he wanted to better himself. Not that there was anything wrong with his background, she certainly didn’t have a problem with it, even he did.

They were sat at the large mahogany desk. She in her uncle’s old chair, Steve on one brought in from the kitchen. They sat so close she could feel the warmth of his leg on hers. Piles of invoices, brochures and other papers littered the floor as well as the desktop. Steve was using the calculator. She had treated herself to one of these new battery operated electronic things, so small you could hold it in your hand. It took a bit of getting use to. She often found herself doing the adding up in her head to check the calculator was correct.

There was a knock and the door opened.

‘Thought you two could do with some coffee’. Slugger was standing at the door with a tray.

‘Great, caffeine, just what we need’. Steve said, turning around.

‘How are you getting on?’ Slugger was walking back and forth trying to find a free space on which to put the tray.

‘Okay’. Dora replied. ‘ We’ve started to get things sorted.’

‘If someone kept up to date with things, it wouldn’t be in such a mess.’ Steve looked at her and winked.

‘ I know, I know, but there’s always such a lot of other things to do.’

‘So you forget it and hope it does it itself or goes away.’ Steve said, taking the mugs from the tray and handing one to Dora.

‘No.’ Dora retorted sharply, then regretted it, as she realised he was only teasing.

‘Now, now, you two no arguing.’ Slugger chipped in.

‘You know I’ll always help you.’ Steve said softly.’ You’ve only to ask.’

‘Yes.’ She cupped her hands around the mug and sipped the hot, black coffee.

Slugger walked out the room and left them to their coffees and work.

What seemed like hours later, Dora stretch her arms and yawned. Her neck and shoulders ached from bending over the books for so long. What she would give for a massage right now? She looked over at Steve and dreamed.

They had nearly finished. All that was left were bills that needed paying and some invoices where monies were due the farm. Everything else was neatly filed away.

Steve looked at her, noting how she rolled her shoulders relieving them of their stiffness. If only he had the nerve to ease the aching for her. ‘Let’s call it day now, we can see to these tomorrow. You look tired.’ He said as he stood up and stretched himself, shaking the thought from his mind.

‘Yes, I am. It’s been a good evenings work. Thank you Steve. I really do appreciate it.’

‘That’s okay. Would you like a cup of tea before we turn in?’

‘Thank you that would be nice.’ Her gaze followed him as he walked out of the study and she sighed deeply.

Ten minutes later Steve was back with two steaming cups of tea. Dora sat on the floor by the fire her arms hugging her knees to her chest. Steve handed her a cup then sat opposite her by the hearth. They sat there in companionable silence for sometime. Dora, obviously deep in thought, gazed into the fire, watching the dying embers as Steve gazed at her. He wondered what she was thinking about. Was it him?

Just lately he had sensed her watching him on several occasions. It didn’t unnerve him at all though; in fact, if he was honest, he quite liked it. He had known she had been by the barn door earlier that evening.

Not long ago she’d ask him to leave, the tears in her eyes belying the words she'd spoken. Was she having second thoughts about letting him stay? He dismissed that idea fairly quickly. They were closer now than they had ever been. They shared almost everything, the running of the farm, the decisions on what horses to take in, the schooling and more. The only thing they didn’t share was how they felt about each other. He was sure she felt something for him, the way she looked at him had given her feelings away many times and she found it hard to hide her jealousy when other girls were around him. Dora always seemed to wear her heart on her sleeve.

Steve sighed. He reached over and gently touched Dora knee. She turned round with a start then smiled at him.

‘Dora, are you alright?’

‘Yes of course. Why?

‘ You just seem far away sometimes.’

‘I’m sorry, I was just thinking.’

‘Oh, nothing bad, I hope.’ He gave a small smile but she noticed the sadness in his eyes.

‘No.’ She smiled reassuringly at him. ‘ I was thinking about Follyfoot. How well the farm is doing now. How everything seems to have fallen into place, it’s more relaxed and contented. Even Ron appears to be working harder. Have you noticed he’s hardly ever late?’ Steve nodded.

Dora paused. ‘You are happy here, aren’t you Steve? I couldn’t bear it if I thought you weren’t.’ Her hazel eyes sought his. They held each other’s look for a few seconds.

‘Yes, I am. And you?’ Steve asks quietly.

‘Yes, more than ever. It’s where I belong, where we both belong. It’s home, Steve, isn’t it’

Steve sighed. ‘ Yeah, it is. Dora, I need to …er…’

Before Steve could continue, the door opened and Slugger popped his head round. ‘I’m off up the wooden hill to bed. See you in the morning. Don’t work too late.’

‘No. We’re finished now. Goodnight Slugger.’

‘Good night.’ Steve called out as Slugger pulled the door to.

The moment had gone, he couldn’t say what he was thinking now so Steve stood up, put out his hand to Dora and helped her to her feet. ‘It is late. Time for bed.’

Their hands lingered in each other’s a few moments longer than was needed. Steve let go, lightly allowing his fingers to stroke hers as he did so and turned to put the guard in front of the fire.

‘Good night, Steve and thanks again.’ She said as he turned to face her.

‘Anytime. Good night Dora.’ He headed briskly for the door; he needed to get some fresh air, needed to compose himself. She was certainly having an affect on him and his thoughts at moment.

She watched him leave the room and heard the back door shut as he walked out into the night. She switched off the light and made her way up the stairs to her own bedroom. Walking across the room in the dark, she headed for the window. Outside the sky was clear and the full moon bright. In it’s silvery light she could see him standing under the old tree that stood by the donkeys’ pen. His back leaning against the trunk he looked up at the stars. For several minutes he stood there, then running his hand over the rough bark he walked across the yard to his bed above the tack room. He smiled to himself, his sixth sense telling him she was watching again. Dora stood at the window until he was out of sight. She went to bed wondering what he was going to say when Slugger had interrupted them. By the look in his eyes and the softness of his voice she was sure it wasn’t anything bad but she had felt that it was something important. Maybe he was having similar thoughts to her own, thoughts she found hard to tell him but that she wanted to so much. Trust Slugger to choose that moment to walk in.

___

The next morning arrived bright and sunny with a warm breeze in the air.

Dora was awake earlier than usual, instantly she thought of Steve; he had been the first thing on her mind this morning as he had been the last as she went to sleep. She leaped out of bed and quickly got dressed.

Slugger was already in the kitchen when she appeared downstairs. It didn’t seem to matter how early someone got up, Slugger was always already about! The ex-boxer greeted her as he filled the teapot from the boiled kettle. ‘Morning, girl. You’re early today. Thought after your late night you’d have a lie in this morning.’

‘Morning, Slugger. No, I couldn’t sleep. It’s such a beautiful day. Is Steve’s tea ready?’

‘For gawd sake, give it time to brew.’ He popped the lid back on the teapot. ‘He’s probably still asleep. If he’s got any sense anyway.’ Slugger replied.

Dora laughed and gave Slugger a hug. ‘I just don’t want to waste a minute of this glorious day. We got a lot to do today.’ Slugger shook his head in amusement as she poured out tea into a mug.

Dora crossed the yard with the mug hot in her hand, and went into the tack room. At the bottom of the stairs to the loft she stopped. Normally she would called up to Steve to warned him she was there in case he was undressed or to wake him. But today she didn’t. She climbed up as quietly as she could, avoiding the creaky step. As she step onto the short landing she saw him sitting on the edge of his bed putting on his socks.

‘Oh, you’re up!’ Dora said with a slight tinge of disappointment in her voice, although she wasn’t quite sure why she felt disappointed.

He looked up and grinned at her.

‘Good morning, Dora. Yes, I couldn’t sleep and I guess you couldn’t either.’ She shook her head. ‘ Thought I be the first one up being it’s so early. Bet Slugger is up though.’ He continued.

‘Yes, as always. Here’s your tea.’ She walked over and placed it on the dresser for him.

‘Ta.’ Steve suddenly realised his shirt was undone and quickly moved to button it up but not before Dora had noticed his smooth chest. She stared at it for a fraction of second longer than she should have, she felt like reaching out and touching it. She blushed at the thought and turned around to look out of the window to hide her flushed face. She hoped he hadn’t noticed. He had! Behind her Steve chuckled quietly to himself as he continued to dress, tucking in his shirt and putting on his boots and jumper.

Steve picked up his tea, took a mouthful and put it down again. Taking up his hairbrush he started to brush his long dark hair into place. Dora still had her back to him gazing out of the window. He looked over her shoulder through the window to the yard and the fields beyond.

‘Something interesting out there.’ He teased.

‘No. Just a lovely day.’ She said shyly.

‘Well, what’s on the agenda for this lovely day, then.’ He smiled as she turned to face him.

‘Lets see. Er. Work, mucking out, more work. Oh and work.’ She said laughing, more at ease now.

