Into The Future
Amanda dabbed a swatch of red oil paint onto her brush. She carefully applied it to the canvas. She was trying something new. Her mother was into painting cheerful scenes with fields full of flowers. They were more abstract, but always included a woman. Amanda was currently working on a scene with a young woman, hair flying out behind her in the window, meandering through a field full of flowers on a bicycle. It wasn’t practical and there was nowhere in the world where she imagined it to be. Her mom encouraged her anyway, to use her imagination and have fun.
It was nice, having her mother there. Even though Joan had joined them just a couple days ago, her presence already lifted a huge burden from Amanda’s shoulders. They’d cleaned up the smaller cabin, got the stove working again and her mother was happy in there. She’d borrowed one of Amanda’s canvases and some paint and got to work, showing off her latest style. Amanda had been so inspired she’d wanted to give it a try too and her mother had encouraged her wholeheartedly.
The front door opened and shut, blowing in a gust of cold air. Amanda shivered, nearly smearing paint out of the bike’s frame. She lifted her hand and turned around, expecting to see her mother in the doorway. She was surprised to see Jason. She knew her wrinkled brow and parted lips gave away her astonishment. Jason had left not more than an hour ago. She hadn’t expected him home until after dark.
“You’re back already?”
“Yup. The roads are terrible. I turned around and came home. Decided to give it a go tomorrow.”
“Oh? Do you have to reschedule your meetings?”
“I’ll call them now.”
Jason kicked his boots off onto the small boot tray and hung his plaid jacket on the peg by the door. It looked so right and sure there that Amanda had to smile. She followed Jason into the bedroom. He dug in the top dresser drawer and produced his ancient cell. He switched it on and looked up; giving it a minute since the thing generally took half an hour to get to a ready state where he could actually make a call.
“That’s disappointing. I know that you were looking forward to meeting with the trades.”
Jason had an appointment planned with a plumber and a few carpenters. It was part of his earlier suggestion to modernize the cabin. She hadn’t let him forget and once her mother arrived, she and Joan got busy drawing out sketches of a new and improved cabin. Since he was the one who had brought the idea to life, whether he truly meant it or not, he had no choice but to go along with their plans.
“I actually am disappointed. I know how much it means to you to have some plumbing in here, especially before the baby arrives. Having some more space is crucial too.”
He set the phone down on the dresser top and walked quickly across the room, enveloping Amanda in his still cold arms. She shivered, but let him hold her.
“Ha, me! It’s not just me who wants the extra room. When the baby comes you’ll want to have privacy. It won’t matter for the first couple months, but after that, I’m sure you’ll want our bedroom just for you and me.” She leaned back and looked at Jason just in time to see his huge grin.
“I’ll admit your right. That kid officially gets his eviction notice out of our room when he’s six months old.”
“Six months? I thought sooner than that.”
Jason slowly shook his head. “Minx. Anyway, I was actually going to meet with a power company and see what was cheaper. Installing a pole or using solar. I think we could benefit from some real lighting as well.”
“Indoor plumbing, sewer, power, more room, and the internet, which we already have… anyone would think you’ve gone soft!”
“Maybe a child does that to a man,” Jason chuckled.
Amanda let her arms fall around Jason’s waist. She smiled up at him. “Yes, well, I’m glad for it. I’ll be honest and say using the outhouse when it’s this cold is just about the worst part of my day. And it has to happen multiple times.”
“It could be worse. At least it’s well insulated.”
“Ha, well I’m really looking forward to being able to pee inside.”
“I was thinking of doing a composting toilet.”
Amanda wrinkled her nose. “Ew. That sounds gross.”
“I promise it’s not at all. It just uses no water so we would really only need a sewer for the shower and for the sink and washer.”
“For the gray water.” Jason blinked in surprise. “What? You don’t think a woman has the capacity to understand those terms? I’ll have you know that ever since you installed the internet I’ve made myself busy not only watching birthing classes, but watching a whole bunch of home renovation videos that people have posted.”
“Lord save me.”
“Lord save you? Lord save you?” Amanda echoed wryly. She reached up, twisted her hands behind Jason’s neck and brought his face down to hers. “Lord save you from this?” She said heatedly right before she crushed her lips to his.
The kiss was heated, as passionate as it always was between them. When they pulled away they were both breathing heavily.
“Never.” Jason’s voice was deeper than normal, husky with passion. “I would never ask to be saved from that.”
“Well then.” Amanda let her hand slide down his chest to the first button of his flannel shirt. She deftly undid it and began working at the rest. Desire trickled into her stomach and blossomed in her chest. I’ll never get tired of wanting this. Never.
“What are you doing?” Jason groaned.
“I thought because you weren’t going to town that maybe you’d like me to warm you up. You know, since it was so cold outside and all.”
“But my phone call…”
“Can wait.” Amanda deftly undid another button and another.
“It can wait,” Jason finally agreed on a long exhale right before he bent his head to hers once more.