When we finally arrive at the trailhead, the car park is empty. I spent hours finding a route that wouldn’t be crowded or too hard but promised a killer view. Now I just have to hope it’s as good as the pictures.
We climb from the vehicle, and I sling my backpack over my shoulders. If we make this a regular thing, I should probably get a lightweight one designed specifically for hiking, but until then this is what I have. Turning to Raina, I slip a hat over her head making note that she’s already wearing a pair of the oversized sunglasses that she loves.
“Can’t have anyone recognizing the famous Raina Lexington on our adventure,” I tease, tapping her nose.
She scrunches it up adorably. “I doubt anyone would expect to see me on a dirt trail on the side of a mountain, but you’re right, better safe than sorry. Last thing we need is someone attached to our hips for… how far did you say this would be again?”
I grin, knowing I never told her. “Ten miles.”
Her face drops the smile as regret fills her eyes. “Nope. Sorry, Dare, I’m out.” She backs toward the car, but I catch her before she gets far.
“I’m kidding,” I manage between laughs, wrapping my arms around her. Her back presses against my chest, and for a second, everything feels right again. “It’s only two miles out, two back. We’ll take a break when we get there.”
She turns her head and eyes me warily over her shoulder. “If I find out you’re lying, you might want to watch your footing,” she teases.
“But how would you ever find a replacement for me?” I give her my best smile, one that says I’m irresistible. In other words, my best Nash smile.
“Pft. Watch yourself, Darius middle-name Thompson,” she warns, pointing a finger at me.
“Oh, she’s using the full name. Maybe you should watch yourself before I chase you up the mountain!” I make a move to go after her and enjoy the way she squeals and runs away.
The sound of rushing water fills the air, invigorating and pure, but a little hard to hear over our heavy breathing. The uphill grade of the hike might have been a little harder than I anticipated, leaving us both winded. I think we’ll both blame the elevation though if anyone asks.
Raina straightens from where she was bent over, hands on knees, catching her breath. Her face is a shade of pink similar to what it looks like at the end of a particularly strenuous dance routine in her set, which I love. Reminds me of all thenights where my dream came true over and over—being able to perform with my idol.
“You promised this would be worth it,” she says accusingly, a scowl firmly in place, which only makes her cuter.
I lift both hands, showing her I come in peace. “Hey, no shoving me off the edge yet.” I nod toward the tangled path ahead. “This way.”
She narrows her eyes before following my direction. It doesn’t take very long before we clear the trees, and I hear her suck in a sharp breath. “Dare… it’s stunning.” She reaches a hand out blindly, and I can’t stop the grin spreading across my face.She wants to share this moment with me.
The path opens into a clearing bathed in sunlight, the waterfall’s mist catching the light like shards of glass. For a while, we simply stand there, taking it in—the sound, the air, the quiet wonder of it all. Then I tug her hand gently. “Come on,” I utter, guiding her toward a flat patch of grass near the edge.
I spread a blanket out, the lush greenery surrounding us creating a cocoon of tranquility. We sink onto the fabric, warmth settling between us, and I pull out the peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.
As we eat, I watch her gaze drift toward the water, the light catching the droplets that fly through the air. I can practically hear the tumbling of her mind until it gets caught on a specific thought. Her eyes widen as she turns to me, a flicker of vulnerability etched across her features. “Darius,” she starts, her voice barely rising above the crashing of the waterfall, “what if I never sound like myself again?”
Behind her brave face, I suddenly see the fractures I’ve been missing—the doubt that’s been lurking beneath her smiles and determination all this time. I lean in closer, setting my half-sandwich down to give her my full attention. “You already sound like someone stronger,” I reassure her, my thumb brushing astray hair from her face as my heart races to help her find certainty.
Her expression softens, a mixture of gratitude and lingering fear swirling in her gaze. “But what if I can’t do it?” she whispers.
“Then we keep working together until you can,” I promise, leaning closer still, feeling the heat radiating between us, the electricity threading through the air like a promise. The moment feels so delicate, so beautiful. “Raina, it’s not about sounding the same as before. It’s about rediscovering you—the new you.”
She lets out a soft laugh. “You sound like my voice therapist.” I feel her tension ease slightly, the shadows giving way to a lightness. “What if the new me isn’t enough?” she says softly, doubt creeping into her voice.
“Raina,” I murmur, tilting her chin so our eyes align. “You are more than enough. You’ve fought through hell and come back, and that’s something not everyone can say.” My fingers linger, connecting with her soft skin, grounding her in a moment that feels infinitely significant.
And then, before I can fully process what’s happening, she leans in and kisses me. I freeze for half a heartbeat, then melt into it, our lips finding an easy rhythm as the waterfall roars behind us. The taste of peanut butter and jelly lingers between us, mixing with the thrill of surprise, of something fragile but real taking shape.
We pull back slightly, our foreheads resting against each other, breaths mingling as the world around us fades away. It feels like we’ve stepped into a secret—an unspoken agreement to explore the depth of what lies ahead together, hand in hand.
“Let’s embrace what’s new,” I whisper, my heart soaring as I cup her face, brushing my thumb along her jawline. “Whatever comes, we’ll do it together.”
A playful spark ignites in her eyes, the shadows of doubt giving way to a light I’ve come to love. “Okay, Dare,” she breathes, her smile blooming like the flowers surrounding us.
Our lips meet again, this time I’m not sure who moves first, but as the kiss deepens, the world around us evaporates into mist, my hands weaving through her hair, our breaths mingling in the space between.
“Show me how this new adventure unfolds.” Her playful whisper flows with a cadence all its own, a rhythm that pulses as her fingers tease the buttons of my shirt, urging me to keep exploring. Heat rises with every caress that has nothing to do with the late summer sun, but everything to do with it being her, the woman I love.