‘Great.’ He laughed back.

‘Also we have to collect Jericho. Lady Carne's going into hospital so we have to look after him for a few weeks, remember.’

‘Yes. What time?’

‘I said we would be over after lunch. Is that okay with you?’ Dora asked. She tried to make a conscious effort to ask him now, rather than being the boss, and telling him what to do.

‘Sure.’ Steve picked up the mug of tea once more and took another mouthful. ‘Well, we better get cracking then if we’re to finished the work by lunchtime. Although Ron might offer to do it all.’

‘That will be the day.’ Dora said as she followed Steve down the stairs to the stables.

___

Steve fetched the horsebox and brought it around to the front of the house. As he waited in the vehicle for Dora to get in Ron walked up to the driver’s window. He tapped on it and Steve wound it down.

‘Oi. Where are you going.’ Ron asked, a puzzled look on his face.

‘To Lady Carnes', to collect Jericho.’

‘It takes two of you to collect a horse?’ Ron queried. ‘What about the yard? I thought we were going clean it this afternoon.’

‘We aren’t. You are. Dora wants to speak to her ladyship. And I have to drive the truck,’ Steve said amused at Ron's obvious disgust.

‘Just great! I ain’t doing it on my own.’

‘Don’t worry. We won’t be long. I’ll help you when we get back.’ Steve laughed.

Lady Carne was an old friend of Dora’s uncle. Dora had first met her a year or so ago, after her horse, Copper, had cut it’s foot while out riding near Lady Carne's former stately home. Then her welcome of Dora and Steve had been somewhat frosty, she wouldn’t even let them take Copper into her stables but insisted her groom led him in. Today was different, they had become friends and her welcome was much warmer as she invited Dora and Steve into her cottage for a cup of tea.

After finishing his tea, Steve excused himself to go and collect Jericho from the stable and load him into the horsebox.

Lady Carne's eyes followed him out of the door. ‘Is he your boyfriend yet?’ She asked Dora in a matter of fact way.

‘No. We’re just friends’ Dora replied shyly.

‘Well, he should be. I can see you were made for each other. I’d grab him now before someone else does. You love him, don’t you?’ Lady Carne said causing Dora to blush for the second time that day.

Driving back home a while later, Dora fidgeted in her seat. She thought about what Lady Carne had said. Did she make it that obvious how she felt about Steve? Several times she tried to say something but then stopped herself. She took a deep breath. ‘Er.. Steve.’

‘Yeah.’

‘Do you ever think of Wendy?’ Dora asked quietly about his old girlfriend.

‘What! No. Never. Why do you ask?’ He replied frowning.

‘Oh. Only I saw her in town last week. That’s all.’ It was the only plausible thing she could think of.

‘Really.’ He paused and glanced side ways at her. ‘Would it bother you if I did?’

Dora shrugged her shoulders.

‘Is that a yes?’

She shrugged again. ‘It might, a bit.’

Steve grinned and shook his head. ‘Good.’ He had secretly quite liked the fact that Dora had been jealous of him and Wendy.

The next thing Dora knew she was being thrown against the dashboard, the truck swerved and jolted as Steve slammed on the brakes, which let out an almighty squeal and the tyres screeched in protest as they eventually came to a halt. She put her arms out to stop herself going through the window and fell back into her seat. It was a good job they weren’t going very fast.

‘Bloody hell!’ Steve shouted, his knuckles white as they gripped the steering wheel hard. ‘You okay?’ He immediately swung around to make sure she wasn’t hurt. Relief swept through him when he saw she was fine.

‘What’s happened, Steve?’

‘Some crazy idiot has just tried to pulled out of the junction, right in front of me!’

Steve was already scrambling out of the truck Dora followed him as he stormed over to the driver. Dora grabbed him by the arm. ‘Careful Steve.’ He pulled away from her. ‘Go and check on Jericho, girl.’

‘What the hell are you playing at? You could have killed us.’ Steve raged at the man through the open car window. The driver put up his hands in recognition that he been in the wrong.

‘Sorry, mate. Didn’t see you.’ The driver said apologetically.

‘What do mean, you didn’t see me. It’s a bloody great horsebox!’

‘I was checking the map. Didn’t know the junction was so close. I’m fairly new to the area’

Steve sighed and pushed his hands into his pockets to stop his fists going through the window and punching the driver. He breathed deeply as he willed himself to keep calm. The driver did look genuinely sorry and was obviously a little shaken too.

‘I hope for your sake that the horse is okay?’ He said abruptly as he turned away and walked to the back of the truck where Dora was comforting the horse.

‘Is he okay?’

‘He’s a small cut on his shoulder, but apart from that he’s alright.’

The driver came up behind Steve and he turned to him.

‘If that horse needs treatment, we’ll be sending you the vet’s bill.’

‘ Won’t be any need. I am a vet. May I take a look?’

Steve took a pace back and allowed the vet to step into the horsebox. The vet nodded at Dora in acknowledgement then concentrated on the horse. He took a few moments to look at the cut stroking Jericho’s neck as he did so.

‘It’s not too bad, just bathe it and keep it clean. Should be okay without stitches. Look, I really am sorry. If you think it needs treatment don’t hesitate to call me. Or anytime you need a vet.’ He put his hand in his breast pocket pull out a calling card and handed it to Steve. Steve read off the card ‘ Martin Lambert, Holmestead Veterinary Practice.’

‘And you are?’ the vet held out his hand to Steve. Steve shook it, reluctantly.

‘I’m Steve. This is Dora. We’re from Follyfoot. A couple of miles up that way.’ Steve nodded up the roadway towards the junction.

‘I’ve heard of it. Home for old horses place, right? I hear you do a good job there. Must visit it sometime. Sorry again and no hard feelings.’ He shook Steve’s hand once more.

‘No. Okay.’ Steve replied.

Steve watched the vet return to his vehicle, the man turning to wave before getting back into his car and driving away.

‘Prat.’ Steve muttered under his breath, stuffing the card in his own pocket.

Steve looked at Dora, who had just stepped down out of the horsebox then striding towards her, he placed his hands on her shoulders and gave them an affectionate squeeze. He stared straight into her eyes as she stared back into his noting the look of concern there.

‘Are you sure you’re alright?’

‘Yes. I’m fine. Just a little shaky. I was more worried about you.’ Dora returned his look gazing into his dark, almost black eyes.

‘I’m okay too. I was really good. I resisted the urge to thump our friendly neighbourhood vet.’

‘I know. I’m really proud of you.’ Dora said smiling at him. Steve’s temper had in past got him into trouble, including a spell in prison.

‘Really.’

‘Yes, really.’ She reached up and pushed an errant lock of hair off his face. Steve felt his heart quicken at her gentle touch. He took a deep breath and swallowed hard.

‘We…er. We should be getting home.’ He let her go.

‘Yes.’ She sighed.

They spent the rest of the short journey in silence.

Back at the farm Steve let Dora recount the incident with the vet to Slugger and Ron, who had atleast started on the yard. She proudly told of how Steve quick reaction had avoided what could have been a nasty accident, much to his embarrassment.

‘Bet you had a right go at him, didn’t you, mate.’ Ron asked Steve but it was Dora who answered.

‘No. Well you were angry, weren’t you Steve.’ She glanced at Steve. ‘ But he kept reasonably calm.’ She said turning back to Ron.

‘Must be mellowing in your old age, mate.’ Teased Ron. ‘Or something else is calming you down.’ He winked at Dora who shyly looked away.

Later on that day when the yard had finally been cleaned and Ron had gone off home. Steve was in Jericho’s stable with Dora. He watched her as she bathe the cut on the horse’s shoulder and applied some antiseptic ointment. Her gentleness with the horses always fascinated him. She could calm the wildest of animals. And some people too! Himself included, he certainly used to be very hotheaded and easily enraged. Ron was right, he was mellowing of late. He thought back to the afternoon and the occasion by the roadside. There had been quite an intimate moment, when Dora had touch his hair and he had felt her hand brush against face but once again it had passed without him saying what he was really thinking. He mentally kicked himself. Why the hell couldn’t he tell her how he felt? What was stopping him? Maybe he was afraid of committing himself to her. No, that wasn’t it. He was afraid. Afraid things would change between them.

‘He seemed nice, didn’t he?’ Dora had spoken bringing Steve back to the present.

‘Who?’ Steve looked at her puzzled.

‘Martin, the vet.’

‘Oh, yeah.’ Steve let his mind wandered again. Did Dora like the vet, even fancy him? He was youngish, blond and quite handsome he supposed. Some women would go for looks like that, no doubt. But would she?

‘Steve. Are you okay?’ She gently touched his arm, a worried look on her face.

‘Yeah, I’ll go and check on the other horses.’ He’d bottled out again, what an idiot, he said to himself.

