He chuckles. “More or less than old things?”
“Isn’t space like the ultimate old thing?”
Malcolm grins. “I guess so.” He reaches for the thermos. “Should we have our hot chocolate before we lose all the light?”
“Sure.”
The sun is well past the horizon, so the light left isn’t quite enough. He sets the flashlight down to point at the thermos and pours some into the lid. “I meant to bring an extra cup but forgot. Do you mind sharing?”
Heck, no, I don’t mind sharing.
“That’s fine.”
I take a sip, and smile before passing it to Malcolm. He’s so thoughtful. There’s a chill in the air now, that makes the drinkall the better.
He sips and passes it back to me. “My mam always made this on Saturday nights growing up. Summer, winter, it didny matter, we were having hot chocolate. In summer, we would sit outside, and in winter we’d sit by the hearth. Dad would read to us. We always had a novel going.”
Oh my gosh, his family is so stinkin’ sweet. “What’s the first one you remember?” I hold the cup in my hands to warm them, before taking a sip and passing it back.
“Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.It made a big impression. When we started that one, mom bought all sorts of sweets and set them out on our coffee table. I’ll never forget my dad saying, ‘Davina, how am I going to eat all these sweets while I’m reading?’ And my sisters and I yelled, insisting it was all for us anyway.”
“That’s so cute.”
I can no longer see Malcolm, but I know he’s smiling. “For the longest time I thought I’d grow up to own a chocolate factory.”
I laugh into the darkness, then notice the first star popping up just over Malcolm’s head. “There are worse things to aspireto.”
“Oh aye. I could have hoped to travel around in a giant peach.” He chuckles and clicks off the flashlight.
“I imagine that would get messy at some point. Traveling around in a past-ripe peach? No, thank you.”
Malcolm chuckles again. “I think it’s time for the show.” He leans back on his pillow, and I set our cup aside and follow suit, pulling the blanket on top of me.
“Do you want some of the blanket?”
“Sure.” He slides closer, his arm brushes mine as he settles in and we straighten the blanket over us.
It begins slowly, a star appearing here and there, but eventually, the sky is filled with more stars than I think I’ve seen in my lifetime. It’s at the same time overwhelming, and the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. The colors and swirls of what can only be our galaxy are mesmerizing, and I can’t open my eyes wide enough.
It’s art in the sky, like a sunset, only rarer to see. I can’t help but feel awe that the creator of the universe took the same time and care in creating me as he did the masterpiece above.
“This may be the best thing I’ve ever done,” I whisper.
Malcolm finds my hand under the blanket and takes it. “I’m so happy to be here with you.”
“Thank you for bringing me.” I let go of Malcolm’s hand and shift to my side. Feeling around in the dark I find his face and cup his cheek, then, feeling brave, I lean in and press a kiss on the other.
I’m leaning back, but Malcolm’s hand on my cheek stops me, drawing me back toward him.
“May I kiss you?” His voice is a soft rumble in the dark. Like thunder in the distance signaling the approach of something electric.
I swallow, and my heart threatens to fly out of my chest. Mild panic tries to take over. He’s probably kissed dozens of women. What if I don’t measure up? “It’s been a long time … it might be bad,” I whisper.
I hear a small groan in the dark, then a whispered, “It won’t be,” and his lips are on mine. He leans on his elbow to meet me, his hand sliding from my cheek, slowly across my neck, and into my hair.
This is, in every way, better than I could have ever imagined.
The movement of Malcolm’s lips and hand is slow and controlled, like he is studying. Memorizing me and this moment. The thought thrills me and sends a rush of excitement through me. My kisses become more urgent, and he meets me there. He twists his hand lightly in my hair, then runs it down my spine.
