“God, this is great.” Zoe took off her shoes and warmed her feet, then pointed at the screen in front of Tank’s den. “How about we spend one more night in the tent and clear everything up tomorrow?”
“Good call. I don’t feel like cleaning and scrubbing tonight.” Marcy sniffed and grimaced. “I hadn’t actually noticed it was a bit smelly until now, with the doors closed and the heating on.”
“It’s not so bad. I quite like the smell of a pretty pussy,” Zoe joked.
“You do, huh?” Marcy shot her a flirtatious look and started unbuttoning her chef’s whites. “Want to have a hot bath with me? I’ll light some candles and pour us a glass of red wine, put on some music…”
“I’d like that.” Zoe bit her lip as Marcy unbuttoned her chefs’ whites and pushed them off her shoulders until they dropped to the floor. “You see? Being alone again isn’t so bad.” She wedged her hands under Marcy’s hoody and scraped her nails down her back.
Marcy felt the hairs on her arms rise and she shivered. As much as she wanted to take Zoe right there and then, it was about time they enjoyed their newfound privacy in the romantic and slow-paced way she’d been craving. “I’ll run the bath and make it nice in here.”
Zoe stopped in front of the new shelving units and covered her mouth with her hands. “What’s all this?” She glanced at the corner, where her suitcases had been, then at the clothing rail where her dresses were hanging. “Is that my stuff? When did you do that?”
“Yesterday, with Rico.” Marcy smiled. “I hope you don’t mind that I unpacked for you. I put your cases in the shed.”
Zoe’s eyes filled with emotion as she stared at her. “Thank you, that’s so sweet.”
“I want you to feel at home.” Marcy pointed to the rail. “And it looks good, even if I say so myself. I’ll make more storage for you, but I just need to figure out where to build it.”
“That is all my stuff,” Zoe said with a chuckle. “One hundred and sixty-five items, remember?”
Marcy laughed. “If that’s everything, you’ve now officially moved in.” She hesitated. “So, have you moved in?”
“You mean officially?” Zoe swallowed hard and nodded. “Yeah. If that’s okay with you.”
“Are you serious? You’ve just made me so happy.” Marcy felt warmth spread through her entire body as she pulled her into a hug. Her mood had shifted, and the loss of Tank and the kittens faded to the background. Waking up with Zoe every morning was all she wanted, and she felt hopeful and excited about the future. “I love you, Zoe.” Maybe it was the emotional roller coaster she’d been on today, or the fact that they would be taking the next step in their relationship, but Marcy felt the words like never before. Zoe had become her partner and her rock, and she’d let her in so deep that it was hard to imagine a life without her.
“I love you too, Marcy.” Zoe’s eyes welled up and she leaned in to kiss her softly. “I love you so much.”
Epilogue
“Spring is such a beautiful time of year.” Zoe let go of Marcy’s hand and raised her arms above her head to stretch. The sun was coming up over the hills, casting a golden glow over the fields. “Look at how beautiful the light is.” She smiled widely, cherishing the moment. It was days like these she loved most; lazy Sundays in bed, followed by a long hike during which they looked out for traps and planted trees. Marcy had become very invested in the government conservation program and now volunteered a few hours a week as a ranger. At the foot of the hills stood the small ranger’s station that looked more like a quaint holiday cabin, and they’d become close with the other three rangers who rotated their shifts there. The grass was growing on the thatched roof, and it was painted in earthy tones to make it blend in with the landscape. Tonight, they would enjoy a sunset dinner with spectacular views over the hills surrounding Marcy’s house. She’d loved every moment of living here and every second she’d spent with Marcy.
“Yes, it’s my favourite time of year.” Marcy sucked in a deep breath and wrapped her arm around Zoe’s waist. “The wildflowers are starting to come up too. Just wait. In a couple of weeks the fields will be full of lavender and poppies.”
Zoe smiled. “I can tell it’s starting to get warm. The butterflies are already making a beeline for my hair.” She shooed off a couple of her winged admirers before taking off her hoodie and tying it around her waist. “It also means less clothing, which is good for me because I love seeing you in figure-hugging shorts and T-shirts.”
“Ditto.” Marcy smirked as her eyes lowered to Zoe’s cleavage in the tight, white top. “Want to sit down for a while and enjoy the sunrise?” She opened her backpack and took out a thermos and two cups.
“How about we lie down instead?” Zoe said, licking her lips.
“Even better.” Marcy inched closer, cupped Zoe’s face and kissed her.
“Mmm… we might have to look for a better spot, though, there are too many nettles here.” Zoe mumbled against Marcy’s mouth. She frowned at the sound of rustling in the bushes, and Marcy followed her gaze in the direction it came from.
Marcy’s mouth fell open and she grabbed Zoe’s hand when she saw a lynx running out from underneath a bush. It took off fast, then suddenly stopped to turn around and look at them. “Tank?” she said, not sounding too sure of herself. “Tank, is that you, girl?”
The lynx stood frozen, regarding them for long moments, until it started approaching them slowly and low to the ground.
“Oh my God, it’s her. No other wild cat would just come up to us.” Zoe narrowed her eyes until the lynx came closer, then slammed a hand in front of her mouth and crouched down. “It really is her.”
Marcy nodded, and Zoe saw tears welling up in her eyes. “Tank…” She got down too, ignoring the thick undergrowth and prickly bushes, and held out her hand for Tank to sniff. The big cat did so, then stroked her head against Marcy’s hand. “She remembers me,” she said, her voice loaded with emotion. “She hasn’t forgotten.”
Tank went from Marcy to Zoe and back, greeting them both like an old friend, then rolled on her back so Marcy could scratch her belly. It was an overwhelming moment for both of them, seeing Tank happy and healthy and just as sweet and relaxed as she’d been at the house.
“I think she’s been following us,” Marcy said. “I had a strange feeling someone was watching us earlier, but I didn’t voice it as I couldn’t see anyone, and I didn’t want to worry you.” She scratched Tank’s chin, and the big cat started purring. “Well, I don’t see the same sardine belly she had last fall, so it’s safe to say she’s not pregnant again.”
They were both so stunned that they sat there, stroking Tank for minutes on end without speaking. The most mysterious creature among the wildcats in the world had accepted them as her friends and even out here in the wild, she didn’t shy away from them. Tank’s fur was still thick from winter, and she looked healthy and happy.
