“They’re egrets. Lake Martin is a wild bird preserve, and every year, thousands of birds migrate here to make their nests,” he said, slowing the Jeep so she could get a better look. “The egrets stay year round and so do other marsh birds.”
He glanced over to find Wren transfixed. Her eyes lit with wonder, and her pretty lips parted. She leaned closer to him to peer out his window, and her delicious scent filled his head. Lee brought the Jeep to a stop and pressed the button to lower his window. As soon as he did, Victor stood between them and sniffed the air.
“We’ll be able to see a lot better from the kayak.”
Wren tore her eyes from the scenery and locked them with his. “We can get close?” As she asked, she was closer to him than she had been since Friday, and he couldn’t help his smile.
“We can paddle right between the trees, right under their nests if you want.”
Wren nodded. “Let’s go.”
Lee didn’t wait to be told twice. He drove the last half-mile stretch of road and parked his Jeep across the lot from the boat launch.
“I’ll get the kayak down and load it up if you walk Victor,” Lee said, stepping out of the Jeep to untether the straps that held the Trident. “Just don’t take him by the water.”
“Why?” Wren asked, taking Victor in her arms and scooting out of the Jeep. “Is he scared?”
“Well, he should be. There are alligators.”
Wren's brows shot up. "Right. No walking by the water," she said, settling Victor on the ground by her feet. “Let’s go, Victor. Walk away from the monsters.”
Lee watched them head toward the woods on the other side of the parking lot. Victor didn’t look back but kept pace with Wren as they retreated. Although his puppy legs were getting a little longer, he still didn’t quite reach Wren’s knee. The sight of them stilled Lee’s hands on the tie-downs. The idea of a boat suddenly seemed so inadequate. He wouldn’t be able to lie beside her and study all that skin. Lee cursed himself for not going with a simple picnic. At least they could have stretched out together on a blanket.
He shook the regret from his head. She was here. That was all that mattered. And he could hope for a time when there would be a picnic blanket.
After Lee set the kayak on the ground, he filled it with the cooler, lunch provisions, and life jackets. He dragged it along the strip of grass beside the boat launch until he reached the put-in.
“Ready?” Both Wren and Victor looked up when he called. Wren wore a smile, and Lee watched it grow as she walked closer.
“I’ve never done anything like this.”
“Never been in a kayak?” he asked, doubtful.
Wren shook her head. “Not even a canoe.”
“No way. Really? Any boating?”
“Nope.” She gave a one-shoulder shrug. “I’ve been tubing down the Whiskey Chitto River. That’s it.”
How could she have grown up in South Louisiana and never spend any time in a boat?
“Well, that’s about to change.” Lee pushed the kayak until the nose met the water. “Come here, Victor.”
The dog approached, and Lee grabbed the Outward Hound life vest and fought with Victor until he was secured.
“That is so cute,” Wren said, as Lee clipped Victor’s leash to the back of the vest.
“He’s pretty good while we’re in the kayak, but if something happened, I wouldn’t want him just relying on his dog paddle.” Lee looked back at Wren. “What about you? Good swimmer?”
Wren’s eyes went wide. “Sure… I mean… I can tread water for a little while.”
Lee shook his head.Not good enough.He reached into the kayak and grabbed an orange vest.
“Put this on.”
Wren frowned at him. “What about you?”
“I’m an excellent swimmer.”
