(迷·鹿-ROSE)
(爱美食9243)
第三方登录：超模都爱的Detox Water，喝成瘦子别怪我|界面新闻 · JMedia扫一扫下载界面新闻APP大暑刚过，当你在大太阳底下感觉身体&没电&了，皮肤干枯、嘴唇焦黄时，第一时间想到的绝对是一杯透心凉心飞扬的冷饮。
然而瓶装饮料多糖多色素的不健康，自己打果汁又费时费力，怎么办？欧美超模都推崇的Detox Water配方大公开, 喝成瘦子别怪我哦。
人越大对健康就越重视，也开始考虑为身体排毒。虽然这个念头很强烈，但总是心有余而力不足有心无力......因为割舍不了肉类和垃圾食品！那么不妨一起来加入Detox Water大军。
夏季炎热高温，经常会让我们流失大量的水分。于是，&补水&就成了夏天裡最重要的一项日常。虽然你们在喝同样的水，有的人仅仅满足&一天八杯&，有的人已经开始趁著喝水获得更好的身体素质了。最近盛行的Detox Water就是一个能帮你在喝水的同时排毒养颜的好东西。
涨姿势：Detox维生素水
刚开始超模们会在水里浸泡切开的水果、增加味道，后来被证实这种喝法不仅有利身体健康，还能改善水的口味，也被称为&排毒水&，减肥美白一次满足。于是就有了在Instagram上人气超高的饮品&&超过30万粉丝追捧的Detox water。
Detox water，也可以叫做Infuse water / Spa water。实际上就是将新鲜瓜果与草本植物混搭泡在饮用水里，直到其出味后得到的纯天然维他命水。做法简单，只要将想用的材料清洗去皮，体型大的切成块，放进装有饮用水的水瓶，盖上盖然后放进雪柜冷藏至少8小时即可。由于Detox Water有滋养身体和排毒消脂的功效，而且没有任何繁琐的工序，省时省力，非常适合忙碌的都市人。制作Detox Water，除了水果之外，还会根据个人喜好加入青瓜、肉桂、迷迭香和薄荷来搭配。
入门神水&&单一水果Detox Water
西瓜材料：西瓜+薄荷叶+水排毒水的配方有许多种，功效也有许多，不过单从味道的角度来看，西瓜水绝对是最受大家喜爱的。夏天最适合吃西瓜了，除了可以一手拿著勺子一边捧著冰镇过的西瓜，也可以把它变成Detox Water。西瓜含有丰富的番茄红素，具有强力的抗氧化剂和促进抗炎作用。不过西瓜本身性寒，冷藏后会增加凉性，建议各位回温后再饮用。肠胃虚寒、患糖尿病、肾功能不全及高龄老人慎选。
草莓材料：切块的新鲜草莓+薄荷叶+水草莓中所含的胡萝卜素是合成维生素Ａ的重要物质，具有润肺生津、明目养肝的功效，对贫血也有一定的滋补调理作用。草莓是鞣酸含量丰富的植物，在人体内可以吸附和阻止致癌化学物质的吸收，具有防癌的作用除了能够预防坏血病外，对于动脉硬化和心血管疾病也有很好的疗效，还能调整肠胃道、改善便秘。
进阶神水&&复合水果Detox Water
藍莓青柠材料：青柠+蓝莓+水+冰这款DW献给蓝莓控和经常对电脑的朋友！众所周知，富含青花素、维生素、果胶的蓝莓是护眼神物，不仅能够舒缓眼部疲劳，还可提高夜间视力，同时具有防癌、防心葬病、消炎等众多好处。而且长期食用还能保持肌肤健康，缓和皮肤下垂哦！想要得到图片上的漂亮颜色，建议可以稍微捣烂小部份蓝莓。
西柚柠檬材料：西柚+柠檬+青柠+薄荷叶+水想瘦身，西柚绝对是不可不吃的水果之一，再看看西柚+柠檬+青柠这个组合，排毒消脂效果一流！不过也绝对是酸掉牙，所以小编建议大家可以泡一大壶DW柠檬青柠只放1-2片，然后多放些甜点的鲜橙进去，增加VC，同时可以缓解酸度。
覆盆子薄荷材料：覆盆子+薄荷葉+水
覆盆子可以去除身体裡不需要的物质，薄荷能够清洁肠胃，使减肥变得容易舒适。另外，虽然喝起来有一点甜，但基本上没有太多热量和糖分。
终极神水&&多种水果Detox Water
肉桂苹果柠檬排毒水材料：肉桂、苹果、柠檬、新鲜柠檬汁、苹果醋这款饮料适合饭前喝，虽然味道有点怪怪的，但是想要减肥的俊男美女一定要喝喝看。肉桂的神奇之处，在于它能稍稍降低你的消化速度，等于能让你每餐的饱足感持续更久，并维持血糖稳定。做法比较特别，先把两茶匙苹果醋和一茶匙新鲜柠檬汁混合，再加入苹果与柠檬切片，最后放入肉桂棒。如果不喜欢肉桂的味道，就多加点柠檬中和一下。苹果是种低热量的食物，每100克只有60大卡的热量，其营养成分可溶性大，容易被人体吸收，因而有『活水』之称，还能使皮肤润滑柔嫩，肉桂是温热性的药物，月经过多、孕妇及燥热体质者应该要禁食。
混合鲜果材料：柠檬片+切片士多啤梨+切片苹果+薄荷叶+少许肉桂粉+水这款维他命水果味更浓郁，提味的肉桂粉可以散寒止痛活血通经，非常适合女性，不过建议用量不要太多。一人份建议柠檬片1-2片就够，否则会很抢味的！
混合莓子薄荷水材料：覆盆子、蓝莓、草莓、薄荷这三种莓子，放在一起料理是西餐的常见方式，很多混合果酱就是以它们三个为基础哦。莓子属于浆果，其中大量的膳食纤维对人体有多少好处，我们已经说过很多次了&&重点是，蓝莓对消除肚子赘肉有很大帮助。制作这款排毒水，除了覆盘子都要切开。
Detox Water不是把水果扔进水里就可以了！
Detox Water是不是就是把水果洗一洗切一切扔进水杯里就大功告成了呢？如果你这么想可就要进去错误的排毒误区了哦！Detox Water看似简单，制作上可是存在很大的学问的，如果有一点没注意到，没准你就会闹肠胃炎！
连带果皮一起泡
DW与鲜榨果汁最大的区别在于果蔬水要连同可食用的果皮一起浸泡。大多数可食用的果皮都有清肺功能，例如橘子皮、苹果皮，梨皮等等。但像是猕猴桃皮、香蕉皮建议还是不要放进水里浸泡的好，西瓜皮可以将最外层硬壳部分切下，连同瓜瓤一起泡水。
选用新鲜的有机无农药水果
因为是连同果皮提起浸泡，所以在选材上很重要。无农药的有机类水果为首选！不过如果实在没有条件买到纯天然有机类水果，在制作前一定要将水果洗干净！
使用蒸馏水or纯净水
用烧开后的普通饮用水作为泡水果的水行不行？理论上当然可以啦，但是生活用水中含有太多杂质，很容易使得果蔬水的清肠功能减半，所以使用纯净的蒸馏水是最佳的选择。
浸泡4个小时以上
DW并非像鲜榨果汁一样即做即喝，一定要让水果在水里浸泡4个小时以上，才能令水果中的营养元素溶解于水中，起到促进血液循环，达到排毒的效果。
喝够量才管用
DW每日摄取量达到1升才能让排毒效果更奏效，补充的水分中含有各种人体必须的矿物质，多多益善。所以在制作果蔬水的时候建议选择大号透明杯子作为容器。一是因为透明杯子透出各种颜色的水果很是美观，并且大杯子能满足一天的摄取需求，也可以盛放更多种类的水果蔬。
不得不看的Detox Water小贴士：
