From Fall to Winter

It has been an uneventful summer after my friends left. No visitors and I am kind of glad as I have been very busy writing my newest book and starting a new book of poems that my editor would like me to do. I haven't decided what to call it yet and I am in the process of picking out a name and I have to find pictures to go with all the poems I submit to my editor. The manuscript that I sent in took so long to get it finally done. I guess it went back and forth from here to New York at least six times. Redoing a lot of the work takes a lot of time and patience. But finally it is on the book shelves of all major stores. I have my fingers crossed that it will become a best seller. What a coup that would be for me. ( Aye, look at her so engrossed in her writing that she doesn't know I am sitting in the chair watching her as she works. It has been happy years for me as I have grown to love her so much and my heart is filled with happiness as I see her bursting with pride over her finished work. I like that she is not one to boost and strut because she has become an accomplished writer. She is as sweet and kind as the first day she came here. I have told her many stories about my life that she has turned into an amazing adventure for all to read. I, myself have smiled as I read her words. It is a good book and should do well. Full of adventure and mystery and love. All the ingredients needed to hold a persons interest. They will smile, laugh, and cry all in one book. That is an extraordinary gift to be able to do such a work and have people clambering to buy it. ) The Captain slowly gets up and quietly stands behind her as she is working and gently touches her head with a kiss. She stops typing and smiles as she turns around and sees him standing there. No longer surprised by his popping in and out. They have become so close over the years and in her heart she knows that no one could ever match what she feels for him. But in her mind she has a nagging thought that will not go away. How can anything come form loving someone that is a ghost. Unlike ghosts that others think of as ghosts for he can become solid if he wants to but she is the only one that can see him. How do you explain that to your friends and family? They would think she has been alone too long. No time to think of that now for it is the Christmas season and she has decorated the tree outside and it looks wonderful. At night time it glows a bluish color and the towns people have commented on how lovely it looks. Inside the Captain and her spent a very happy night stringing popcorn and putting lights on the tree. She smiled when she remembered his surprise when he saw all the fancy ornaments she had stored in the attic. He had never seen anything like them. Some revolved and some played songs when a button was pressed. Others were treasures from her mom and those were especially beautiful. This was a happy Christmas for her and all she wanted was to spend it with him. Just the two of them in this wonderful old house.

Tracy and Michelle return home

As Tracy walked down the steps she noticed a picture of a beautiful sailing vessel mounted on the wall. There were many pictures that she knew came with the house when her sister bought it. what a treasure this house was and if she was right, it was haunted by a ghost. Probably that handsome one that she saw in a picture in the den.

As she walked down the hall she could hear Angelique and Janet laughing in the kitchen so she went to join them. they were having some coffee and cookies.

"Hey, got some coffee for me too?" she asked.

"Sure mom, come and sit down, Aunt Janet is telling me some of the things that happened to her on her recent book signing tour. It is unbelieveable what can happen when you spend weeks in hotels with strangers all around you."

Michelle smiled but her thoughts were not on hotels and strangers in them. She really wanted to talk about the "touch" she felt when she was upstairs . "Janet", she said, When I was upstairs I saw these great big beautiful doors and had to look into that room. I noticed on the desk in there that it had papers and a quill pen and ink bottle setting on the desk. I didn't know that you used these old fashioned writing tools when you have a perfectly good computer in your office." "As I was looking at the papers I felt a "touch" on my arm and I could swear that I also felt a kiss on my forehead too." People keep telling me that I have a wild imagination, but it was real, I am sure of it,"

"Then the strangest thing of all happened,. I heard a laugh. A big belly laugh. I was looking at the picture of the Captain that hangs over the fireplace and said outloud that I would not mind his shoes under my bed, when I heard the laugh. It startled me and I started to leave the room when I felt a slight kiss on my forehead." "What is going on here?" "Is there really a ghost of a Captain living in this house with you and if there is I want to know all about him,"

Janet had been afraid that Michelle would find out about the Captain. Hadn't she told him to keep a low profile and not let her see or "feel" his presence. She must have caught him off guard when he was writing in his den and he disappeared without enough time to put his writing away and he just had to have some fun with her sister, even after she warned him that she was sensitive and might feel his presence in the room.

