This is the final installment of Journey Onward. It has been so much fun bringing you this tale, and I hope you enjoy this last chapter.
*****
Dinner at Mr. C's was delicious. Jake remembered the place well from his younger days, and couldn't believe that it hadn't changed at all. It still had the various hats hanging from the ceiling that had been there nearly 30 years ago. He even managed to find the one or two that he had donated for the collection tucked away in a far corner of the place.
Jake hadn't been recognized by anyone there, nor did he see anyone he knew. He had only been in the area for a few years many years ago, and most of those were just over the summer as he was away at college.
The two of them exchanged stories from their younger days, Jake doing most of the talking since they were in his old stomping grounds. It felt to them both that they could just keep the conversation going, but it was getting later and they still had another 45 minutes to go before reaching the cottage. Besides, they could keep talking in the car.
Jake paid, and after a quick trip to the restroom for them both, they were back in the car for the last leg of the journey. It was unfortunate that it was dark, as it is normally a very scenic drive. He felt, though, that he could remember most of the scenery from years past. He didn't imagine that the small town had changed all that much.
He started the car, and they resumed the journey north. After an uneventful 45 minutes, Sandra was giving directions to get to the cabin. They turned into the driveway, and Jake stepped out to undo the chain that was strung across it. The driveway went for about 100 yards deeper into the woods, and they came to a stop right outside of the small cottage. Sandra had mentioned that the lake was about another 100 feet down a slight slope from the cottage. However, Jake couldn't see it thanks to the dark.
Sandra went to unlock the back door, which led into the kitchen area while Jake gathered up their belongings to bring them in. They made quick work of unloading the car and putting the groceries away before collapsing on the couch.
Jake looked over to Sandra, and took her hand in his. "Thank you for inviting me up here this weekend. It's been a long time since I've been 'up north,' and this brings back tons of wonderful memories from my younger years. I'm excited, too, because I'm making new memories with you."
"Always the charmer," Sandra said while taking the opportunity to lean over and give Jake a gentle kiss on the lips. "I know I'm exhausted, but I'm not quite ready for bed yet. Would you like a glass of wine to end the night?"
"That sounds great to me. Would you like any help?"
"Nope, I've got it. You did all the driving. Just sit there and relax. I'll be right back."
Jake leaned back and took a look around the room. It reminded him a lot of his grandparent's cottage from when he was growing up. Very simple, almost rustic decor. The walls were made of wood paneling with the furniture in the room looking like remnants from the 1960's. It brought a smile to his face, and he closed his eyes for a moment.
He was woken by a gentle nudge on the shoulder from Sandra who had returned with the wine. "You poor baby," she said. "The drive wore you out. We can just leave this if you would rather go to bed."
"Nope. I would love to share this with you. Just don't hold it against me if I spill it in my lap when I nod off."
"Smartass," came her reply.
That got a laugh out of them both, as they sat together enjoying the drink. Occasionally, one of them would speak, but for the most part, they sat in a very comfortable silence just enjoying each other's company.
They finished their wine, and took the glasses into the kitchen. Sandra pointed out the bathroom and the bedroom so Jake had the lay of the land, not that there was too much room for confusion in the place.
Jake offered the bathroom to Sandra first, so she went in and took care of her pre-bed routines. Jake took the opportunity to unpack a little and make the bed.
He was putting the finishing touches on the bedding when Sandra came back in wearing a light, mid-thigh length nightgown. "Look at you being domestic! I don't even have to train you. Thank you for making the bed. I'm all done in the bathroom, so it is yours to do with as you wish!"
Jake stepped over and snuck a kiss and a grab of Sandra's ass as he went by to get ready for bed. He stepped into the bathroom and closed the door. He took care of emptying his bladder and then washed his hands. He took a look at himself in the mirror as he brushed his teeth. He was looking very worn out. He had hoped for some extracurricular activity prior to sleep tonight, but he thought that it would be better if he waited until he was a bit more rested. He looked back over the past few weeks, and smiled. He had thoroughly enjoyed the time he had been spending with Sandra, both in person and through other means. He could feel himself developing real feelings for her, and wondered if she was feeling the same. He knew it hadn't been that long since they met, but being a bit older, he knew what he liked and didn't like. Sandra seemed to have everything he did like.
He finished up, and stepped out of the bathroom to head to bed. When he stepped in, he saw Sandra curled up on her side already asleep. He smiled at the sight and again thought to himself that he was a lucky guy. He turned off the bedside lamp and crawled into bed. He scooted over to the sleeping beauty and wrapped his arm around her, gave her a gentle kiss on the back of her neck, and succumbed to sleep himself.
Jake woke early the next morning and quietly snuck out of bed. He had thought about an encore of that morning a couple of weeks ago, but decided to return the favor, and prepare breakfast for Sandra. He was savoring being in this north woods atmosphere, and wanted to fully enjoy it.
He found the coffee and got that going, and then turned his attention to getting some bacon frying up. He then dug around to find the pancake mix, and got those ingredients all put together. The coffee finished brewing, so he poured himself a cup. He had just taken his first sip when he heard Sandra come out of the bedroom and greet him with a kiss on the cheek.
"Look at you," she said. "You are all Mr. Motivated this morning. The coffee and bacon smell delicious, and helped to drag my lazy ass out of bed."
Jake bent over and kissed her lips. "It's my pleasure. A good breakfast sounded perfect this morning. It looks like it is going to be a great day. It looks like the bacon is done, so I just need to get the pancakes going."
Sandra took the cup of coffee that Jake offered and set to work getting the dishes out for breakfast. She walked out to the screened in porch overlooking the lake and wiped the table off. "How about we eat out here. It may be a little cool just yet, but the view is beautiful and nothing beats breakfast in the fresh air."
"Works for me!"
Jake plated the food and walked out to where Sandra was sitting. "Breakfast is served!"
"You are too good to be true! Good looking and handy in the kitchen, too. I should snap you up if for nothing else than that!"
That got a laugh out of Jake as they dug in. He would pause every once and awhile and take in his surroundings. He loved being on a lake like this. The sights and sounds were like a sensory overload of nature.