1. 瓶子一定要封口，不然泡多久都不会出味道的哦2. 蓝莓之类的浆果出味时间会更长些3. 水果切小一点出味更快4. 千万一定不要加糖5. 浸泡的时间长度取决于各位想要的浓度，上班族可以提前一晚准备好，然后冷藏过夜，第二天带回公司慢慢喝6. 水果最多只能泡三次7. 冷藏是唯一的保存方法8. 24小时内饮用9. 早晨清肠 夜晚排毒
Detox概念早已不新鲜，从大洋彼岸传来的洋玩意早早地就占领了一众素食餐厅、健康概念西餐店，这些美型又能补充天然维他命的饮品，拿在手上走在烈日街头，高温都像绕着你走。我们大可以不必花大几十元跑去人头攒动的中心地带只为喝一杯Detox，在家里冰箱做上满满好几罐，每天开冰箱都开心起来。
水是生命之源，喝水不仅对身体好，也能美容养颜，很多人应该都听说过早上喝一杯水对身体有好处吧！？Detox Water做法简单，味道却给人大大的惊喜。零添加还貌美如花，是炎热夏季的完美拍档。自己做一瓶神水，能养身，更养眼！
您至少需输入5个字评论 相关文章推荐阅读天天向尚｜水果泡水排毒新潮流 极简主义成新风尚
天天向尚｜水果泡水排毒新潮流 极简主义成新风尚
近日，简单又廉价的Detox Water成为风靡欧美、日本的全新排毒方式，玻璃杯里五颜六色的水果时尚又美观。但除了这“肤浅”的外貌控理由，Detox Water还有哪些“真材实料”值得我们坚持每天都来上一大杯呢？
Detox Water是什么？
Detox Water就是在不添加任何防腐剂、砂糖的前提下，用纯净水将各式各样干净新鲜的水果泡成的水果水。味道不似白水那样平淡无味，水中带有淡淡的水果香甜味道，非常适合炎热的夏季饮用，用来补充水分，促进血液循环，减少便秘等因干燥引起的不良现象，让皮肤远离痘痘等烦恼，是时下最流行的美容排毒新风尚。
果蔬泡水≈苏打水
有的外媒将Detox Water还称为Detox Soda，大家一定很奇怪了，这也没用到苏打水，怎么水果水就能变成soda了呢？
其实果蔬泡水就是柠檬水的升级版，通常人们会将柠檬等水果认定为酸性食物，然而一般来说，食物的酸碱性并非根据人们的味觉，而是通过食物进入人体后所生成的最终代谢物的酸碱性而定。
很多的水果含矿物质钾、钠、钙、镁等元素高，在体内代谢后生成碱性物质，属碱性食品（当然了如果用pH试纸去测那些酸果汁会显示酸性，但还是属碱性食品)。但像李子、梅子等在人体净显酸性，因为它们含有人体不能代谢的有机酸，并直接进入尿中，所以它们属于酸性食品。柠檬、橙子、梨、猕猴桃、香蕉、苹果、葡萄都是碱性食品，只是它们之间有寒性、凉性、平性、热性的区别。
Detox Water的神奇之处
上面介绍了，泡了水果的水变成了苏打水，那么苏打水这种弱碱性的水的好处就不用过多阐述了吧。苏打水不仅能中和胃酸，有利于养胃，缓解消化不良和便秘症状；它的抗氧化作用还预防皮肤老化。同时水果中大量的维他命C融进水中，还为身体补充了必须得元素。
所以从字面上理解，Detox这个解毒的意思，让Detox Water被称为是排毒水一点也不为过。
Detox Water不是把水果扔进水里就可以了！
Detox Water是不是就是把水果洗一洗切一切扔进水杯里就大功告成了呢？如果你这么想可就要进去错误的排毒误区了哦！Detox Water看似简单，制作上可是存在很大的学问的，如果有一点没注意到，没准你就会闹肠胃炎！
连带果皮一起泡
果蔬水与鲜榨果汁最大的区别在于果蔬水要连同可食用的果皮一起浸泡。大多数可食用的果皮都有清肺功能，例如橘子皮、苹果皮，梨皮等等。但像是猕猴桃皮、香蕉皮建议还是不要放进水里浸泡的好，西瓜皮可以将最外层硬壳部分切下，连同瓜瓤一起泡水。
新鲜的有机无农药水果
因为是连同果皮提起浸泡，所以在选材上很重要。无农药的有机类水果为首选！不过如果实在没有条件买到纯天然有机类水果，在制作前一定要将水果洗干净！
使用蒸馏水or纯净水
用烧开后的普通饮用水作为泡水果的水行不行？理论上当然可以啦，但是生活用水中含有太多杂质，很容易使得果蔬水的清肠功能减半，所以使用纯净的蒸馏水是最佳的选择。
浸泡4个小时以上
果蔬水并非像鲜榨果汁一样即做即喝，一定要让水果在水里浸泡4个小时以上，才能领水果中的营养元素溶解于水中，起到促进血液循环，达到排毒的效果。
喝够量才管用
果蔬水每日摄取量达到1升才能让排毒效果更奏效，补充的水分中含有各种人体必须的矿物质，多多益善。所以在制作果蔬水的时候建议选择大号透明杯子作为容器。一是因为透明杯子透出各种颜色的水果很是美观，并且大杯子能满足一天的摄取需求，也可以盛放更多种类的水果蔬
不得不看的Detox Water小贴士
光学会制作并不够用，进一步了解Detox Water更多相关内容，才能让时尚排毒与省钱共存。
24小时内饮用
因为使用的都是最新鲜的水果，并且不含一丝防腐剂等成分，尤其是在夏天这个炎热的季节，水果非常容易坏掉，所以做完果蔬水后，最好在24小时内喝完。
冷藏是唯一的保存方法
在保存上，一定要避免光照足的地方，干燥无光最重要。建议还是放在冰箱里冷藏保存。在饮用前的前半个小时拿出来回暖，以免过冰的温度会对身体造成伤害。
不过当需要解暑时，冷藏过得果蔬水更适合饮用，冷水能够使得血管收缩，促进血液流动，从而加快新陈代谢，排除身体的毒素。
水果最多只能泡三次
想要重复利用果蔬是否可行？水果是可以反复冲泡的，但绝对不要隔日！泡太久并不是一件好事儿，所以理想的反复冲泡的次数在三次以内。
泡过的水果可以食用避免浪费
肯定会有勤俭持家的小伙伴问，泡过的水果怎么处理不浪费呀？只要浸泡时间不超过40个小时，并且只冲泡过后两三次，果肉里依旧尚存着营养和淡淡的果味，是可以直接食用的。
或者你也可以将泡过的果肉放在酸奶、果冻、甜点上食用。
或者是泡在洗澡水中，美肌效果看得见。
杯子一定要清洗
不要因为只是清水泡水果就误以为杯子很干净不需要清洗，即使是喝白水的杯子也要三天一冲洗。
早晨清肠 夜晚排毒
果蔬水无论是早上喝还是晚上喝都是有益于身体的。
因为睡眠中身体会失去很多水分，所以在睡觉前适当补充水分不会造成浮肿，但也不要喝太多，200ml即可，这样能让血液顺畅流动，提高睡眠质量。
清晨起床后喝一杯，能够润肠通便，减少便秘现象。同时空腹喝果蔬水还能提高身体对水中养分的吸收。
总之就是一整天都可以饮用的。
果蔬水与鲜榨果汁的区别
混合鲜榨果汁主要是将各种营养成分输送到你的体内，以摄取为最终目的。而果蔬水能有效摄取的量并没有鲜榨果汁那样多，它主要是通过蕴含在水中的微量元素、维他命等成分来促进新陈代谢，达到排毒的效果。
责任编辑：
声明：本文由入驻搜狐号的作者撰写，除搜狐官方账号外，观点仅代表作者本人，不代表搜狐立场。
今日搜狐热点水果不用冰箱的保存方法
谁知道水果不用冰箱该怎样保存?