She watched as he walked out of Jericho’s stall and into the yard. She sighed. ‘Oh Steve.’ What was the matter with her? Why couldn't she bring herself to speak to him about her feelings? She had seen the look in his eyes earlier that day. She was sure he felt the same. Her own skin had tingled when her hand had touched his face.

She tidied up in Jericho’s stall and went out into the yard. By the time she and Steve met by the gate they had both composed themselves and greeted each other in their usual friendly manner.

‘Hi. All done then.’

‘Yes. And you. All the horses okay?’ she asked him.

‘Yeah. Look I know it’s early but do mind if I turn in now. I’ve a few things to do in my room. It’s a bit of a mess.’ What he didn’t say was that he needed time on his own to think.

‘No. Of course not.’ She said with a slight disappointment. What could he be tidying up? He was a pretty neat person, and kept his room accordingly. He even made his bed every morning, which was something Dora rarely gave herself time to do. ‘Goodnight then.’

‘Goodnight. Dora.’

___

The next few days passed as usual. The daily routine as it always was just horses and work.

It was Saturday afternoon; the work done and the riding lessons over; Dora and Steve were taking a break. They were sitting on some hay bales in the yard drinking tea that Slugger had brought out to them. The weather was warm if a bit muggy. Dora and Steve had tried hard to keep things as normal as possible between them. Both when they were on their own and with Slugger or Ron. Sometimes they caught an expression in the other eyes that belied that fact that were just friends. At this moment they were sat in silence again but it wasn’t an uncomfortable silence, just a relaxing one between two people who knew each other well. They had never found the need to talk all the time while in each other’s company. It was Steve who broke the silence.

‘How’s Jericho today?’ he asked

‘The cut’s a lot better. In fact I was thinking of taking him out for ride today. Would you like to come along too? You and I haven’t been out riding for awhile.’

‘Yeah. Yeah I like that. So would Alex. I’m sure he’s been grumpy because I haven’t had time to take him out for a couple days.’

Within half an hour they had finished their tea, saddled Jericho and Alex, and were on their way out of the farm gate. Slugger came to the back door. ‘Where are you two going?’

‘Just out on the moors for a quick ride. We won’t be long.’

‘ Well, you better not be. It’s going to rain.’ Slugger warned.

Dora and Steve looked up at the clear blue sky with its few wispy clouds. They grinned at each other and dismissed Slugger’s warning as one of his miserable, grumpy thoughts.

It was such a lovely afternoon they just rode on and on across the moorland that might have looked desolate but that they both knew like the back of their hand. Neither was worried about getting lost as they had ridden this route many times. Eventually they stopped by a small stream, dismounted and allowed their horses to drink the cool water. Dora watched as Steve took a thermos out of his saddlebag. Now she realised why he had included the bags on his horse.

‘Coffee.’ He asked unscrewing the top and handing her the inner cup. She held it out as he poured the black coffee into her cup. She drank her coffee black and strong but he preferred his white, so he filled his adding some milk from a smaller container.

Dora sat down in front of a large boulder next to the stream, the sun had warmed the boulder and she could feel the heat radiating from it. Steve sat down beside her watching a bird of prey as it soared over the moors.

‘Look, a hen harrier, they’re very rare now-a-days. Doesn’t it fly so effortlessly? Imagine being able to soar though the sky like that. To go where you want to, when you want to.’ Steve said pointing in the distance. They continued to watch it until the bird became a small dot on the horizon and eventually went out of sight.

After a while Dora lent back against the rock, suddenly she was tired, she felt like she could go to sleep. It must be all the fresh Yorkshire air she’d inhaled during the ride. She closed her eyes and relaxed, the sun warm on her face.

Something tickled her cheek and she half-heartedly pushed it away. A second tickle made her open her eyes to find Steve brushing her face with a long piece of grass.

‘Hey. What are you doing? She laughed.

‘Waking you up.’

‘I wasn’t asleep!’

‘No. You could have fooled me. All the snoring you were doing.’ Steve said teasing her.

‘I don’t snore.’

‘How do you know?’

‘I just know.’ She grabbed a handful of grass and tried to stuff it down the neck of his shirt but he took hold of her arms and pushed her down on to the ground, and held her there laughing.

‘See, you not strong enough for me.’ He said staring down on her, she lay there for a second staring back at him.

‘Oh. I’ll get you back. When you’re not looking.’

‘Oh yeah! Really.’

‘Yes! Really.’ She tickled him by his ribs and he fell back on to the ground next to her.

She turned her head to find him looking at her, the grin now gone from his face. His dark eyes stared into hers so intensely it made her catch her breath and once again her heart started to beat faster. She could feel it racing in her chest. They lay staring at each other for a few brief moments, each wanting to say something but words wouldn’t come.

A bright flash followed by a loud bang, startled her and made her sit up abruptly. ‘What was that?’

‘Thunder!’ Steve quickly got to his feet, looking up at the sky, black clouds now looming on the horizon. ‘Christ, it looks like a storms coming. We better be getting back.’ He picked up the thermos and cups and returned them quickly to the saddlebag, all the time talking to his horse, which had slightly spooked by the clap of thunder, to keep him calm.

They had travelled some distance when large drops of rain began to fall. Luckily they were close to an old derelict cottage that Steve knew had outbuildings that were still intact. Within a few minutes they were sheltering from the now heavier rain in what had at one time been used to house animals.

Steve and Dora had put their horses at the back of the building where the thunder and lightning couldn’t unnerve them too much.

Dora stood at the open doorway gazing out at rain, flinching each time there was a clap of thunder. There was a loud crack as the lightning struck something in the distance. A tree, perhaps, like the one at Follyfoot that had been scorched by lightning many years ago but was now blooming again. Steve sat in the background on a rickety old seat watching her once again.

‘I love storms.’ She said suddenly.

‘Do you? I never knew that.’ Steve said surprised.

’Yes. As a little girl, I would stand at my window and marvel at the lightning, at how bright it was. I believed you could see the whole of London when it lit up the sky. And even though I counted the seconds and knew it was coming, the thunder always made me jump. Still does.’

‘I noticed.’ Steve laughed softly.

Dora turned to look at him. ‘Are you laughing at me?’

‘No. No, I’m not.’ He answered quietly, his face serious now.

She turned and faced the moor again. The rain was still belting down. Another flash of lightning lit up her face then there was a clap of thunder. She jumped again. With the rain the air had cooled a little, she shivered slightly. She wished she brought a jumper with her. Steve saw the shiver. He thought how vulnerable but lovely she looked. He had this sudden urge to hold her, to warm her. He rose from his seat slowly and quietly. In a couple of paces he was standing behind her. He hesitated for a few seconds, unsure how she would react to his next move. Taking a deep breath he suddenly put his arms around her shoulders and pulled her into his embrace. She unconsciously lent back against his chest. Her hand came up and casually stroked his forearm, a simple gesture that seemed to say ‘Hi, what took you so long?’ She smiled to herself as she closed her eyes and luxuriated in the warmth and safety of his arms, his breath hot on the back of her neck. Instantly the chill disappeared from her body, replaced by a feeling of love and well-being.

For him it felt so natural, so right to have her in his arms, her body had relaxed as he cuddled her. He felt also the softness and warmth of her body melting into his own and the gentleness of her hands holding on to his arms. Closing his eyes too he planted a light kiss on her hair breathing in the scent of her shampoo and the perfume she occasionally wore. They stood like that for sometime neither saying a word, each immersed in thought, thoughts that were their own but that were also the same.

‘Steve’ she said quietly, her heart thumping. She knew she had to tell him sometime, so why not now. But she was nervous and a little scared. Was it too soon? After all they hadn’t even kissed. The last time they had talked about love, Steve had brought up the social gap they had between them and the fact that love would change their friendship. Even then, she had hoped that one day they would be able to close that gap, to entwine the two different worlds they were from into one. Hadn’t he said so himself at the end of their heart to heart talk? She had to tell him how she felt now, though, even if he rebuffed her again. At least she’d know how he really felt, judging by his latest action and the way he held her, she was sure his feelings were the same as hers.

‘Um.’ He muttered softly into her hair.

‘I love you.’ It was barely more than whisper but at least it was out now. She stiffened as she waited for his reaction, her heart thumping even more. She wished she could see his face.