"Well," maybe it was the draft from the fireplace that you felt . I mean the touch you talk about and a kiss. You didn't see anyone there, so how could you have been touched and kissed? With the most innocent look she could muster up, Janet looked at her sister and niece waiting for an answer.

Her sister just smiled and shook her head. "You aren't going to share anything that happened here are you?" "Well, I still believe what I felt and maybe one day you will admit it that there are some strange things happening in this glorious mansion. Maybe the next time we come to visit, huh?"

Janet was releaved and inwardly sighed but volunteered nothing. She didn't want to get into a long story about the Captain and the mansion. thanks goodness they were leaving in the morning for home. Michelle had to get back to work and Angelique had school.

It was nice having family visiting but she missed her daily talks and walks with the Captain. How fast he had become a big part of her life in such a short time. Sometimes you don't realize how much you miss something untill you are unable to have it for awhile.

This was their last night in Maine and Janet was going to take them out for a nice lobster dinner and spend a lovely night with both of them. Early in the morning they would leave and she could get back to her work and to her Captain.

Tracy and Angelique Come to Visit (Continued)

Tracy wasn't afraid when she felt the slight "touch", after all there have been other times that she was aware of a presence although nothing ever happened. There was a beautiful desk in the room and she walked up to admire it when she noticed the pad and pen laying upon the desk top. Curious, she picked up the pad and sat down in the office chair to read.

Ahh lass, ye spotted my lastest work that I had been doing before ye entered the den. It is an episode from my life and meant for yer sister to read for her book.

The captain stood alongside the desk and watched as Tracy read. She started to smile as she turned the pages and settled in to read this astonishing story, wondering if her sister was starting a new book and going to be a captain on the high seas. But, then she thought, Why here? Why in this den instead of her office downstairs? She decided to take this pad down and ask her sister about it.

When Tracy got up she tried to pick up the pad but it would not budge. No Matter how hard she tried she could not take it off of the desk. The pen that was lying on the desk started to rise and Tracy watched as it floated in the air.

Janet was right, this sister of hers is nae afraid. Another person would be running out the door screaming. Instead she is just standing there watching my pen rise. I was hopeing she would run out and I could get my pad and pen back. This story was to have been a surprise for Janet and I don't want her taking it to her now. What can I co that will get her away from here without my things?

Tracy was shocked at first but not really scared. " Who are you? she asked. "Is there anyone here in the room with me?"

Again Tracy felt a gentle touch, as if someone was running their fingers up her arm. She reached over with her other hand and traced were she felt the touch. It had felt warm and inviting. She smiled. Someone is in this room with me, I can feel it, she thought.

Looking behind the desk at the large picture hung on the wall she could see the captain. God! he was handsome. "Oh, she thought, " Wouldn't mind having his slippers under my bed." Oh dear, did I say that outloud?, She turned around to make sure she was still alone. Thats when she heard the laugh. An all out laugh. As she turned to leave to ask Janet what was happening here, she felt a soft light kiss on her forehead. "Oh! I have to find out all about this house and the people that lived in it", She thought as she hurried out of the room.

Smiling the captain sat down again and returned working on his paper for Janet. This Tracy woman was very interesting and it was going to be fun getting to know her better. She didn't seem afraid when i touched her or kissed her forehead. Interesting , indeed.

Tracy and Angelique Come to Visit

 

 

 

 

 

"Captain! Captain!, where are you?" Janet called as she walked through the house. "I must talk to you. Would you please come to the office. It is very important."

She contiuned looking and calling but he was no where to be found. So she got herself a cup of coffee and opened the doors to her office. Putting her coffee down on her desk she walked over to the french doors and opened them up. It was such a beautiful day and the wind was soft on her face. She closed her eyes and let the breeze gently circle as the bright sunlight warmed her skin.

When the Captain appeared he saw her standing by the doors with her eyes closed and a smile on her face. "Ahh, lass yer such a beauty standing there with the soft breeze flowing through your blonde hair making it ripple like waves," He thought as he just stood quietly and watched and let her enjoy the moment.