09-04-22 &匿名提问
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　其实，并不是每一种食品都该放入冰箱的。有些食品在冰箱中，反而会缩短保质期；也有些食品不放在冰箱里，已经足以长期保存。为了节约冰箱的空间，减少用电的浪费，同时保证食品的品质，看来有必要好好讨论一下：哪些食品不需要放入冰箱呢？&&&怎么使用冰箱更健康　　具体来说，饼干、糖果、蜂蜜、咸菜、黄酱、果脯、粉状食品、干制食品等，都是无需放入冰箱的。它们或者是水分含量极低，微生物无法繁殖；或者是糖和盐浓度过高，渗透压很大，自由水分很少，微生物也无法繁殖。
既然如此，放在冰箱里有什么意义呢？岂不是白白浪费电费，占据空间么。&&&五种食物不可放进冰箱　　比如说，蜂蜜放入冰箱，会促使它结晶析出葡萄糖。这个变化并不影响蜂蜜的安全性，也不影响它的营养价值，只是会影响到口感的均匀程度。一些家庭因此以为蜂蜜败坏，把一瓶蜂蜜整个扔掉，浪费电之后又浪费食物，实在让人大呼可惜！　　又比如说，茶叶、奶粉、咖啡之类的干制品放入冰箱，如果密封不严，反而会使冰箱中的味道和潮气进入食品当中，既影响风味，又容易生霉。&&冰箱家家都有，人人会用，但是有些注意事项却未必人人都知道……冰箱使用时的六大禁忌　　巧克力放入冰箱，时间长了之后，容易发生脂肪结晶的晶型变化，虽然不会变质，口感却会逐渐变得粗糙，表面长霜，不再细腻均匀。放在冻箱当中则更为糟糕。实际上，巧克力适合放在十几度到二十几度的室温下。　　还有一些水果不能放入冰箱，比如芒果、香蕉等热带水果，适合在
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密封袋装好
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吃了它啊朋友
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幼中泡沫箱，里面放上少许冰块，可以保存几天的。
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放到阴凉的地方
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一：香蕉保鲜 香蕉保鲜是先用特克多处理液处理一下，这对采收时形成的蕉轴切口处、果柄及蕉果受伤处因易受到炭疽病、黑腐病等原茵侵染而引起腐烂起到控制作用。之后用明胶等配制成的处理液浸泡45秒后，沥干，每10千克香蕉在其箱内放一片香蕉专用保鲜片，用保鲜膜包装。采用香蕉专用保鲜片保鲜技术的香蕉，在24--28摄氏度条件下，贮藏1个月，好果率为90%；在17--22摄氏度条件下，贮藏香蕉3个月，好果率为95%；在12.5--13摄氏度条件下，贮藏香蕉6个月，好果率为90%。 二：芒果保鲜 1.采前措施: (1)水分管理：:需水多,抗干旱,水分勿过多,应具有排水系统和贮水池. (2)合理施肥时差施钾肥、钙肥,适施氮肥. (3)防治病虫害：炭疽病、白粉病、煤烟病。 (4)防治措施：开花后每15天喷药1次。（用波尔多液） (5)选择耐贮藏品种：台农一号、象牙芒、吕宋芒等。 2．采收 ⒈方法：一果一剪。 ①预贮：采后在室内放置一天。 ②贮藏前的处理：洗果（用漂白粉或盐酸） ③防腐处理：用52～54℃热水浸泡果实8~10分钟。 2.包装： ①内包装：纸或塑料薄膜袋。 ②外包装：纸箱，排列有序。 3.贮藏方法： ①常温贮藏：温度20～30℃， 湿度为60%~85% ②低温贮藏：温度10～13℃，湿度为85~90% 在保鲜方面,目前多使用冷藏法(经预冷的果实可在9-12℃、RH85%-90%条件下冷藏)和气调贮藏法(在10℃、5%CO2、5%O2和KmnO4作用下可保鲜35天)。此外亦有报道用辐照处理、高压电场处理等保鲜方法。 3．减少芒果贮运损失的措施 1.采后处理结合采前防病 为了更有效防治病害，必须从花期开始，定期喷药，控制炭疽病和蒂腐病，直至套袋。套袋时间为采前30～40天，往往先喷药后套袋，使用材料有牛皮纸、旧报纸或其他有一定透气性的材料，但不宜使用塑料薄膜。套袋可以大大减少病虫害或机械损伤所引起的果面污斑，而且有助于着色均匀与果粉的产生，对创造良好的商品外观十分有利。 2.准确掌握采收期 判断芒果采收熟度的方法不只一种，通常以果肩浑圆，皮色变浅，果肉转黄，果园中有个别黄熟果实跌落为合适采收期。有的地方则以盛花或座果期起至采收的天数作为采收的依据。 3.采后防腐处理 小试验与大生产均证实，采后热处理对减轻炭疽病是行之有效的措施。热水的温度及处理时间因品种而异，有效范围为50～55℃浸15～5min，如加上杀菌剂则效果更明显。 4.贮运适温 许多生产手册推荐的安全温度为13℃。其实，品种之间的差异极大，如“Haden”、“ keitt”为10℃，而“ Carabao”、“ Pico”、“ Badam”为7.2～10℃，但“ Raspuri”的贮温可低达5.6～7.2℃。至于相对湿度一般推荐85％～90％。广东广泛栽培的紫花芒在30～32℃，相对湿度70％左右的常温下12天失重率高达10％～15％。相对湿度低，不但失重多，而且引致皱皮，虽然没有腐烂，但影响商品外观所造成的经济损失同样十分严重。 最后补充一点小知识 芒果的食用方法： 1、洗净芒果（成熟的），用小刀左右切片，然后在片上用小刀划成小菱形的方块，将已切划好的芒果向上翻，盛于水果盘中，即制成了漂亮的芒果片。 2、将果肉削皮，切片，用牙签取食。 3、可去皮，将果肉切成碎粒，放入凉糖水中便成为生芒果汁，这种果汁含丰富的维生素C，清爽适口（甜、酸度因人而异，可用糖调至适度）。但这种果汁应随调随喝，或放冰箱保存。 4、芒果除主要作鲜果直接消费外，熟果和未熟果也可加工成糖酱果片罐头、果酱、果汁、饮料、蜜饯、脱水芒果片、话芒、盐渍或酸辣芒果等。 5、过熟的芒果也可以发酵制取酒精或醋酸。叶可作药用或清凉饮料。种子可提取蛋白质、淀粉（作饲料）、脂肪（配制糖果或作肥皂）。 食用芒果的注意事项 1、《开宝本草》告诫人们，芒果亦有副作用：“……动风气，天行病后及饱食后俱不可食之，又不可用大蒜辛物食，令人患黄疸。”这是人们在吃芒果时应该记住的。 2、逾食芒果对人的肾脏有害，所以，患急、慢性肾炎的病人应忌食芒果。到医院去探望肾炎病人时，切忌带芒果去。 芒果(爱文)果实分级标准 特级 成熟适度，果形及色泽优良，果面清洁，果粉完整，无腐烂，无压伤，无病虫害及其他伤害。 优级 成熟尚适度，果形及色泽良好，果面清洁，果粉尚完整，无腐烂，无压伤，无严重病虫害及其他伤害 良级 次于优级，但有商品价值者。LON HUNG up the phone. He had called at seven, then at eight thirty, and now he checked his watch again. Nine forty-five.Where was she?He knew she was where she had said she would he because he had spoken to the manager. Yes, she had checked in and he had last seen her around six. Going to dinner, he thought. No, he hadn’t seen her since.Lon shook his head and leaned hack in his chair. He was the last one in the office as usual. That was normal with an ongoing trial, even if the trial was going well. Law was his passion, and the late hours alone gave him the opportunity to catch up on his work without interruption.He knew he would win the case because he mastered the law and charmed the jury. He always did, and losses were infrequent now. Part of it came from being able to select the cases he had the expertise to win. Only a select few lawyers in the city had that kind of stature, and his earnings reflected it.But most of his success came from hard work. He had always paid attention to details, especially when he’d begun his practice. Little things, obscure things, and it had become a habit now.And now a little detail bothered him.Not about the case. That was fine. It was something else. Something about Allie. But damn, he couldn’t put his finger on it. Some time after her call, maybe an hour or so, something clicked in his mind. The little detail. Detail. . . . Something insignificant? Something important?Think. . .. Damn, what was it?His mind clicked. Something. . . something. . . something said?Something had been said? Yes, that was it. But what was it? Had Allie said anything on the phone? That had been when it started, and he ran through the conversation again. What had she said? H she had checked in, had done some shopping. Left her number. That’s about all.He thought about her then. He loved her, he was sure of that. Not only was she beautiful and charming, but she’d become his source of stability and best friend as well. After a hard day at work, she was the first person he would call. She would listen to him, laugh at the right moments, and had a sixth sense about what he needed to hear. He knew he should spend more time with her. But practising law made limiting his hours impossible. She’d always understood, but still he cursed himself for not making the time. Once he was married he’d shorten his hours, he promised himself. He’d have his secretary check his schedule to make sure he wasn’t overextending himself.Check? .And his mind clicked another notch. Check . . . checking… . checking in? He looked to the ceiling. Checking in?Yes, that was it. He closed his eyes and thought for a second. What, then? C’mon, don’t fail now. Think, damn it, think.New Bern.The thought popped into his head. Yes. New Bern. That was it. The little detail, or part of it. What else, though?New Bern, he thought again, and knew the name. Knew the town a little, mainly from a few trials he had been in. Stopped there a few times on the way to the coast. Nothing special. He and Allie had never been there together.But Allie had been there before.And the rack tightened its grip, another part coming together.Allie, New Bern . . . and . . . something at a party. A comment in passing. From Allie’s mother. What had she said?Lon paled then, remembering. Remembering what Allie’s mother had said so long ago. It was something about Allie being in love one time with a young man from New Bern. Called it puppy love. So what, he had thought when he’d heard it, and had turned to smile at Allie. But she hadn’t smiled. She was angry. And then Lon guessed that she had loved that person far more deeply than her mother had suggested. Maybe more deeply than she loved Lon.And now she was there. Interesting. Lon brought his palms together, as though he were praying, resting his fingertips against his lips. Coincidence? Could he nothing. Could he exactly what she said. Could be stress and antique shopping. Possible. Even probable.Yet . . . what if? Lon considered the other possibility, and for the first time in a long while he became frightened. What if she’s with him?He made up his mind then that he would do anything it took to keep her. She was everything he’d always needed, and he’d never find another quite like her.So, with trembling hands, he dialled the phone for the fourth and last time that evening.And again there was no answer.ALLIE WOKE early the next morning. She’d slept in the shirt he’d given her, and she smelt him once again while thinking about the evening they’d spent together. The easy laughter and conversation came hack to her, and she especially remembered the way he’d talked about her painting. It was so unexpected, yet uplifting, and she realized how sorry she would have been had she decided not to see him again.She looked out of the window and watched the chattering birds search for food in the early light. Noah, she knew, had always been a morning person. She knew he liked to kayak or canoe, and she remembered one morning she’d spent with him in his canoe, watching the sun come up. She’d had to sneak out of her window to do it because her parents wouldn’t allow it, but she hadn’t been caught and she remembered how Noah had slipped his arm around her and pulled her close as dawn began to unfold. “Look there,” he’d whispered, and she’d watched her first sunrise with her head on his shoulder, wondering if anything could he better than that moment.As she got out of bed to take her bath, feeling the cold floor beneath her feet, she wondered if he’d been on the water this morning watching another day begin, thinking somehow he probably had.SHE WAS RIGHT. Noah was up before the sun and dressed quickly, same jeans as last night, undershirt, clean flannel shirt, blue jacket and boots. He drank a quick glass of milk and grabbed two biscuits on the way out of the door. After Clem greeted him with a couple