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Sicily's eyes lit up. "That sounds lovely! It's been ages since Daniel and I went camping. You two will have a great time."

After Sicily mentioned the camping trip, she leaned closer to Courtney and shared a fond memory. "You know, I used to camp in Yosemite with my parents as a kid. It's beautiful, and you can do many things there."

"Really?" Courtney asked, genuinely interested. "What do you suggest we shouldn't miss while we're there?"

Sicily thought for a moment before answering. "Well, if you're up for a bit of a hike, you should definitely check out the Mist Trail. It takes you past Vernal and Nevada Falls. The views are breathtaking, especially in the early morning."

Courtney's eyes sparkled with excitement. "That sounds amazing! I've always wanted to see those waterfalls.”

I chimed in, "Wow, Sicily, you're making me even more excited for this trip. I can't wait to explore Yosemite with Courtney."

Courtney smiled at me, her eyes shining with anticipation. "It's going to be an adventure, that's for sure."

Daniel nodded. "Just be careful out there. You never know what you might run into."

Courtney laughed. "I think we'll manage. After all, Brad here has already faced down a wild bear."

Ryder chuckled. "That's a story I'd love to hear sometime."

After Amy and Mitch were whisked away for their honeymoon, Courtney and I were eager to leave for our own trip. We quickly said goodbye to our friends and promised to catch up with them after our adventure. “I’ll see you in a week!" I shouted as Courtney and I rushed away.

Then turning to Courtney, I grinned, "I can't wait for our Yosemite trip. Just imagine it – us, surrounded by nature, with no interruptions — this time. We'll finally have quality time together."

Courtney's eyes lit up, and responded playfully, "Oh, definitely! And you know what, Brad? I'm really looking forward to seeing you try to put up a tent again. The last time it was in the rain!"

Chuckling, I rolled my eyes. “Not the image I was hoping for. But, hey, just for the record, I’ll probably need your help to start a proper campfire. I don’t think Uber Eats delivers to Vernal Falls.”

She giggled, teasing, "Deal! But only if you promise to make the best s'mores I've ever had."

Raising an eyebrow, I replied, "Challenge accepted. Just wait and see. You'll be asking for my secret s'mores recipe."

Courtney leaned in, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "It's a date, then. Can't wait to make some unforgettable memories with you, Brad."

“Unforgettable, indeed!”

One Big Lie

A Second Chance Romance

Prologue

Courtney

"Come on, Court! We don't want to miss the sunrise!" Brad called out, his voice full of excitement as he shot me a smoldering look with a devilish grin. "Trust me, it's going to be unforgettable."

I picked up my pace, my heart pounding with anticipation. "Alright, alright! I'm hurrying!" I replied, my breath hitching as I caught up to him. "You're right. We can't miss it. The perfect climax to our adventure, right?"

"Absolutely," he agreed, his eyes simmering with desire. "And I can't think of anyone I'd rather share it with than you."

The predawn sky was visible with a touch of warm light above the horizon when Brad and I started hiking the Mist Trail. The breathtaking views of Vernal and Nevada Falls awaited us, and we were eager to make the most of our last day in Yosemite National Park.

We left early so that we could catch the sun's first rays lighting up the canyon walls. With every step, I felt my heart race, and it wasn't just from the strenuous climb. We had known each other for several months by now, but our trip had intensified our relationship. It was as if our souls were already entangled in a passionate dance.

I watched as Brad paused to take in the beauty around us, his undeniable allure and magnetic personality drew me in. The way the morning light caressed his face, emphasizing his strong jawline and sculpted features, made it impossible to look away. His eyes, the color of the deep blue sky, gleamed with a sense of adventure that made my heart race.

As we began our ascent, the trail was cool and damp beneath our feet, remnants of the previous night's rain. The early morning air was crisp, invigorating, and filled with the scent of wet earth and pine. I inhaled deeply, savoring the moment, feeling more alive than I had in years.

The sound of our footsteps and the steady rhythm of our breathing harmonized with the symphony of birdsong around us. The world seemed to come alive as the sun continued to rise, casting a golden glow on the granite cliffs and painting the landscape with vibrant hues. The splendor of Yosemite was like an aphrodisiac for my soul, and experiencing it with Brad made it all the more intoxicating.

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