Steve smiled as he tightened his arms about her reassuringly, her words echoing in his head. ‘Dora.’ He paused briefly before saying softly ‘I love you too.’ He felt her relax again as she let out the breath she had been holding and sighed deeply. He planted another kiss in her hair as Dora turned in his arms, her eyes searching his. He was sure there were tears in hers. He smiled inwardly as he recalled how easily she could cry, whether sad or happy. He hoped these were tears of happiness! She smiled at him as she reached up and stroked his cheek, her fingers coming to rest briefly on his mouth. His eyes scanned her face, taking in the beautiful eyes, the small nose and the soft cheeks now flushed with a tinge of pink. His eyes stopped on her lips, he gently touched them with his own. She sighed as he pulled back, her arms came up and entwined round the back of his neck pulling his face closer to hers, they kissed again, this time for longer and with more urgency. Eventually their lips parted, each taking in a deep breath as they tried to compose themselves. They smiled reassuringly at each other. They knew it had been what they both wanted, and, if they were honest what had both longed for, for a long time. Dora felt that she should say something but one look in his eyes told there was no need to, he knew what she was thinking and she, him. Resting her head on his shoulder she could hear his heart thumping in his chest, her own beating in time with his. Steve stroked her hair, his fingers caressing the long locks.

‘Is this it, then?’ he asked quietly.

‘What?’

‘Is this what the last few years have been leading up to.’ He gazed over her head at the rain that had now eased to a drizzle. She looked up at him, her movement causing him to bring his gaze back to her.

‘It’s what I always hope it would, yes.’ She sighed.

‘You never gave up on us, did you?’ Steve said shaking his head and smiling slightly.

‘No. Never. Remember Steve. Gaps are bridgeable, some just take longer than others, that’s all.’

He grinned at her remembering when he actually used those words himself. They kissed once more and only stopped when they decided they needed to breath again. ‘Hey, look. There’s a patch of blue sky coming this way. We’ll be able to go soon.’ Steve said bringing Dora back to the present from the pleasurable place she had been.

‘I don’t know if I want to go. I don’t want this afternoon to end.’

‘There will be more afternoons, mornings and evenings come to think of it, just like this one. I promise.’ He squeezed and kissed her lightly again then took her hand. ‘Come on. Let’s get Jericho and Alex. They’ll think we forgotten them.’

___

Ten minutes later the sky was clear and the sun shining once more, it was if the storm hadn’t occurred at all. It was as if it had all been set up by Mother Nature just to get them together.

Steve and Dora rode side by side at a steady pace, though not in too much of rush to get home. Both of them seemed to want to prolong their time alone together. They rode in silence each of them lost in their thoughts, both recounting the events of the afternoon, magical kiss and the fact that they now had confessed to being in love with each other. Every now and then they would look across, catch each other’s eye and smile in a knowing way. One time Dora caught Steve staring into space, a grin on his face. ‘What are you thinking?’ She said although she had a good guess at his reply.

‘I was thinking about kissing you and how beautiful it was.’

‘Oh.’ She looked down shyly. ‘What about Slugger and Ron?’

‘God. No, I don’t want to kiss them. Uck!’

‘You idiot!’ She laughed. ‘I meant what do we tell them about us?’

‘I don’t know.’ He gave a slight tug on Alex’s rein to make him come to a halt. Dora sidled beside him and stopped. He continued more seriously now. ‘Do we have to say anything yet? Dora, all this is so new to us it will take a bit of getting use to. It will be nice to get used to it by ourselves without other people.’

‘Keep it a secret, you mean.’

‘Yeah. Just for a while. I know it will be difficult. Both Slugger and Ron can be quite perceptive at times. Neither of them miss much.’ He saw a look in eyes. ‘I am not ashamed or embarrassed by us if that’s what you’re thinking, I’ll tell the world when the times right. But not just yet!’

She sighed. ‘Okay. I’ll try.’

‘That’s my girl. Hey, it could be fun. Secret liaisons! Stolen kisses! Holding hands under the table!’ He reach over took her hand and gave it an affectionate squeeze. He let go. ‘Come on, I’ll race you home.’ He urged Alex into a canter.

‘Hey, that’s not fair.’ Dora shouted as she followed him.

They trotted through the gate into the farm to find Slugger waiting at farmhouse door, his arms folded across his chest, a relieved look on his face.

‘Where the flipping ‘eck have you two been.’ He scolded. ‘The lovely supper I’ve cooked ruined now!’

‘Sorry.’ Dora said as her and Steve made their way up the yard to the stables. ‘We’ll just go and see to the horses then we’ll be in. Won’t be long Slugger.’

When Dora had finished rubbing down her horse and putting fresh ointment on his now healing wound, she walked out into the yard to find Steve waiting, hands stuffed in his pockets in a familiar pose, for her by the tack room doorway.

‘Come here.’ He held out his hand to her, she took it and he led her into the tack room, where he pushed her gently up against the wall and they kissed once more. He put his hand behind her head to deepen the kiss, entwining his fingers in her hair as she ran her own fingers though his thick hair. She was pleased to find it was just as magical as their first had been.

‘Wow!’ Steve exclaimed when they finally broke apart. ‘It wasn’t just the electricity in the storm then, that was making my skin tingle.’

‘You felt it too!’ Dora said breathlessly.

‘Yeah. Hey! We’d better get a move on or Slugger will have our guts for garters.’

‘Okay.’ Dora replied still trying to catch her breath.

‘Hang on a minute.’ Steve bounded up the stairs to his room, and was back within seconds. He handed Dora his hairbrush. ‘Better tidied yourself up first, girl. Looks like you’ve been pulled through a hedge backwards!’

‘You too.’ She laughed reaching up and drawing the brush through his hair. After taming her own locks she put the brush on the wooden seat in the tack room and they both went out into the yard walking quickly to the house. They paused at the farmhouse gate. ‘Okay. We have to act naturally. Deep breaths, girl. Ready!’ Then they entered the house trying to look as normal as was possible.

‘Okay, Slugs, where this erm… ‘lovely’ supper then.’

‘About time too!’ Slugger moaned at them. ‘What have you two been doing?’

Dora looked at Steve trying not to blush. ‘Sorry, Slugs. It was my fault I had to see to Jericho’s shoulder.’

Dora and Steve sat in their usual places next to each other at the kitchen table as Slugger placed the warmed plates in front of them then dishing out the evening meal. Steve pulled a face as he moved the charred remains about the plate with his fork, wishing he knew what it had been then at least he could guess at what it should taste like.

‘Why were you out for ages this afternoon?’ Slugger asked taking his own place at the table. ‘You said you weren’t going to be long.’

‘Sorry. We should have listen to you about the rain. We had to shelter for sometime from the thunderstorm. God, it was quite a bad one as you know when it reach here.’ Dora replied.

‘No. What thunderstorm?’ Slugger questioned.

‘You didn’t have a thunderstorm.’ Steve asked a puzzled frown on his face. ‘But it was heading this way.’

‘I told you no. Just a short sharp shower.’ Slugger replied watching them as Dora and Steve looked at each other perplexed. Steve shook his head and smiled to himself.

‘That’s strange. We had the lot, thunder, lightning and it bucketed it down. We had to sit it out in an old derelict building until it passed.’

‘Bet that wasn’t very pleasant.’

‘Oh, it was okay.’ Dora said looking at Steve then glancing away again quickly but not before Slugger had noticed the look. Something was up he thought to himself, but he couldn’t put his finger on quite what. He watched them closely throughout the rest of the evening. Definitely something!

They tried to keep the evening as routine as possible. They helped Slugger clear up, discussed the goings on of the day, (missing out certain bits on Dora and Steve part) and sat and read, Steve the newspaper and Dora one of her horse books while Slugger listened to his favourite programme on the radio. When they thought the time was reasonable Steve and Dora went to check on the horses for the night. It was something Steve often did on his own, on his way to bed but Dora had made Jericho again her excuse for going with him.

‘Crikey, Dora. You ain’t ‘alf making a fuss over that horse.’ Slugger grumbled as she got up to go with Steve.

‘Well, he’s not ours is he? Wouldn’t want Lady Carne to think we don’t look after him. She doesn’t even know about the cut yet.’

Slugger shook his head suspiciously and tutted as he watched them go out of the door.

Steve and Dora checked on the horses as they said they were going to do. Steve started at the top stables and Dora at the bottom, Steve found her in Copper’s stall. Dora having already seen Jericho and was happy he was okay. They stood in each other’s arms recalling the events of the day. They were both puzzled over the storm and why it had never reach Follyfoot. It hadn’t been that far away and it was certainly heading in the direction of the farm. Surely it couldn’t have disappeared that quickly. It was certainly strange! They interrupted their conversation with frequent kisses. It was after one of these kisses that Dora spoke to her horse, Copper. ‘Now Copper. No telling on us. It’s a secret. Only you know. Oh. And Alex and Jericho.’ Copper nodded as if he knew and understood. Steve and Dora chuckled at this.

‘Talking of Jericho. You’re going to have to think of a different excuse tomorrow. Slugger will get suspicious if keep using Jericho all the time.’

‘I know. What though?’

‘ We’ll think of something.’ Steve said once more caressing her hair.

‘Steve. Can I ask you something?’

‘Sure.’