of sloppy licks, he walked to the dock where his kayak was stored. He liked to let the river work its magic, loosening up his muscles, warming his body, clearing his mind.The old kayak, well used and river-stained, hung on two rusty hooks attached to his dock, just above the water line. He lifted it free, inspected it quickly, then took it to the hank. In a couple of seasoned moves, long since mastered by habit, he had it in the water and was working his way upstream, paddling hard, working off the tension, preparing for the day.Questions danced in his mind. He wondered about Lon and what type of man he was, wondered about their relationship. Most of all, though, he wondered about Allie and why she had come.By the time he reached home, he felt renewed. Checking his watch, he was surprised to find that it had taken two hours. Time always played tricks out there.He hung the kayak to dry and went to the shed where he stored his two-man canoe. He carried it to the hank, leaving it a few feet from the water, and turned towards the house. In the western sky he saw storm clouds, thick and heavy, far off but definitely present. The winds weren’t blowing hard but they were bringing the clouds closer. From the look of them he didn’t want to he outside when they got here. Damn. How much time did he have? A few hours, maybe more.He showered, put on new jeans, a red shirt and black cowboy boots, brushed his hair and went downstairs to the kitchen. He did the dishes from the night before, picked up a little around the house, made himself some coffee and went to the porch. The sky was darker now and he checked the barometer. Steady, but it would start dropping soon.He’d learned long ago to never underestimate the weather, and he wondered if it was a good idea to go out. The rain he could deal with, lightning was a different story. A canoe was no place to he when electricity sparked in humid air.He finished his coffee, putting off the decision until later. He went to the toolshed and found his axe. After checking the blade by pressing his thumb to it, he sharpened it with a whetstone until it was ready.He spent the next twenty minutes splitting and stacking logs. He did it easily, his strokes efficient, and didn’t break a sweat. He put a few logs off to the side for later and brought them inside when he was finished, stacking them by the fireplace.He looked at Allie’s painting and reached out to touch it, bringing back the feelings of disbelief at seeing her again. God, what was it about her that made him feel this way? Even after all these years? What sort of power did she have over him?He finally turned away, shaking his head, and went back to the porch. He checked the barometer again. It hadn’t changed. Then he looked at his watch.Allie should he here soon.ALLIE SPENT the morning downtown. The Depression had taken its toll, but she could see signs of prosperity beginning to work their way hack. Fort Totten Park looked exactly the same as it had fourteen years ago, and the kids who played on the swings after school probably looked the same as well. She smiled at the memory then, thinking back to when things were simpler. Or at least had seemed to be.Now, nothing was simple. She wondered what she would have been doing now, had she never seen the article in the paper. It wasn’t very difficult to imagine, because her routines seldom changed. It was Wednesday, which meant bridge at the country club, then on to the Junior Women’s League, where they would probably he arranging another fund-raiser for the private school or hospital. After that, a visit to her mother, then home to get ready for dinner with Lon, because he made it a point to leave work by seven. It was the one night a week she saw him regularly.She suppressed a feeling of sadness about that, hoping that one day he would change. He had often promised to and usually followed through for a few weeks before drifting back to the same schedule. “I can’t tonight, honey.” he would explain, “I’m sorry, but I can’t. Let me make it up to you later.”She didn’t like to argue, mostly because she knew he was telling the truth. Trial work was demanding, both beforehand and during, yet she couldn’t help wondering sometimes why he had spent so much time courting her if he didn’t want to spend time with her now.She passed an art gallery on Front Street, almost walked by it in her preoccupation, then turned and went back. She paused at the door for a second, surprised at how long it had been since she’d been in one. At least three years, maybe longer.She went inside and browsed among the paintings. Many of the artists were local, and there was a strong sea flavour to their works.On one wall, though, there were a few paintings more suited to her tastes, by an artist she’d never heard of. Most appeared to have been inspired by the architecture of the Greek islands. In the painting she liked the best, she noted the artist had purposely exaggerated the scene with smaller-than-life figures, wide lines and heavy sweeps of vivid, swirling colour, drawing the eye, almost directing what it should see next. It was dynamic, dramatic. She considered buying it before she realized that she liked it because it reminded her of her own work. She examined it more closely and thought to herself that maybe Noah was right. Maybe she should start painting again.At nine thirty Allie left the gallery and went to Hoffman-Lane, a department store. It took a few minutes to find what she was looking for. Paper, drawing chalk and pencils, not high quality but good enough. It wasn’t painting, but it was a start, and she was excited by the time she got back to her room.She sat at the desk and started working: nothing specific, just getting the feel of it again, letting shapes and colours flow from the memory of her youth. After a few minutes, she did a rough sketch of the street scene as seen from her room, amazed at how easily it came. It was almost as if she’d never stopped.She examined it when she was finished, pleased with the effort. She wondered what to try next and finally decided. Since she didn’t have a model, she visualized it in her head before starting. And though it was harder than the street scene, it began to take form.Minutes passed quickly. She worked steadily, checking the time frequently so she wouldn’t be late, and finished it a little before noon. It had taken almost two hours, but the end result surprised her. It looked as though it had taken a great deal longer. After rolling it up, she put it in a bag and collected the rest of her things. On her way out of the door, she looked at herself in the mirror, feeling oddly relaxed, not exactly sure why.Down the stairs again and out of the door. As she left she heard a voice behind her. “Miss?”She turned. The manager. The same man as yesterday, a curious look on his face.“Yes?”“You had some calls last night.”She was shocked. “I did?”“Yes. All from a Mr. Hammond.”Oh, God. “Lon called?”“Yes, ma’am, four times. He was concerned about you. He said he was your fiancé.”She smiled weakly, trying to hide what she was thinking. Four times? Four? What could that mean? What if something had happened back home? “Did he say anything? Is it an emergency?”He shook his head quickly. “He really didn’t say, miss. Actually, he sounded more concerned about you.”Good, she thought. That’s good. And then, just as suddenly, a pang in her chest. Why so many calls? Had she said anything yesterday? Why would he be so persistent? It was completely unlike him. Was there any way he could have found out? No, that was impossible. Unless someone saw her here yesterday and called… But they would have had to follow her out to Noah’s. No one would have done that.She had to call him now: no way to get around it. But she didn’t want to. This was her time, and she wanted to spend it doing what she wanted. She hadn’t planned on speaking to him until later, and she felt almost as if talking to him now would spoil the day. Besides, what was she going to say? How could she explain being out so late? A late dinner and then a walk? Maybe. Or a movie? Or.“Miss?”Almost noon, she thought. Where would he be? His office, probably . . . no. In court, she suddenly realized, and immediately felt as if she’d been released from shackles. There was no way she could talk to him, even if she wanted to. She was surprised by her feelings. She shouldn’t feel this way, she knew, and yet it didn’t bother her. She looked at her watch, acting now.“Is it really almost twelve?”The manager looked at the clock. “Yes, a quarter to.”“Unfortunately,” she started, “he’s in court right now and I can’t reach him. If he does call again, could you tell him I’m shopping and that I’ll try to call him later?”