She gasped when she finally turned around and saw the Captain standing there with a big grin on his face."Oh, you startled me," she said as she walked and set down by her desk. the Captain set down on the chair opposite her and crossed his legs, folding his arms across his broad chest. "Well lass, I wasnae in the house when ye started yelling fer me. I was in the gardens enjoying the early morning sitting on the chair ye have placed out there and twas reading the morning paper. What is so important that ye were yelling so?"

She smiled at him. Oh, how she loved his Scottish brough and his way of speaking. He sat there smiling at her as if he knew what was going through her mind. She caught herself and stop staring and with a slight cough began to speak. " Well Captain McCain, I will be having two very nice people coming to visit me today and I would appreciate it very much if you didn't scare them half to death.  It is my sister  Tracy and my niece Angelique. I invited them to come and spend a few days with me before the summer ends. I had written them and told them all about Cutters Cove and asked them to spend some time here. Tracy works so hard and needs the time to relax and of course her beautiful daughter will be coming with her. They get along so wonderfully and both are very dear to me. Will you promise to behave? Tracy is very sensitive and she might feel your presence and like me she is not afraid of things out of the norm."

"Ah, lass, I can see that these two women mean alot to you, so I will be on my best behavior. Just tell them nae to go into the den. I have to have one place that I can call me own while they are here. I will try not to appear when they are around. Now, ye promise me tis only for a few days, aye?"

"Yes, yes, geez, you hate to have people come into your home, but I must have my family come to visit at least once in awhile. I don't get to see them often enough."

"When will they be arrriving lass? I want to look my best." He laughed at her as she put her arms across her chest and glared at him.

 "Don't you dare make things move and appear and scare them half to death, or--or--I will--well , I don't know what I will do but I will think of something." The Captain gave her a wink and a bow as he got up and walked over to the desk. Still with that enticing smile still on his face he leaned over and kissed her gently on the lips, whispering that it will be a few days until he will be able to do that again. Janet could feel the shiver all down her back as she watched him walk to the french doors and disappear.

Settling down to read her mail, she sipped her coffee and wrote a few emails to her editor and answered some from her friends too. Now that she had met her deadline for the trilogly she had written about he Captain's adventures on the high seas, she could relax and enjoy these last days of summer.

Tracy and Angelique were chatting happily as they drove the last mile to Cutters Cove. They both had looked forward to this mini-vacation since they received the letter from Tracy's sister. They both had read so much about this beautiful place in their correspondence with Janet. Words could not express the pure joy they both felt as they drove through the small bustling town. As they reached the top of the hill they could see Cutters Cove with all the boats at dock."Oh, this is going to be a wonderful vacation," Tracy said, They looked at each other and smiled. Parking their car under the carport as Janet hadinstructed them to do, they quickly got their luggage out of the trunk and walked up to the massive front door as it was flung open and Janet rushed out and threw her arms around them both. Laughing and hugging they all entered the house and dropped the luggage by the door. Janet had seen them drive up and just couldn't wait for them to knock on the door. Talking and taking them both by their hands she led them to the aclove were she had set up her luncheon dishes for tea and sandwiches. She knew they would be hungry after their long drive. Telling them to make themselves comfortable she went into the kitchen and got the tea and the prepared sandwiches and joined them for a leisurely lunch.

(Look how happy she is sitting there like the lady of the house with her sister and niece. Laughing and smiling and all of them talking at once. How do women do that? Nae, they never stop for a breath yet they know what each is talking about and can answer each in turn. It boggles me mind. I will keep my promise and retreat to the den and start to write some notes  that the lass asked me to do so that she could use them for her next book about the Sea Captain. )

She could feel his presence as she sat and listened to her sister and niece tell her all the news from home. Tracy looked around once or twice. I wonder if she feels something too. It was amazing the feeling she got when he was around even if he didn't appear. Janet knew he was watching them and then as suddenly as she felt him there, he and the feeling were both gone. She smiled and looked at tracy as she bumped her on the arm saying, "Hey, come back from wherever you were. You are daydreaming as Angelique and I were telling  you about uncle Joe and his family."

Janet took them upstairs to their room so that they could freshen up, she went back down to the kitchen to check on the roast that she was making for the them tonight.