‘It’s a bit embarrassing, really.’ She said looking down shyly at the floor her eyes focussing on a bucket in the corner. Steve frowned wondering what it was she wanted to ask. Still looking down she spoke quietly. ‘Well, er.. Is my kissing okay?’

‘WHAT! Sure it is. It’s beautiful.’ Steve replied in surprise. He put his finger under chin and gently lifted her head to look at him.’ Why?’

‘It’s just I’m not experienced at kissing. Well, not like that anyway.’

Steve smiled, shaking his head. Oh, Dora. Don’t be silly.’ He said tenderly. ‘It’s lovely, you’re lovely. There no need to worry.’ She smiled at him tears in her eyes again. ‘ Besides, you know what they say. Practice makes perfect. We’ll just have to practice a lot. No time like the present.’ He covered her mouth with his and kiss her passionately, she responded eagerly with just as much passion. He was right it was beautiful. She pressed herself against him she wanted to be as close as possible to feel the warmth of his body. Her heart was beating fast also there was this other feeling, a funny feeling inside her, she never had before today but she knew it felt nice, really nice. Their lips parted and they stood gazing at each other. Steve stroked her back feeling her tremble at his light touch. He drew in a deep breath and exhaled slowly. ‘You’d better be getting back before Slugger sends out a search party.’ He let her go.

‘Okay.’ She said walking out of Copper’s stable, Steve following her, shutting the door behind him. She turned and looked at him. ’Go on.’ He said, nodding towards the house, but thought to himself ‘Before I ask you to stay.’

‘Thank you Steve, for a beautiful day, another treasure to remember.’

He smiled recalling the story he had once told her of how his grandmother likened collecting happy memories to a treasure hunt. ‘Yes. Another treasure for both of us. Goodnight Dora. See you in the morning.’

‘Goodnight, Steve.’

He waited in the yard by the old tree and watched as she went through the farm gate pulling it shut behind her when she reach the farmhouse she turned and waved at him, he waved back then made his way to the loft and his own bed.

___

Steve lay on top of his bed for ages just thinking of everything that had happen that day. He grinned to himself when he thought of the kisses he and Dora had shared and her concern over them. He sighed when he recalled the warmth of her body embracing his, the touch of her hand running through his hair, he could still feel the softness of her hair in his fingers, still smell her shampoo. Thinking of her brought back all the feelings in his body, the feelings he had fought hard to control while he was kissing her. He wondered if she had felt them too, and if she had, had she realised what they were and what they meant.

He must have dozed because he woke with a start and sat up abruptly. Negative thoughts began to run through his mind. Had today been right? Would they still feel the same tomorrow or was it just the isolation and the storm? Would things be different between them? They had been friends for so long were the happenings of today going to spoil that friendship. He’d hate to lose her as friend despite gaining her a lover. Was Dora ready? He’d known how difficult growing up had been for her. Was he ready, come to that? Did he really love her? Yes, of course he did. During these past months he had been desperate to tell her so. Telling her he loved her had proved easier than he thought, he couldn’t understand why he been so nervous, when it had felt so right. He had wondered if he was ever capable of loving anyone, his past had very little love in it. Even his mother’s love had disappeared when as a 4-year-old boy she had dumped him in the orphanage.

He lay back down on his bed, his hands tucked behind his head. He looked up at the roof of the loft, his eyes staring unfocused on the wooden joists as his mind wandered back in time. As a small boy in the orphanage, alone and frightened in his bed at night he would often cry for the want of a proper home and a loving family to take care of him. During his teenage years he’d learnt to push these emotions aside and hide them away in the back of his mind. He was more than likely get a beating from the more hardened boys or even on occasions the so called ‘carers’ if he was caught crying. He also learnt to be tough and insular causing him to grow up to be a stubborn and angry young man, quick to temper and always putting up a barrier against the world. Even when girls began to notice him and him them, when they made a play for his attention and affection, he never let them get too close, maybe sometimes physically but never mentally. Nobody got inside his mind or his heart. Until Dora!

He smiled to himself as he thought once more of Dora. The realisation came to him, now he knew what he longed for all his life, what he had been missing, was already here. In Dora he had found someone to love and care for him and to love and cherish back in return. In Follyfoot he had found the home he needed and in its people the loving family he had yearned for!

So why, on earth, was he having these doubts. Today had been so perfect, it was all he ever wanted, she was all he ever wanted, and today her kisses had told him she was his. Pulling a cover over him, he pushed the doubts away, he wasn’t going to let surface again and eventually fell into a fitful sleep.

In the farmhouse Dora also lay awake. She too was thinking of that afternoon and Steve. She couldn’t believe it had actually happened, that they had a long last confessed to being in love with each other. She’d known for a long time how she felt about him. A few years ago it was more like a schoolgirl crush on a handsome stable lad but now it was something a lot more.

It was at the time that asked him to leave that she realised how much she needed him, wanted him, she couldn’t live without him, here or anywhere. In remembering this, the realisation suddenly occurred to her of what today really meant. Steve was her life. The thought dawned on her she was actually putting a person before her beloved horses or Follyfoot. If she had to choose between Steve and the farm, she was certain her choice would be Steve. Of course she hoped that day would never come. She turned over and closed her eyes, thinking of Steve and the kisses she fell asleep, a smile on her face.

___

Dora once again woke early, early for a Sunday anyway, they did try to have one day a week when they allowed themselves a few extra minutes in bed. A smile lit her face as she thought of Steve, wondering if he was awake yet. She didn’t get up immediately fearing her eagerness to start the day would cause Slugger to become suspicious. She couldn’t contain herself for too long though, she needed to see Steve.

She almost sprinted across the yard to take Steve his tea. She paused briefly at the bottom of the loft stairs took a deep breath then continued up them. At the top she called out cheerily. ‘Morning Steve.’ There was no reply. She looked at his bed expecting to see him in it, but it was empty and still unmade. She moved her eyes quickly around the room he wasn’t there. A panic gripped her heart, where was he? He couldn’t have left could he? Taking another look around his bedroom again, she dismissed the idea, with some relief. His pyjamas were still on his bed, his brush back on the dresser with his shaving kit along with books and photographs. He must be in the stables already working. She ran down the stairs and into the tack room calling his name again. Still, no reply. She hurried to Alex’s stable but it was empty the horse had gone too. He must have gone out riding early. She felt a little aggrieved that he'd gone out without her.

The sound of hooves had her rushing into the yard, mug of tea still in her hand. As he rode through the gate he called out to her.

‘Morning Dora, is that my tea? Good.’ He said as he dismounted.

‘Where have you been?’ she asked sharply.

He noticed that sharp tone of her voice and the look on her face. ‘Out riding.’ He retorted back. If she was going to offhand so would he?

‘I can see that.’ Then she asked more quietly ‘Why?’ as she followed him to Alex’s stable.

‘I needed to do some thinking, that’s all.’

‘About us.’ Was he having regrets over what had taken place yesterday, she thought?

‘Yeah, about us.’ He looked at her and noticed the tears starting to well up in her eyes. He removed the horse’s saddle and placed it over the stall. Picking up a cloth he began to rub Alex down before speaking.

‘Dora. I don’t know how to..I…er.’ He broke off looking down and fiddling with the cloth.

‘NO! Steve! No!’ she shouted without letting him finish his sentence, slamming the mug down hard on a wooden post making the tea slop over then turning she tried to run out of the stable, tears sliding down her cheeks. Steve grabbed her arm and pulled her to him. He wrapped his arms around her so tightly she could hardly breath. His mouth found hers and he kissed her tenderly. He could taste the salty tears that had run down her cheeks to her lips. He felt her body relax as he parted his lips from hers. Letting her go he reached up and wiped the tears from her face with fingers. Sliding his hands to her shoulders he squeezed them, looking into her eyes he smiled at her and she smiled back.

‘Dora, listen to me.’ He whispered. ‘Yesterday, things happened so quickly, and the feelings were so intense and new to us both, I think they caught us a bit by surprise. Didn’t they?’ She nodded not taking her eyes off his. ‘I had to sure that those same feelings are still there this morning, that’s all.’

‘And are they? I know mine are.’

He nodded. ‘Yes, they certainly are. Even more so. I do love you, girl.’

‘I’m glad, because I love you very much. Always have.’

___

Finding time to be by themselves was proving to be difficult, Slugger or Ron seemed to be always about, either within sight or hearing distance. Often their time alone was restricted to a few precious moments in the evenings before retiring to their own beds or when they were out riding. They knew work came first and they did try to behave as before the kisses, acting as normal as possible during the day, but they were both aware of how easy it would be to give themselves away with just a look or a touch that appeared too affectionate for ‘just friends’.