“Of course,” he answered. She could see the question in his eyes, though: But where were you last night? He had known exactly when she’d come in. Too late for a single woman in this small town.“Thank you.” she said, smiling. “I’d appreciate it.”Two minutes later she was in her car, driving to Noah’s, anticipating the day, largely unconcerned about the phone calls. Yesterday she would have been, and she wondered what that meant.As she was driving over the drawbridge less than four minutes after she’d left the inn, Lon called from the courthouse.17NOAH WAS sitting in his rocker, drinking sweet tea, listening for the car, when he finally heard it turn up the drive. He went around to the front and watched the car pull up and park beneath the oak tree again. Same spot as yesterday. Clem harked a greeting at her car door, tail wagging, and Noah saw Allie wave from inside the car.She stepped out, patted Clem on the head, then turned, smiling.  It was different today, though. Newer feelings now, not simply memories any more. If anything, his attraction for her had grown stronger overnight, and it made him feel a little nervous in her presence.Allie met him halfway, carrying a small bag. She surprised him by kissing him gently on the cheek, her free hand lingering at his waist after she pulled back.“Hi,” she said, radiance in her eyes, “where’s the surprise?” He relaxed a little, thanking God for that. “Not even a ‘good afternoon’ or ‘how was your night?’”She smiled. Patience had never been one of her strongest attributes.“Fine. Good afternoon. How was your night? And where’s the surprise?”He chuckled lightly, then paused. “Allie, I’ve got some bad news. I was going to take you someplace, but with those clouds coming in I’m not sure we should go.”“Its not raining yet How far is it?”“Up the creek about a mile.”“And I’ve never been there before?”“Not when it was like this.”She thought for a second while she looked around. When she spoke, her voice was determined. “Then we’ll go. I don’t care if it rains.”“Are you sure?”“Absolutely.”He looked at the clouds again, noting their approach. “Then we’d better go now,” he said. “Can I bring that in for you?’She nodded, handing her bag to him, and he jogged to the house and took it inside, placing it on a chair in the living room. Then he grabbed some bread and put it in a bag, bringing it with him as he left the house.They walked to the canoe, Allie beside him. A little closer than yesterday.“What exactly is this place?”“You’ll see.”“You’re not even going to give me a hint?” “Well,” he said, “do you remember when we took the canoe out and watched the sun come up?”“I thought about it this morning. I remember it made me cry?’“What you’re going to sec today makes what you saw then seem ordinary?“I guess I should feel special.”He took a few steps before responding. “You are special,” he finally said, and the way he said it made her wonder if he wanted to add something else. But he didn’t, and Allie smiled a little before glancing away. As she did, she felt the wind in her face and noticed it had picked up since the morning.They reached the jetty and, after tossing the bag in the canoe, Noah quickly checked to make sure he hadn’t missed anything, then slid the canoe to the water.Can I do anything?”“No, just get in.”After she climbed in, he pushed the canoe further into the water. Then he gracefully stepped off the jetty into the canoe, placing his feet carefully to prevent it from capsizing. Allie was impressed by his agility, knowing that what he had done so quickly and easily was harder than it looked.She sat at the front of the canoe, facing backwards. Noah had said something about missing the view when he started to paddle, but she’d shaken her head, saying she was fine the way she was.And it was true. She could see everything she really wanted to see if she turned her head, but most of all she wanted to watch Noah. It was him she’d come to see, not the creek. His shirt was unbuttoned at the top, and she could see his chest muscles flex with every stroke. His sleeves were rolled up too, and she could see the well-developed muscles in his arms.Artistic, she thought. There’s something almost artistic about him. Something natural, as if being on the water were beyond his control, part of a gene passed on to him from some obscure hereditary pool.She couldn’t think of anyone else who remotely resembled him. He was complicated, almost contradictory in so many ways, yet simple, a strangely erotic combination. On the surface he was a country boy, home from war, and he probably saw himself in those terms. Yet there was so much more to him. Perhaps it was the poetry that made him different, or perhaps it was the values his father had instilled in him, growing up. Either way, he seemed to savour life more fully than others appeared to, and that was what had first attracted her to him.“What arc you thinking?”She felt her insides jump just a hit as Noah’s voice brought her back to the present. She realized she hadn’t said much since they’d started, and she appreciated the silence he had allowed her. He’d always been considerate like that.“Good things,” she answered quietly, and she saw in his eyes that he knew she was thinking about him. She liked the fact that he knew it, and she hoped he had been thinking about her as well.She understood then that something was stirring within her, as it had so many years ago. Watching his body move made her feel it. And as their eyes met for a second, she felt the heat in her neck and breasts, and she flushed, turning away before he noticed.“How much further?” she asked.“Another half-mile or so. Not any more than that.”A pause. Then she said: “Tell me, Noah, what do you remember most from the summer we spent together?”“All of it.”“Anything in particular?”“No,” he said.“You don’t remember?”He answered quietly. “No, it’s not that. It’s not what you’re thinking. I was serious when I said ‘all of it.’ I can remember every moment we were together, and in each of them there was something wonderful. I can’t pick any one time that meant more than any other. The entire summer was perfect, the kind of summer everyone should have. How could I pick one moment over another?“Poets often describe love as an emotion that we can’t control, one that overwhelms logic and common sense. That’s what it was like for me. I didn’t plan on falling in love with you, and I doubt if you planned on falling in love with me. But once we met, it was clear that neither of us could control what was happening to us. We fell in love, despite our differences, and once we did, something rare and beautiful was created. For me, love like that has happened only once, and that’s why every minute we spent together has been seared in my memory. I’ll never forget a single moment of it.”Allie stared at him. No one had ever said anything like that to her before. Ever. She didn’t know what to say and stayed silent, her face hot.“I’m sorry if I made you feel uncomfortable, Allie. I didn’t mean to. But that summer has stayed with me and probably always will. I know it can’t be the same between us, but that doesn’t change the way I felt about you then.”“It didn’t make me uncomfortable. Noah ... It’s just that I don’t ever hear things like that. What you said was beautiful. It takes a poet to talk the way you do. and like I said, you’re the only poet I’ve ever met.”Peaceful silence descended on them. An osprey cried somewhere in the distance. The paddle moved rhythmically, causing ripples that rocked the boat ever so slightly. The breeze had stopped, and the clouds grew blacker as the canoe moved onwards.Allie noticed it all, every sound, every thought. Her senses had come alive, invigorating her, and she felt strangely satisfied that she’d come, pleased that Noah had turned into the type of man she’d thought he would, pleased that she would live for ever with that knowledge. She had seen too many men in the past few years destroyed by war, or time, or even money. It took strength to hold on to inner passion, and Noah had done that.This was a worker’s world, not a poet’s, and people would have a hard time understanding Noah. Who did she know in Raleigh who took time off to fix a house? Or read Whitman or Eliot? Or hunt at dawn from the bow of a canoe? These weren’t the things that drove society, but she felt they made living worth while.To her it was the same with art, though she had realized it only upon coming here. Or rather, remembered it. She had known it once before, and again she cursed herself for forgetting something as important as creating beauty. Painting was what she was meant to do, she