Tracy and Angelique looked in awe  at the bedroom they had been given to stay for the few days they would be here. The four poster twin beds had silk drapes that were hung so beautifully over the frame of the beds. A soft lavender with a darker shade along the hemlines. Chairs upholstered in  flowers of gold thread and brown trim. As they both looked they could see the many antiques scattered around. In onecorner there was a large table were three beautiful dolls sat. Gently picking up a doll dressed in clothes from days of old, Tracy was enthralled at its beauty. Calling to Angelique to come and see Travy put the doll down and picked up another. Everything in this room is priceliess, she thought. Oh, Janet was so lucky to find this house filled with treasures. They both bathed and changed into something more comfortable. Angelique told her mom that she was going for a walk into town and see all those cute shops they passed on the way here.  Tracy decided to stay and look at some of the rooms that were on this floor. After all, Janet had told her to make herself at home and she just had to see what else there was in the other rooms.

Opening the dorr next to there room, Tracy could not believe her eyes. this must be the master bedroom, Janets room. She stood in the doorway and shaking her head in excitement she slowly looked around the beautifully decorated room. She didn't enter as she believed it to be her sister's room and she didn't want to appear as if she was snooping. Although she was sure her sister would not mind. She slowly closed the door and walked down the hall. There was a room at the end of the hall that had too ornately decorated doors that caught her eye.  She walked toward them.  As she drew nearer, she started to feel something. An awareness of something she could not quite put her finger on, but knew that there was something special about that room. Quietly and slowly she opened the door and crept in and found that all the lights were on. How strange, no one seemed to be in the room. It appeared to be a den. One that was decorated in a masculine taste. Book shelves ran around the room to the ceiling and a ladder was attached to the top of the shelves so that you could go to the top to reach your book. Again it felt like a feather touched her. She looked around and touched her arm were she had felt the tingle as she continued to look around the room.

(There, now look what the lass has let happen. she nae told them not to go into the den. I should have locked the door. This lass almost caught me as I sat here writing notes on the pad Janet gave to me with that new fangled instrument she called a "pen". I much more prefer me own pen and ink but alas, the ink has dried after so many years idle. I must ask the lass to get me some more ink. I am sure they must still have plain bottles of ink around. I had to disappear so quickly that I left the pad and "pen" out on the desk and couldnae turn the lights off. I hope the lass nae notices them, for she will wonder who is using them.  I touched her arm. She stopped and used her hand to feel the place I had touched her. Janet was right, her sister is sensitive. I wonder. Do I dare?

 

 

 

 

The Dream--Or Was It???

My days have all melded into one as I sit here embrossed in my newest novel. I have only one more day to finish it and send it out to my publisher if I want to meet my deadline date.  Is it day or night? I don't know for I have been here writing what seems like forever, but when the story plays itself in your mind you dare not stop. 

"The lass is still at her machine typing away. I dare not intrude again, as I had the day before and upset her. Frantic she is to finish this novel on "The Shores of Cutters Cove". I have secretly been reading it when ever she leaves to go and freshen up. Tis a good solid work she has done. One that she can be proud of.  I shall just slip away and leave her to her work."

She could feel his presence in the room, but didn't acknowledge that he was there. This novel had to be finished and then she could relax again.  Until that time all niceities had to be put aside.

After many hours of hard work, it was finally done. She put the manuscript in a Fedx Special Delivery envelope and set it on her desk so that when they came tomorrow to pick it up she would know were she left it. 

Tired, so very tired and all her muscles aching from the long stretches at her computer, she got up and stretched her aching body. She was tired but happy. Her manuscript was done and she was pleased with its outcome.  A lovely story about Cutters Cove. A love story of course. That was her trademark writing love novels. 

Yawning as she climbed the stairs to bed, thoughts of another write was already forming in her mind.  She undressed, putting her silk nightgouwn on slipped into her bed. She no sooner laid her head down that she fell into a deep sleep.

" Ahh, the lass is finally done with her work and is in her bed," the captain thought as he approached her. "Such a sweet angelic face she has, those blue eyes hiding behind long dark lashes." " Long curly hair trailing down upon the blanket." "So many good qualites the lass has, a bright, generous, warm, and loving open heart. All of these qualities were inbedded in her heart and soul."  He sighed, as he looked at her as she slumbered.