There were the odd sly moments when they were able to share their affections. One time her uncle was visiting the farm and she was standing in one of the stables talking to him, her hands casually placed behind her back. Steve came up and stood behind her and took hold of her hands, caressing her fingers with his. They continued the conversation for sometime until Steve excused himself. He let go, softly running his hand along the bottom of her back causing her to shiver, as he knew it would. As he stepped passed Dora’s uncle he turned and gave her a smug grin, she in turn gave him a ‘look’ that said ‘I’ll get you.’ He walked out of the stable laughing to himself.

They did manage to have one evening alone together, in those first few weeks.

Slugger had announced at breakfast time that he would be out that evening to a meeting at ex-servicemen’s club. ‘I might be back quite late, you two all right about that? He asked looking at Dora and Steve. He still thought that there was something odd about their behaviour. Dora and Steve glanced at each other both trying to suppress a smile.

‘Yeah. Sure. No problem.’ Steve answered. ‘Er. How late is late?’ he asked casually.

‘I don’t know. About eleven or twelvish. Why?’ Slugger said puzzled.

‘No reason.’

‘I‘ll keep the back door unlocked for you.’ Dora interjected. Which puzzled Slugger even more because they hardly ever locked it anyway.

During the day, Dora and Steve kept glancing at each other both thinking of when they would be alone for the whole evening. But it was going to prove more difficult than they thought. Ron, unusually, refused to go home, reckoned he had nothing to do that night, and hung around for ages after Slugger had left. He even helped with clearing up after supper, instead of scarpering like he normally did when anything resembling work cropped up. When he eventually decided to go they breathed a sigh of relief and waved him off cheerfully at the gate. Back in the farmhouse, they spent quiet hours by the fire, sometimes talking, sometimes kissing, or just cuddling in silence. Half way through the evening Steve got up and went into the back kitchen, returning with a tray with small plates, butter and a larger plate of crumpets, which he bought when he was in town earlier that day. Dora smiled at this man she loved so much as they sat cosily on the floor toasting the crumpets by the fire. She didn’t want the evening to end. He reached over and placed a crumpet by her mouth, she took a bite, laughed as the butter dripped down her chin, he wiped it with his fingers then placing them in his own mouth. They gazed at each other suddenly the crumpets were forgotten as they kissed hungrily ending up lying on the floor. Her arms entwined around his neck pulling him closer to her, deepening the kiss. He could feel her longing and desire. After a while Steve pulled away and sat up. They weren’t ready for this yet!

‘What’s wrong Steve?’

‘Nothing.’ He replied pulling her up beside him. ‘ Nothing’s wrong, just got cramp, that’s all.’ He smiled at her and kissed her tenderly wrapping his arms about her.

‘Where?’ she asked.

‘Just my calf.’ He lied. ‘It’s okay now.’ Before he could say anything else, she’d removed herself from his arms and sat down facing him. She took his left leg in her hands and rolled up his trousers. ‘This one.’ She asked. He nodded. She began to massage his leg by rubbing his calf soon her fingers touch a scar on the back of his leg, she traced her fingers around to his shin where she found a matching scar. ‘I didn’t realise you still had scars from the trap.’ she said remembering how he got them. To get an old school friend of hers to overcome her recent fear of horses, they had, well, Ron had really, hatched a plan were by Steve caught his leg in a dummy trap, causing her to have to get on a horse to get help. Only it backfired and Steve stepped into a real one. Dora winced when she recalled how much blood there had been and how much pain Steve had endured. ‘Do they still hurt?’ She asked.

‘No.’ he replied grabbing her wrist with one hand and pulling it away from his leg while pushing his trouser leg back down with the other. Her touch was creating ‘that’ feeling again. ‘It’s okay now. Come here.’ He said pulling her to him once more. The rest of the evening went by as before just sitting on the floor, Steve’s back against the armchair, Dora sat between his legs, her back against his chest, and his arms around her. Occasionally she would look up at him and he’d kiss her tenderly. She even found herself dozing in his warm embrace. As she dozed she would move slightly and he could feel the softness of her breasts gently touching his arms. He moved his hand down to her stomach to find bare flesh there where her jumper had ridden up over her midriff. It was smooth and warm to his touch. Her hand covered his and held it there.

He looked up at the clock. It was really late. He thought Slugger would have been home by now. He knew it was time to going to bed, each to their ‘own’ beds, no matter how enjoyable it was stay right there. Suddenly he took his hand off her stomach and patted her on the leg.

‘Wake up, girl.’

‘What? Umm.’ She said sleepily rubbing her eyes.

‘It’s getting late, Slugger will be back soon.’ He moved to get up and taking her arm he pulled her up too.

Picking up the dishes, he said. ‘I’ll clear up then be off.’

‘Off where?’

‘To my bed, silly.’

‘Steve.’ She hesitated then continued. ‘You don’t have to..er…go.’ she said looking down shyly.

‘Dora. Please. Don’t.’ He put the dishes back on the table.

‘Why? I thought you wanted….’ She broke off.

‘I do. But we can’t. Not yet!’ He ran his fingers through his hair and sighed.

‘But why?’ she persisted.

‘Oh, Dora.’ He paused and gave a little shake of his head. ‘It’s just. It’s just too soon. It’s not the right….’ Before he could finish she interrupted again.

‘If you say it’s not the right time. I’ll, I’ll…’ She stopped herself. ‘When is the right time for anything? It’s not the right time to tell anyone about us! When is Steve? When?’ she said exasperated. She turned and stormed to the window looking out into the darkness. He came up behind her and grabbed her arm, swinging her round to face him.

‘But, that’s just it; it isn’t the right time, not tonight. It will happen, there will be right time and when it comes you’ll know, we’ll both know. We won’t even need to ask each other. Dora. Please!’ He gripped her arms and looked into her eyes. ‘Let's not argue. It’s been a beautiful evening. Don’t spoil it.’ He smiled at her. She was unable to stop herself from smiling back. He knew he could always win her round with his smile.

‘Okay! As long as you promise a long kiss before you go.’

‘Sure.’ He let her go and picked up the dishes once more just as the sound of a car pulled in up the drive. ‘That’s Slugger.’ He said, walking to the sink as she followed him, he turned in the doorway. ‘By the way, we’ll tell the others tomorrow, shall we?’

‘Yes.’

By the time Slugger had walked into the kitchen they were washing up the dishes. Dora called cheerfully to him. ‘Evening, Slugger. You’re late!’

‘Evening, you two. I’m surprised to see you’re still up. I’ve been talking to me old pals down at the club, forgot the time. What have you been up too?’ He caught the look between them.

‘Nothing much. Just sat reading and talking.’ Dora said coyly.

‘I fancy a cuppa before bed. Either of you want one?’ Slugger asked.

‘No thanks.’ Steve replied. ‘I‘d better be going. See you in the morning.’ He made his way to door and into the hall. Dora followed him. ‘I’ll say goodnight too. Slugger.’ Dora pulled the door to behind her. In the hallway she took Steve’s hand.

‘Hey. You promised a kiss, remember.’

‘Yeah, I did. Didn’t I.’ He pulled her into his arms and planted his mouth on hers. So engrossed in the kiss, they didn’t hear the door open silently beside them. The latch hadn’t closed properly when Dora had pulled it to.

‘Oh my Gawd!’ Slugger exclaimed. They both jumped apart quickly. ‘What the hell?’

‘We can er um, explain.’ Dora mumbled.

‘I hope so,’ Slugger said ushering them back into the kitchen. ‘Right, What’s going on?’

‘Do you want me to say it’s not what you think,’ replied Steve ‘ Well, I can’t. Because it is,’ he sighed.

‘I thought there was something odd between you two. How long is it being going on?’

‘A couple of weeks.’ Steve put his arm around Dora protectively. ‘We were going to tell you.’

‘Going to tell me, he says. When was that then?’ Slugger stood with his arms folded across his chest.

Dora removed herself from Steve arm and walked over to Slugger. Placing a hand on his arm, she looked up at him. ‘Slugger. Please. We, honestly, were going to tell you soon, we just needed to get used to it ourselves.’ She looked at Steve. ‘when the time was right, we would have.’

Slugger looked at her with a crooked grin on his face. ‘Well, I ain’t surprised, I suppose. It was bound to ‘appen sometime. Just can’t understand why it took you two so bleedin’ long.’

Steve, with his hands stuffed in pockets again, frowned at him. Slugger smiled at Dora then at Steve. ‘Yeah, lad, I guessed ages ago. Wanted to bang your heads together to knock some sense into the both of you.’

‘Oh Slugger! All this time we’ve been worrying about how and when to tell you. And you knew all along.’ Dora reached up and gave him a peck on the cheek. He put an arm around her and walked over to Steve. He gave him a fatherly pat on the shoulders. ‘ I’m happy for you both. Just don’t let it interfere with the work, that’s all.’

‘It hasn’t so far. Has it?’ Steve asked.