was sure of that now. She was going to give it another shot, no matter what anyone said.Would Lon encourage her painting? She remembered showing him one of her paintings a couple of months after they had first started going out. It was abstract, meant to inspire thought. Lon had stared at it, and then had asked her what it was supposed to he,She knew she wasn’t being completely fair. She loved Lou, and always had, for other reasons. Lon was a good man, the kind of man she’d always known she would marry. With him there would be no surprises, and ‘there was comfort in knowing what the future would bring. He would be a kind husband and she would be a good wife. She would have a home near friends and family, children, a respectable place in society. It was the kind of life she’d always expected to live. And though she wouldn’t describe theirs as a passionate relationship, she had convinced herself long ago that this wasn’t necessary for fulfilment. Passion would fade in time and things like companionship and compatibility would take its place. She and Lon had this, and she had assumed this was all she needed.But now, as she watched Noah rowing, she questioned this assumption. He exuded sexuality in everything he did, everything he was, and she caught herself thinking about him in a way that an engaged woman shouldn’t. She tried not to stare, but the easy way he moved his body made it hard to keep her eyes from him for long.“Here we are,” Noah said as he guided the canoe towards some trees near the bank.Allie looked around, not seeing anything. “Where is it?”“Here,” he said again, pointing the canoe at a fallen tree that was almost completely obscuring an opening.He guided the canoe around the tree, and both of them had to lower their heads to keep from bumping them.“Close your eyes,” he whispered, and Allie did, bringing her hands to her face. She felt the movement of the canoe as he propelled it forwards, away from the pull of the creek.“Okay.” he finally said after he’d stopped paddling. “You can open them now.”THEY SAT in the middle of a small lake fed by the waters of Brices Creek. It wasn’t large, maybe a hundred yards across, and she was surprised at how invisible it had been just moments before.It was spectacular. Tundra swan and Canada geese literally surrounded them. Thousands of them. Birds floating so close together in some places that she couldn’t see the water. From a distance, the groups of swans looked almost like icebergs.“Oh. Noah,” she finally said softly, “it’s beautiful.”They sat in silence for a long while, watching the birds. Noah pointed out a group of chicks, recently hatched, following a pack of geese near the shore, struggling to keep up.The air was filled with honking and chirping as Noah moved the canoe through the water. The birds ignored them for the most part. The only ones that seemed bothered were those forced to move when the canoe approached them. Allie reached out to touch the closest ones and felt their feathers ruffling under her fingers.Noah took out the bread he’d brought in his bag and handed it to Allie. She scattered it, favouring the little ones, laughing and smiling as they swam in circles looking for food.They stayed until thunder boomed in the distance—faint hut powerful—and both of them knew it was time to leave.Noah paddled the canoe hack to the main creek. She was still amazed by what she had seen.“Noah, what are they doing here?”“I don’t know. I know the swans from up north migrate to Lake Matamuskeet every winter, hut I guess they came here this time. I don’t know why. Maybe the early blizzard had something to do with it. Maybe they got off track or something. They’ll find their way back, though. They’re driven by instinct, and this isn’t their place. Some of the geese may winter here, hut the swans will go back to Matamuskeet.”Noah paddled hard as dark clouds rolled directly overhead. Soon rain began to fall, a light sprinkle at first, then gradually harder. Lightning . . . a pause . . . then thunder again. A little louder now. Maybe six or seven miles away. More rain as Noah began to paddle even harder, his muscles tightening with every stroke.Thicker drops now, falling hard. Noah rowing... getting wet… cursing to himself ... losing to Mother Nature.Allie watched the rain fall diagonally from the sky as it rode on westerly winds that whistled over the trees. The sky darkened a little more. She leaned her head back for a moment to let it hit her face. She ran her hands through her hair, feeling its wetness. It felt wonderful, she felt wonderful. Even through the rain she could hear him breathing hard, and the sound aroused her sexually in a way she hadn’t felt in years.A cloud burst directly above them and the rain began to come down harder than she’d ever seen it. Allie looked upwards and laughed, giving up any attempt at keeping dry, making Noah feel better. Even though she’d made the decision to come, he doubted that she’d expected to be caught in a storm like this. They reached the dock a couple of minutes later, and Noah moved in close enough for Allie to step out. He helped her up, then got out himself and dragged the canoe up the bank, tying it to the jetty.As he was tying the canoe, he looked up at Allie and stopped breathing for just a second. She was incredibly beautiful as she waited, watching him. She didn’t try to keep dry or hide herself, and he could see the outline of her breasts as they pressed through the fabric of the dress that clung tightly to her body. He quickly turned away, embarrassed. When he finished and stood, Allie took his hands in hers, surprising him. Despite the downpour, they didn’t rush towards the house, and Noah imagined what it would be like to spend the night with her.Allie felt the warmth in his hands and wondered what it would be like to have them touch her body, lingering slowly across her skin. Just thinking about it made her take a deep breath. She realized then that something had changed. And although she couldn’t pinpoint the exact time—yesterday after dinner, or this afternoon in the canoe, or when they saw the swans, or maybe even now as they walked holding hands—she knew that she had fallen in love with Noah Taylor Calhoun again, and that maybe, just maybe, she had never stopped.THERE WAS no uneasiness between them as they reached the door and went inside, pausing in the hall, clothes dripping.‘I think I can find something here for you so you can get out of those clothes. It might be a little big, but it’s warm.”“Anything,” she said.“I’ll be back in a second.”Noah slipped off his boots, then ran up the stairs, descending a minute later. He had a pair of cotton trousers and a long-sleeved shin under one arm and some jeans with a blue shirt in the other.“Here,’ he said, handing her the cotton trousers and shirt. “You can change in the bedroom upstairs. There’s a bathroom and towel up there too if you want to shower.”She thanked him with a smile and went upstairs, feeling his eyes on her as she walked. She entered the bedroom and closed the door, then set the trousers and shirt on his bed and peeled everything off. Naked, she went to his closet and found a hanger, put her dress, bra and panties on it, and then went to hang it in the bathroom so it wouldn’t drip on the hardwood floor. She felt a secret thrill at being naked in the same room he slept in.She didn’t want to shower after being in the rain. She liked the soft feeling on her skin. She slipped on his clothes before looking at herself in the mirror. The trousers were big, but tucking in the shin helped, and she rolled up the bottoms just a little so they wouldn’t drag. The neck was torn a little, but she liked the way it looked on her anyway. She pulled the sleeves up almost to the elbows, went to the chest of drawers and slipped on some socks, then went to the bathroom to find a hairbrush.She brushed her wet hair just enough to get out the tangles, letting it rest on her shoulders. Looking in the mirror, she wished she had brought a clasp or a couple of hairpins. And a little more mascara. Her eyes still had a little of what she’d put on earlier, and she touched up with a flannel, doing the best she could.When she was finished, she checked herself in the mirror, feeling pretty despite everything, and went back downstairs.Noah was in the living room squatting before a fire, doing his best to coax it to life. He didn’t see her come in, and she watched him as he worked. He had changed his clothes as well and looked good: his shoulders broad, wet hair hanging just over his collar.He poked the fire, moving the logs, and added some more kindling. Allie leaned against the doorjamb, one leg crossed over the other, and continued to watch him. In a few minutes the fire had turned to flames, even and steady. He turned to the side to straighten the remaining unused logs and caught a glimpse of her out of the corner of his eye. He looked up quickly.Even in his clothes she looked beautiful. After a moment he shyly went back to stacking the logs.