Silently he brushed a kiss on her forehead and gently stroked her hair. "Ahh, lass, what I wouldn't do to be with you. Lying in your embrace and holding you close to my heart."

A tenderness came over him and feelings that he hadn't thought he could everhave again overwhelmed him. He had been in this house a very long time and hadn't let anyone take what was his. This house was his santuary and his only possession left in this world. 

Gently he laid down on top of the blanket and stroked her hair. Whispering in her ear in Gaelic, words that he hadn't said in centuries. He could feel her sweet breath as he gazed at her. Overwheming emotions churned inside of him and drew him closer to her side.  She sighed quietly in her sleep and he put his arm around her and kissed her hair.  There were yellow roses in a vase on the nightstand and he reached over and got one. Gently he stroked her face with the soft petals and down her left arm . She sighed again and hugged her pillow tighter. He smiled because she was reacting to his touch. He put his fingers in her lovely hair and drew them through to the very ends. Lifting it up to his lips, gently kissed the strands as he held her with the other hand. Oh to love a women like this. Young and virbrant, strong yet gentle. A tiny bit of heaven was right there lying in her bed.  It was time to leave and let her get her rest.

Something awaken her and she set up. She had the most lovely dream. The captain was there in her room, lying next to her in her bed. She looked around and saw no sign of anyone.  Sighing , she said out loud, "It was only a dream, a lovely dream."  Then she turned her head and saw the yellow rose on the pillow next to her. Crossing her arms over her chest, she smiled. If this was only a dream, why did she feel so warm and who had put that yellow rose on the other pillow?  With a smile on her face, she laid back down and hoped that the dream would come back, or if the captain would come back.

 

 

Christmas at Home at last!!

 

I have just returned from the longest trip I have ever taken advertising my newest book that has just been released for the Christmas season. Traveling throughout the United States and then a trip to Europe, where I have just begun to have my books published by an English publishing house. 

Can't wait until this plane lands and I can get a cab and go home. I miss my beautiful Cove and I have missed my Captain too. There wasn't a day that went by that I didn't think of him and wish that he was with me. All the places I have been were beautiful to visit and I was happy to be taken on tours of the states and countries I visited, but it would have been so much nicer had he been with me.

Finally, I am in the cab and on my way home.  I have asked the woman that comes in to clean if she had the time to put up the Christmas tree so that it would be a cheerful place when I got there. I can see the lights around the house are lit up and in the front yard the Christmas tree is trimmed with colorful lights too.  It looks wonderful and I am so glad to be home again .

"Well, tis about time the lass has come back home," the Captain thought as he looked out of the window and saw her getting out of the cab. "I dindna like that woman coming in the house and cleaning up. I had to keep myself hidden from her and be quiet, although it had crossed my mind to have a bit of fun and move a few things around here and there."

Opening the door she could smell the fresh scent of pine needles and she walked into the living area and there was the most beautiful Christmas tree she had ever seen. Oh, she was so glad that she had asked her cleaning lady to put it up. She was just too tired to do it herself. 

She put down her suitcase by the stairs and went into the office. Everything was as she had left it and she sighed a sigh of relief. Her cleaning lady had a tendency to clean her office and then she couldn't find anything.

She felt his presence before he materialized as she sat and started to put her briefcase away.  She had become so sensitive to him and seemed to know when he was coming to her. He looked wonderful in his tight jeans and t-shirt. His smile radiated throughout the room.  Her heart began to fill with butterflies and all the love that was in her shown on her face, as she watched him as he sat on the chair.

"Lass, I have missed you all these long months." he said. "Let us go for a walk." He rose taking her hand into his and as she came to her feet, he simply cupped the back of her neck to draw her mouth to his. Warm lips, hard body and a gentle touch. She melted in his arms.  Her fingers twinged with his as she leaned in for more.

This is what she had longed for and had missed so terribly.  The long lonely nights she had sat in a hotel room by herself thinking of home and the Captain.  "Would there be a time she could actually make love with this magnificient man?" she thought as she was swept away with his kisses.

 

 

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