‘Well, I noticed you’d slope off every now and then, especially in the evenings.’ Slugger teased.

‘Talking of sloping off, I aught to be turning in, it’s very late now.’ Steve said noticing Dora trying to stifle a yawn. He bid goodnight to Slugger once more and turned to Dora, putting a hand on her shoulder he leaned over and kissed her lips briefly. ‘Goodnight, girl. I’ll see you in few hours.’ He winked at her and glanced at the clock, which was now showing way past midnight, only a few hours sleep then they would have to be up again.

‘Goodnight Steve.’ she sighed, blushing because Slugger was watching them. She watched Steve as he once again walked out of door, this time she didn’t follow him but watched him from the window, until he disappeared. Slugger came up to her and placing an arm around her, looked over her shoulders at the night. ‘Do you love each other?’

‘Yes, Slugger, we do, very much.’

‘Good. You two were meant for each other, you know that, don’t you, lass? Now off to bed with yer. Work in the morning.’ He nodded to the door.

‘Okay. Goodnight Slugger.’ She said giving him another peck on the cheek then made her way up the stairs.

___

Slugger felt a little uneasy, the next morning as Dora went off to give Steve his tea. It hadn’t really bothered him before when they were just friends, of her going to his room but now they were romantically involved it was different. In the intimate setting of a bloke’s bedroom, ‘things’ could happen, as he knew very well. He had himself been young, despite what Dora, Steve and Ron might have believed. He’d certainly had his moments as a young, dashing soldier. Not that he thought for one moment that Steve would take advantage of Dora, it was just that she was young and naive. When people were in love certain emotions could take over. He also knew that some things could be regrettable after the event if they weren’t ready for it. He had wondered if Steve would have gone back to his own room last night if he hadn’t come home when he did? Not that it was any of his business, he reminded himself, and they were both consenting adults. Still, maybe a sort of father/son chat with Steve wouldn’t go a miss.

He needn’t have worried that morning as Steve was already up and dress before Dora got to his room. Steve had, had similar thoughts when he woke this morning. If Dora had found him still in bed, or in state of undress, would they be able to stop those intense feelings of last night coming back? Would he, anyway? Especially if she had sat on his bed and kissed him, like she had done a few times recently when finding him half asleep, still in bed. On those occasions, he had got up quickly, and chivvied her tactfully down stairs while he got dressed. Today they met on the stairs. Dora greeted him shyly. ‘Morning Steve.’ she said as they stood on the landing half way up. She looked down at the cup in her hand. ‘Here’s your tea.’ She turned to walk back down.

‘Morning Dora.’ He smiled at her as he took the mug from her. ‘What no kiss this morning?’

She turned back to face him. Her eyes fixed on his as she reached up and kissed him. He kissed her back, holding her tight, trying not to spill his tea. Her memories of last night came flooding back. She pictured Slugger face when he saw them and giggled to herself. Steve felt her body shake and stopped kissing her. ‘What’s funny?’ He asked, a puzzled look on his face.

‘I was remembering last night.’

‘Oh. I was that funny! I thought it was supposed to romantic and nice.’ He said teasingly.

‘It was, silly. No. I was thinking of Slugger’s face. I’m glad he knows now, aren’t you?

‘Yeah, no more making excuses in the evenings to come and see me, eh!’

‘No but it was fun, wasn’t it.’

He laughed as he took a swig of his tea. They walked out into the yard and over to the farmhouse arms around each other. They entered the kitchen this way, no need to walk in separately anymore. They both felt relieved that their secret was out, at least with Slugger. Now they needed to tell Ron. That was going to prove more awkward.

The opportunity came later that morning. Dora and Steve were in the tack room, where Steve was busy polishing a saddle and Dora cleaning a bridle belonging to Copper. It was dedicated work time so they tried to keep their chatter to work and horses. It could be difficult sometimes, especially for Dora, as a brief touch or a certain look from Steve would send her heart racing.

‘Do I recall you saying that Lady Carne was coming by today.’ Steve said without looking up from his work, the duster in his hand polishing the leather until it shone.

‘Yes. She wants to see Jericho. She's still not fit enough to look after him as she had some sort of set back after the operation. She has asked that we look after him a little longer. That’s okay, isn’t it?’ She asked him. He nodded and Dora continued. ‘I think she misses him. I know I’ll miss him when he eventually goes.’

‘Now, there’s a surprise. Bet you won’t miss me as much when I go.’

‘That’s not true.’ She stopped abruptly when she realised what he had said. ‘What did you say? Steve!’ she shouted his name.

He instantly regretted his teasing when he saw her face, ‘It’s okay. I was only kidding. Sorry!’ He grinned at her.

She threw a brush at him, hitting him in the stomach. He doubled over in mock pain. ‘Ouch.’

‘Don’t ever say that again.’ She chided him.

Steve thought in was safer and less painful to return to the subject of Jericho. ‘Does Lady Carne know about the cut yet?’

‘Yes. I told her on the phone. She seemed okay about it. Knows it was an accident and just one of those things that happen.’

‘Not my driving then?’

‘No. She knows it wasn’t your fault. It fact if it wasn’t for your quick reaction it could have been worse, much worse.’

‘I wondered what you two were doing.’ Ron had entered the tack room in his quiet, furtive manner. He had the habit of sneaking up on people. They were surprised he hadn’t caught them having a quick kiss or cuddle before now.

‘Hi ya, mate. Surprising enough, we are working. What about you?’ Steve quizzed him.

‘I’m working too.’

‘Oh, yeah. Working on your bike, I bet.’

‘I’ve restacked some hay bales. Like I was ordered to do.’ He looked at Dora and winked.

‘I don’t order. I ask.’ She said. Steve and Ron raised their eyebrows at each other knowingly, both aware of how bossy she could be at times even if she didn’t realise it.

‘Ere, mate.’ Steve paused and looked at Dora. No time like the present, he thought. She seemed to read his mind and nodded. ‘Er. We have something to tell you.’

‘I’m getting the sack.’ Ron interjected.

‘Well, that an’ all. But there’s something else, more important.’ He took a deep breath and ran his fingers through his hair. ‘It’s like this.’ Another pause. ‘Dora and I, well, er, lately we become more than just friends, if you know what mean!’

‘Yeah, I know.’

‘You know!’ Steve said in surprise. ‘Did Slugger tell you?’

‘No. You two did.’

Dora and Steve looked at each other puzzled. ‘What!’

Ron continued. ‘I’ve known for ages. You’ve given yourselves away loads of times.’

‘Oh, Ron. Why didn’t you say something.’ Dora smiled at him.

‘Cos, it looked like you were trying to keep it a secret.’

‘Some secret.’ Steve laughed. ‘Bet the whole of Yorkshire knows.’

‘Ron. Are you okay about it?’ Dora enquired of him quietly.

‘Of course.’ He said a little too cheerfully. His face showed a look of resignation. Steve saw it and felt a little sorry for his mate, as he knew how fond of Dora, Ron was. They had even been out on dates, just as friends, in the past.

‘Just do me one favour. No snogging in the stables. It put the horses off their grub and me too!’ He joked trying to be more like his normal self.

‘Oh Ron.’ Dora laughed.

‘Talking of grub, I’m hungry. Guess what? I found Slugger’s stash of chocolate biscuits yesterday. Do you want some? He said grabbing each of them round the shoulders and walking them out into the yard. Laughing the three friends made their way to the house and Sluggers' chocolate biscuits.

___

Later when Lady Carne and Dora were in Jericho’s stable, Steve went to look for Ron, who had disappeared again.

Steve found him hiding around the corner of the yard by the muckheap, fiddling with his bike again; tools littered the ground around him.

‘There you are! Might of known your weren’t doing any work.’ He scolded but then thought better of it and said in a more friendly way. ‘What’s wrong with it now.’

‘Me brakes aren’t working properly. Damn things.’

‘Do they ever.’ Steve teased. ‘Do you want me to have a look?’

‘Yeah mate if you like.’

Steve knelt down by the bike and began to look at the brakes, checking the pads and the wires while Ron stood up and chewed on a piece of hay. Steve tried to concentrate on the bike but his mind kept wandering. In the end he turned to Ron.

‘Er Ron.’

‘Yeah.’

‘Are you really sure you don’t mind about me and Dora?

‘Of course not. I said so didn’t I.’’

‘Yeah. But I know how you feel about her. I hate to think that this would make things awkward between the three of us. Neither would Dora. You’re a mate Ron. You’d do anything for her. Wouldn’t you?’

‘Yeah.’

‘It makes me happy to know that you’ll look out for her if ever I’m not here. That you’ll take care of her for me.’

‘Of course. But it’s always been you. I’ve known that all along. She has always loved you, Steve.’

‘She loves you too.’

‘Yeah, but not in the same way. I’m just a mate.’