“I didn’t hear you come in.” he said, trying to sound casual. “How long have you been standing there?”“A couple of minutes.”Noah brushed his hands on his jeans, then pointed to the kitchen. “Can I get you some tea? I started the water while you were upstairs.” Small talk, anything to keep his mind clear. But damn, the way she looked...She thought for a second. Do you have anything stronger, or is it too early to drink?”He smiled. “I have some bourbon in the pantry. Is that okay?”“That sounds great.” He started towards the kitchen, and Allie watched him run his hand through his wet hair as he disappeared.Thunder boomed loudly and another downpour started. Allie could hear the roaring of the rain on the roof, could hear the snapping of lop as the flickering flames lit the room. She took a quilt from the sofa and sat on the rug in front of the fire. Crossing her legs, she adjusted the quilt until she was comfortable and watched the dancing flames. Noah came back, saw what she had done, and went to sit beside her. He put down two glasses and poured some bourbon into each of them. Outside, the sky grew darker. Thunder again. Loud. The storm in full fury, winds whipping the rain in circles.“It’s quite a storm,” Noah said as he watched the drops flow in vertical streams on the windows. He and Allie were close now, though not touching, and Noah watched her chest rise slightly with every breath, imagining the feel of her body once again before fighting back the thought“I like it,” she said, taking a sip. “I’ve always liked thunderstorms. Even as a young girl.”“Why?” Saying anything, keeping his balance.“I don’t know. They just always seemed romantic to me.”She was quiet for a moment, and Noah watched the fire flicker in her emerald eyes. Then she said, “Do you remember sitting together and watching the storm a few nights before I left?”“Of course.”“I used to think about it all the time after I went home. I always thought about how you looked that night. It was the way I remembered you.”“Have I changed much?”She took another sip of bourbon, feeling it warm her. She touched his hand as she answered.“Not really. Not in the things that I remember. You’re older, of course, with more life behind you, but you’ve still got the same gleam in your eye. You still read poetry and float on rivers. And you’ve still got a gentleness that not even the war could take away.”He thought about what she’d said and felt her hand lingering on his, her thumb tracing slow circles.“Allie, you asked me earlier what I remembered most about the summer. What do you remember?”It was a while before she answered. &I remember making love. That's what I remember most. You were my first, and it was more wonderful than I ever thought it would be.&Noah took a drink of bourbon, remembering, bringing back the old feelings.She went on. &I remember being so afraid beforehand that I was trembling, but at the same time being so excited. I'm glad you were the first. I'm glad we were able to share that.&&Me too.&&Were you as afraid as I was?&Noah nodded without speaking, and she smiled at his honesty.She squeezed his hand, let go, and moved closer. She put her hand through his arm, cradling it, and rested her head on his shoulder. He could smell her, soft like the rain, warm. She spoke quietly. &Do you remember walking home after the festival? I asked you if you wanted to see me again. You just nodded your head and didn't say a word. It wasn’t too convincing.&&I'd never met anyone like you. I didn't know what to say.&&I know. You could never hide anything. Your eyes always gave you away. You had the most wonderful eyes I'd ever seen.& She lifted her head from his shoulder and looked directly at him. When she spoke, her voice was barely above a whisper. &I think I loved you more that summer than I ever loved anyone.&Lightning flashed again. In the quiet moments before the thunder, their eyes met as they tried to undo fourteen years. When the thunder finally sounded, Noah sighed and turned from her, towards the windows.&I wish you could have read the letters I wrote you,& he said.She didn't speak for a while.&It wasn't just up to you, Noah. I didn’t tell you, but I wrote you a dozen letters after I got home. I just never sent them.&&Why?& Noah was surprised.&I guess I was too afraid.&&Of what?& &That maybe it wasn’t as real as I thought it was. That maybe you forgot me.&&I would never do that. I couldn't even think it.&&I know that now. I can see it when I took at you. But back then it was different. There was so much I didn't understand, things that a young girl's mind couldn't sort out.&&What do you mean?”&When your letters never came, I didn't know what to think. I remember talking to my best friend about that summer, and she said that you had got what you wanted, and that she wasn't surprised that you wouldn't write. I didn't believe that you were that way, I never did, but hearing it and thinking about all our differences made me wonder if maybe the summer meant more to me than it had meant to you ...”   Noah looked away and she continued. &In time, the hurt began to fade and it was easier to just let it go. At least I thought it was. But in every boy I met in the next few years I found myself looking for you, and when the feelings got too strong I'd write you another letter. But I never sent them for fear of what I might find. By then you'd gone on with your life and I didn't want to think about you loving-someone else. I wanted to remember us like we were that summer.&&You're better than I remembered, Allie.&&You're sweet, Noah.&He almost stopped there, knowing that if he kept the words inside him he could keep control, the same control he had kept the past fourteen years. But then something overtook him and he gave in to it, hoping it would take them back to what they'd had so long ago.&I'm not saying it because I'm sweet. I'm saying it because I love you now and I always have. More than you can imagine.&A log snapped, sending sparks up the chimney, and both of them noticed the smouldering remains, almost burned through.Allie took a sip of bourbon and began to feel its effects. But it wasn’t Just the alcohol that made her hold Noah a little tighter and feet his warmth against her. Glancing out of the window, she saw the clouds were almost black. &Noah, you've never asked, but I want you to know something.&&What is it?&Her voice was tender. &There's never been another, Noah. You weren't just the first. You're the only man-I've ever been with, I don’t expect you to say the same thing, but I wanted you to know.&Noah was silent as he turned away. She felt warmer as she watched the fire. She leaned into him and felt the heat between them, felt his body, felt his arm tight around her. It felt so right to be here. Everything felt right. The fire, the drinks, the storm—itcouldn't have been more perfect. It seemed their years apart didn't matter any more.They gave in then to everything they had fought against for the last fourteen years. Allie lifted her head off his shoulder, looked at him with hazy eyes, and Noah kissed her softly on the lips. She brought her hand to his face and touched his cheek, brushing it softly with her fingers. He leaned in and kissed her tenderly, and she kissed back, feeling the years of separation dissolve into passion.She closed her eyes and parted her lips as he ran his fingers up and down her arms, slowly, lightly. He kissed her neck, her cheek, her eyelids, and she felt the moisture of his mouth linger wherever his lips had touched. She took his hand and led it to her breasts, and a whimper rose in her throat as he gently touched them through the thin fabric of the shirt.The world seemed dreamlike as she pulled back from him, the firelight setting her face aglow. Without speaking, she started to undo the buttons on his shirt. He watched her as she did it and listened to her soft breaths as she made her way downwards. With each button he could feel her fingers brushing against his skin, and she smiled softly at him when she finally finished. He felt her slide her hands inside, touching him lightly, exploring his body. She kissed his neck gently as she pulled the shirt over his shoulders, freeing the sleeves. With that, he slowly reached for her. He lifted her shirt and ran his finger slowly across her belly before raising her arms and slipping