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“Has it really been that long? We really got old in a hurry, didn’t we?”
He laughed and the melodic sound instantly brought memories from decades ago rushing back.
I recalled the warm summer afternoons we spent exploring the woods behind our houses, our laughter echoing through the trees as we discovered hidden trails and secret clearings.
I could almost feel the rough bark of the oak tree under my fingers as I reminisced about the countless hours we spent perched on its sturdy branches, dreaming of far-off lands and daring escapades.
The memory of Owen's encouraging voice drifted back to me, urging me to climb higher, assuring me I was capable of reaching the top. His belief in my abilities had given me the confidence to conquer my fears, not just about climbing trees but about facing challenges in life.
A soft sigh escaped my lips as I remembered our games of tag in the backyard, the feeling of freedom as we raced under the open sky. I cherished those carefree days when time seemed to stretch endlessly before us.
“Well, how have you been? What are you up to these days?” he asked, pulling me out of my memories.
We had been so close as children, but we had started to drift apart in our teenage years. It wasn’t anyone’s fault; we just had different interests and different friends, so our paths began to cross less and less often, even though we lived next door to each other.
A month after high school graduation, his family moved from Texas to Maryland, and that was the last time I ever saw him. Social media wasn’t really a thing then, and though we made vague attempts to keep in touch, our relationship quickly slipped through the cracks.
“I’m doing great. I live here in the city now. Actually, I have lived here for about ten years. What about you?”
“I’m in the city, too. Moved here shortly after my parents moved to Maryland.”
“And who are these lovely ladies with you today?” I asked, glancing between the old woman and the little girls.
I was pretty sure the old woman wasn’t his wife, but I couldn’t be entirely certain. He must have caught my glance at her because he smiled at me for a moment before introducing her.
“This is Beth; she’s our wonderful nanny.”
I wasn’t going to judge him for being with a woman who looked at least 30 years older than him, but I had to admit, I was a bit relieved.
“And these are my daughters, Laila and Cora.”
Laila smiled up at me and Cora tried to hide her face in her father’s leg. I smiled at them and bent down to introduce myself.
“I’m Skye. I knew your daddy when he was about your size,” I said, pointing to Laila.
She looked up at Owen, who confirmed my story with a quick nod. When I stood back up, I realized the line in front of me had moved forward quite a ways and I was a bit embarrassed at my lack of awareness.
I just couldn’t believe the scrawny, nerdy boy I used to run around my neighborhood with was now a gorgeous and strong man with two beautiful daughters.
“Where are you guys headed?” I asked, unsure about how to phrase the question I really wanted to know.
“Switzerland. We’re taking a ski trip. It’ll be the girls’ first time.”
“You’re joking. I’m going to Switzerland for a ski trip, too.”
Owen smiled again, and it was the same smile I had become so fond of all those years ago.
“Well, maybe I’ll see you on the slopes,” he teased.
“Oh, I doubt that, we’re going to this tiny town way up in the Alps. It hardly ever gets tourists.”
“It wouldn’t happen to be Alpenstille, would it?”
I couldn’t help but laugh. There is no way that this was really happening. It was like the cheesy opening to a bad romantic comedy.
“Yeah, actually, it is. Don’t tell me that’s where you’re going, too?”
“It sure is,” he said with a grin.