‘You’re not just a mate. You’re special to her, and my mate too. It’s important to us that we have your blessing.’

‘You do, Steve. Just don’t do anything to hurt her, that’s all or I’ll kill yer, okay!

‘I won’t, I promise. It’s taken me long enough to realise how I feel about her, hasn’t it? I’m not going to mess it up. I love her too much, Ron.’ Steve said seriously.

‘I know.’ Ron answered with a sigh, throwing the piece of hay on the ground.

‘How about the three of us having a drink tonight, eh?’ Steve asked lightening the conversation, which was becoming a bit too soppy. They needed more ‘blokey’ subjects. Drink and bikes seemed to fit the bill.

‘Yeah. Once you help me fix me bike. Otherwise I won’t be going anywhere.’ He handed Steve a spanner and the two friends continued to work on the motorbike.

___

The next couple of weeks plodded on as usual. One of the old horses had died after becoming ill, it was sad but not unexpected. Two new horses had arrived. One, temporarily, a stray had been brought in by the police, but thankfully, had been reunited with it’s owner after a couple of days. The second was found neglected in an old empty house, the tenants had left in hurry under suspicious circumstances and had abandoned the poor horse. A neighbour had discovered him after nearly a couple of weeks of being locked in a rundown shed. Dora had, as usual taken it under her wing and it was now making a good recovery.

Also Jericho had finally been returned to Lady Carne. Steve had expected a few tears from Dora but she was surprisingly calm and collected. She had even surprised herself. She had to admit she had grown up a lot lately. Now she was a mature(ish) young woman with responsibilities. Of course, some of that growing up had to do with Steve and their relationship. In the past most of Dora emotions were centred on the horses, they were her world but now her love was directed elsewhere, her emotional ties to the horses were less intense. Oh, they would always mean a lot to her and she still got upset if they were ill or injured. But she had discovered, through Steve that people mattered more, especially Steve, himself.

Dora had thought about their relationship a lot recently. Especially at night while lying alone in her bed like now. She wondered when they were ever going to take the ‘next step’.

She hated leaving him at night time after their long ‘goodnight’ kisses. Hated coming back to her cold empty bed, though it had never bothered her before, now she felt there was something missing. She looked down at the empty space in her double bed and pictured Steve lying there. She longed to ask him to stay with her, it had been weeks since that first evening alone together when she’d shyly ask him and he had refused. Maybe the time hadn’t been right then but now surely the time should be right soon. She thought perhaps he didn’t want her like she wanted him but his kisses and looks told her different. She was sure he was having just as hard time saying goodnight to her and letting her walk away from him to her own room as she was leaving him. Earlier she had hoped that tonight was ‘the night’.

She and Steve had been as usual, weather permitting, saying goodnight under the old tree. They had just been standing cuddled together, her head on his shoulder, his head resting on hers, listening to the sounds of the farm. The familiar snorts of the horses, the hoot of the tawny owl in the nearby woods and the squawk of the pheasants in the field. She wanted to stay there, to be close to him always.

‘Steve’ she said.

‘Um’. He said quietly.

‘You know, I hate this time of day.’

‘Gee, thanks. Dora.’

‘No. You know what I mean. I hate saying goodnight.’

‘I know’ he answered softly.

Dora took a deep breath. ‘I just wish, sometimes, we didn’t have to.’ She turned in his embrace and looked straight into his eyes as if searching for an answer to next question. ‘Why do we, Steve?’

‘Dora. I don’t know.’

‘Is it me? Don’t you want me?’

‘No it’s not you, it’s me! I do want you so much.’

‘Then why?’ she asked again.

Just then Slugger shouted from the farmhouse doorway. ‘Dora! It’s the blooming phone for you.’

Steve sighed ‘That’s why?’

‘Dora.’ Slugger shouted again as if she didn’t hear him the first time.

‘Yes. I’m coming.’ She shouted back. She gave Steve a frustrated look as he let her go. She reach up and kissed him briefly. ‘I love you.’

‘Love you too.’ He kissed her back. Dora ran across the yard to the house, puzzling over what Steve had meant by the last comment. What had Slugger to do with it?

Steve stood by the tree a little longer watching her enter the house before making his way to his room. He sighed deeply as he recalled the lecture Slugger had given him the day before. Slugger had nervously brought up the subject of Steve’s and Dora relationship. He had talked hesitantly, slightly embarrassed about ‘certain things that could happen between two young people.’ He explained to him about love and respect, and how it important it was to take things easy, not to rush into any thing that they might regret later. Steve, smiling to himself, had let him ramble on, blushing slightly, but was also touch by the old man’s obvious concerns. When Slugger had finally finished, Steve reach over and put a gentle hand on his shoulder, reassuring him that he understood, would take on board all he said and that there was no need for him to worry. Well, probably not!

___

A little later that night, in her room, Dora made a decision. She got out of bed, grabbed her coat from the back of the door and quietly made her way down the stairs. Slipping into her old shoes, she opened the back door, wincing as it gave its usual creak. Closing it as carefully and noiselessly as the old door would let her, she strode quickly across the yard. Looking up she could see a light on in Steve’s room; he was obviously still awake too. Outside the tack room door she shivered, the night air was taking on an autumnal chill, but Dora was sure that wasn’t the cause. The butterflies in her stomach were fluttering like mad and her heart was racing. Reaching the bottom of the stairs to Steve’s room, she paused then taking a deep breath she climbed up the stairs. At the top she stopped and in the dim light of his lamp she could see Steve looking at her from his bed, it was as if he’d known she’d come and been waiting expectantly for her. Dora stepped out of her shoes and let the coat fall off her shoulders onto the floor. In her bare feet she padded across the wooden floor to his bed, once there Steve pulled back the covers, moving to make room for her. Smiling reassuringly he watched her climb in next to him, at once wrapping his arms around her pulling her into his warm embrace. The butterflies disappeared and were replaced by another exciting feeling, as he held her close. They lay for sometime, just content to be together, to hold each other, feel the warmth of their bodies, no words were spoken because they didn’t need words. Neither did they feel the need to rush into anything; they had all night to discover each other. It was bliss just to kiss and cuddle, to learn to relax in the intimacy of Steve’s bed. After a long and passionate kiss they lay looking at each other, their love reflecting in their eyes. Steve reached up and began to caress the soft locks of her hair gently pushing them back from her face, he then allowed his fingers to lightly stroke Dora’s cheek, tracing the soft skin down over her neck; his hand came to rest on the buttons of her pyjama top. Looking into her eyes and finding approval there, he start to undo them, after the third she put her hand on his and gently pushed it away. Steve frowned and sighed she obviously changed her mind. Dora sat up suddenly but instead of getting out as Steve thought she might, she took hold of the bottom of her top and pulled it off over her head, dropping it on the floor by the bed. She lay back and smiled shyly at him as he continued to stroke her neck, she closed her eyes and sighed as his hand made it’s way down her body caressing every part of her softly and slowly. At the top of her trousers he stopped, his thumb tucked under the elasticated waistband. As she opened her eyes, his met hers searching for permission in them, he wouldn’t continue without it. He was relieved and delighted to see it was there. She lifted her hips, and helped him removed the pyjamas, pushing them to the end of the bed with her feet. His body close to hers now, their soft bare skin touching, he looked down at her speaking for the first time.

‘Are you sure? If you want to stop just say.’ He said quietly and lovingly. She nodded that she was sure and smiled. She was a little nervous, she heard stories from some of the more enlightened girls at her finishing school but knew he wouldn’t hurt her or be rough with her.

His heart was thumping like mad. He knew it was her first time. Christ, he was as nervous as hell! Like it was his first time. There had been others in the past but this was different, then it had been just sex, now he was making love. Yes, as far as he was concerned it was his first time too! There was no urgency; they took things slowly and gently. There was certainly not going to be any regrets in the morning from either of them. It had definitely felt right!

Later as they lay in each other’s arms satisfied and contented she thanked him. ‘For what?’ he asked sleepily.

‘For making my first time so beautiful.’

He smiled at her. ‘Mine too!’

She looked at him perplexed. ‘But I thought..’ she started. He looked into her eyes for a few seconds before speaking. ‘Dora. The other times mean nothing to me. This is the first time I have ever, ever made love. I mean it, Dora. It was beautiful. It felt like my first time too! Thank you.’

She pushed him on to his back, caressed his body as he had hers, taking her time over it then kissed him hungrily; with her body on his she made love to him this time.

She awoke to sunlight streaming into the room. She turned her head on the pillow to find him, propped up on his elbow, gazing at her. ‘Morning.’ He said grinning at her.

‘Hi.’ She smiled back at him. ‘Been awake long.’

‘Yeah, a little while.’

‘What’s the time?’ She asked.

‘Just after half six and it’s a beautiful day.’