it off. She felt short of breath as his hands gently caressed her back, her arms, her shoulders, and she felt their heated bodies press together, skin to skin.They lay back, close to the fire, and the heat made the air seem thick. She ran her hands through his hair as he held himself above her, his arm muscles hard from the exertion. With a little tempting frown, she pulled him closer, but he resisted. Instead he lowered himself and lightly rubbed his chest against her, and she felt her body respond with anticipation.He did this until she couldn't take it any more, and when they finally joined as one, she cried aloud and pressed her fingers hard into his back. She buried her face in his neck and felt him deep inside her, felt his strength and gentleness.She opened her eyes and watched him in the firelight, marvelling at his beauty. She saw his body glisten with crystal sweat and felt every responsibility, every facet of her life, slipping away.By the time the rain had stopped and the sun had set, her body was exhausted. They spent the day in each other's arms, alternately making love by the fire and then holding each other as they watched the flames curl around the wood. He recited his favourite poems as she lay beside him, and she listened with her eyes closed and almost felt the words. Then they joined again and he murmured words of love between kisses as they wrapped their arms around one another.They went on throughout the evening, making up for their years apart, and slept in each other's arms that night. Occasionally he would wake up and look at her, her body spent and radiant, and feel as if everything were suddenly tight in this world.Once, when he was looking at her in the moments before daybreak, her eyes fluttered open and she smiled and reached up to touch his face. He put his fingers to her lips, gently, to keep her from speaking, and for a long time they just looked at one another.When the lump in his throat subsided, he whispered to her, &You are the answer to every prayer I’ve offered. You are a song, a dream, a whisper, and I don't know how I could have lived without you for as long as I have. I love you, Allie, more than you can ever imagine, I always have and I always will.&&Oh, Noah,& she said, pulling him to her. She wanted him, needed him now more than ever, like nothing she'd ever known.18LATER THAT same morning, three men - two lawyers and the judge—sat in chambers while Lon finished speaking.&It’s an unusual request,& the judge answered, pondering the situation. &It seems to me the trial could very well end today. Are you saying this matter can't wait until later this evening or tomorrow?&&No, your honour, it cant,& Lon answered almost too quickly. Stay relaxed, he told himself. Take a deep breath.&And it has nothing to do with this case?&&No, your honour. It's of a personal nature. I know it's out of the ordinary, but I really need to take care of it.&The judge leaned back in his chair, evaluating him for a moment. &Mr. Bates, how do you feel about this?&The lawyer cleared his throat. &Mr. Hammond called me this morning arid I've already spoken to my clients. They're willing to postpone until Monday. Mr. Hammond has agreed in return to reopen discussion on a certain matter not covered by this proceeding.&The judge looked hard at both of them. &I don't like it,& he said, &not at all. But Mr. Hammond has never made such a request before, and I assume the matter is very important to him.& He banged for effect, then looked at some papers on his desk. &I'll agree to adjourn until M Nine o'clock sharp.&&Thank you, your honour.” Lon said.Two minutes later he was leaving the courthouse. He walked to the car he had parked directly across the street, got in and began the drive to New Bern, his hands shaking,NOAH MADE breakfast for Allie while she slept in the living room. Bacon, rolls and coffee, nothing spectacular. He set the tray beside her as she woke up, and as soon as they had finished eating they made love again, in powerful confirmation of what they had shared the day before.They showered and afterwards Allie put on her dress, which had dried overnight She spent the morning with Noah, Together they fed Clem and checked the windows to make sure no damage bad been done in the storm. Two pine trees bad blown over, though neither had caused much damage, and a few shingles had Mown off the shed, but, other than that, the property had escaped unscathed.He held her hand most of the morning and they talked easily, but sometimes he would stop speaking and just stare at her. When he did, she felt as though she should say something, but nothing meaningful ever came into her head. She usually just kissed him.A little before noon, Noah and Allie went in to prepare lunch. Using what he had on hand, they tried some chicken and baked another batch of bread rolls, and the two of them ate on the porch, serenaded by a mockingbird. While they were inside doing the dishes* they heard a knock at the door, Noah left Allie in the kitchen.Knock, knock. Louder.Noah approached the door. Knock, knock.&I'm coming,& he said as he opened the door. &Oh, my God.&He stared for a moment at a beautiful woman in her early fifties, a woman he would have recognized anywhere.&Hello, Noah,& she said.Noah said nothing.“May I come in?& she asked, her voice steady, revealing nothing.He stammered out a reply as she walked past him, stopping just before the stairs.&Who is it?& Allie shouted from the kitchen, and the woman turned at the sound of her voice.&It's your mother.” Noah finally answered, and immediately after he said it he heard the sound of breaking glass.&I knew you would be here,& Anne Nelson said to her daughter as the three of them sat around the coffee table in the living room.&How could you be so sure?&    &You're my daughter. One day when you have kids of your own, you'll know the answer.& She smiled, but her manner was stiff, and Noah imagined how difficult this must be for her. &I saw the article, too, and I saw your reaction. I also saw how tense you've been during the last couple of weeks, and when you said you were going shopping near the coast, I knew exactly what you meant.&&What about daddy?&Anne Nelson shook her head, &No, I didn't tell your father or anyone else about it. Nor did I tell anyone where I was going today.&&Why did you come?& Allie asked.&I came because I had to,& her mother said, &which I'm sure is the same reason you came. Am I right?&Allie nodded.Anne turned to Noah. &I know you don't think so, but I always liked you. I just didn't think you were right for my daughter. Can you understand that?&He shook his head as he answered. &No, not really. It wasn’t fair to me, and it wasn't fair to Allie. Otherwise she wouldn't be here.& She watched him as he answered, but she said nothing. Allie, sensing an argument, cut in. &What do you mean when you say you had to come? Don't you trust me?&Anne turned back to her daughter. &This has nothing to do with trust. This has to do with Lon. He called the house last night to talk to me about Noah, and he's on his way here right now. He seemed very upset. I thought you'd want to know.&Allie inhaled sharply. &He's on his way?&&As we speak. He arranged to have the trial postponed until next week. If he's not in New Bern yet, he's close.&&What did you say to him?&&Not much. But he knew. He had it all figured out. He remembered my telling him about Noah a long time ago.”Allie swallowed hard, &Did you tell him I was here?&&No. And I won't. That's between you and him. But knowing him, I'm sure he'll find you. All it takes is a couple of phone calls to the right people. After all, I was able to find you,&Allie, though obviously wearied, smiled at her mother. &Thank you,& she said, and her mother readied for her hand.&I know we've had our differences, Allie, and that we haven't seen eye to eye on everything. But I'm-your mother and that means I’ll always love you.&Allie was silent for a moment, then: &What should I do?&&I don’t know, Allie, That's up to you. But I would think about it. Think about what you really want.”Allie turned away, her eyes reddening. A moment later a tear drifted down her cheek. &I don't know . . . & She trailed off, and her mother squeezed her hand.Anne looked at Noah, who had been sitting with his head down, listening carefully. As if on cue, he returned her gaze, nodded and left the room.When he was gone, Anne whispered, &Do you love him?&&Yes, I do,& Allie answered softly, &very much.&&Do you love Lon?&&Yes, I do. I love him, too. Dearly, but in a different way. He doesn't make me feel the way Noah does.&&No one will ever do that,& her mother said, and she released Allie&#