Jackson heard the truck carrying the pumpkins pull up. He had given instructions for them to be left near the back door, so didn't need to meet them. Elisabeth would not wake up alone today. He lay on his side watching her sleep, wondering what dreams lived behind the sweet smile on her face. After a while, she stirred and finally opened her eyes. "Good morning."
He kissed her. "I didn't leave you today."
"I see. Have you been waiting long?"
"Seems like an eternity."
"You could have woke me, you know."
He cupped her chin. "I like watching you sleep. Our pumpkins are here."
"Oh, we should get going then."
Jackson pulled her close. "Or we could say screw it and stay here all day."
"You're incorrigible!" She jumped up and grabbed her robe. "Meet me in the shower, Maestro."
"Right behind you."
After breakfast they went outside and stood staring at the pile pumpkins. Jackson shook his head. "That's a lot of friggin' carving there."
"Yeah, we better get busy." They each brought two in and began cleaning them out. They had been at it for a few hours when Connor and Sarah returned home.
Sarah skated into the kitchen, kissing them both, "Hi, look at you busy beavers."
Jackson grinned. "I take it things went well with the in-laws."
"Oh, it was wonderful. They are so lovely. They're coming for Thanksgiving, won't that be fun?"
He rolled his eyes. "Can hardly wait."
Sarah inspected the pumpkins that were finished. "These are beautiful. You are amazing, Elisabeth. Going to unpack then Connor and I will start bringing decorations down. Be back soon."
Elisabeth chuckled, "I swear, there is a breeze when she enters and leaves a room."
"More like a monsoon."
Jackson was pulling seeds when he heard Elisabeth, "Ouch. Oh no, I cut myself." He looked up and saw her thumb turning crimson with blood. Then he smelled it and had to steady himself with both hands on the counter. Elisabeth noticed the intensity on his face. "Wanna taste?"
He backed up, tearing his gaze from her finger. "Are you serious?"
"Of course."
"No… I don't think I should." Before he could protest further, she leaned over and wiped her thumb on his lower lip, leaving a smear of blood.
Jackson's face went blank for a second, then he jumped back and frantically wiped his lip. "Jesus, it burns!"
Elizabeth watched in horror as his lower lip blistered. "Oh my God!"
He touched his lip with his tongue. "Christ, it tastes like battery acid." The two stood staring at each other. Jackson held Elisabeth's finger and bellowed, "Sarah, get in here, now!"