I loaded the ute last night—gear, food, everything we’d need—and this morning we hit the road early. I’m taking her to Byfield National Park. I want her to see Stoney Creek and Nine Mile Beach. I want her to seemyplaces.
She’s all in, no complaints, no hesitations. Just that easy going smile. She seems to always be down for anything I suggest, and it’s addictive.
I let her take control of the music for the hour-long drive. She lines up a mix—some I know, some I don’t—and we talk between verses, sing along when we know the words. She hums softly when she doesn’t, her voice blending with the faint buzz of the tyres on the road. Every now and then, she pushes her hair back, morning sunlight slipping across her face and catching in her long dark brown hair. She’s got one leg tucked up on the seat, barefoot, toes tapping along to the beat. It’s such a small, unguarded thing, but it makes my chest beat a little bit faster.
The time melts away until we hit the off-road entrance to the park.
The ute bumps and bounces over the dirt, and Camille bursts out laughing. “I haven’t gone four-wheel driving since I was a kid!”
I laugh, “Angel, this ain’t even four wheel-driving yet. I’m taking it easy with all the camping gear in the back, just wait til I can take you for a proper ride.” I throw her a wink.
She laughs, holding onto the ceiling rail. “You know I’m down.” Shewinks back.
My hand finds her thigh, thumb brushing over warm skin before I give it a slow squeeze. “I’m gonna take us for a drive along the beach before we set up camp.”
Once we hit the sand, her jaw drops, lips parting as her gaze sweeps over the stretch of golden beach meeting the endless blue.
“This is Nine Mile, baby.” I wind the windows down, letting the salty breeze wrap around us as we cruise along the shoreline. Cammie leans her arm out the window, fingers fluttering in the wind like she’s painting the air.
“We should hang out here for a bit.” She points to a quiet spot just off the access road, excitement written all over her face.
I nod and ease the ute off to the side. Hopping out, I circle to her door and pull it open. “Come here.” My hands slide under her arms, lifting her effortlessly. She laughs in surprise as I lower her to the ground, pressing a quick kiss to her lips that lingers just long enough to leave her cheeks pink.
“Thank you,” she murmurs, smiling shyly.
We wander towards the water, feet sinking into the warm sand. The first kiss of the ocean against our toes makes her gasp, and I can’t help grinning at the sound. We walk along the wet shoreline, waves curling at our ankles, pointing out jellyfish that glisten in the sun. Cammie bends to collect seashells, tucking them carefully into her pocket like tiny treasures.
“Ever been stung?” I ask, prodding a small clear jellyfish washed up on the shore.
“Luckily, no. You?”
“Only once, when I was little. A bluebottle got caught in my swim shirt. Total ordeal. Mum didn’t want me going near the water for a month afterward. She got over it eventually, thank gosh.”
“I would’ve been the same if that happened to my kid. I bet she had a hard time keeping you away from the water, though.”
I laugh. “For sure. If she hadn’t let me go, I would’ve gone with or without her permission.”
“Your stubbornness doesn’t surprise me.” She elbows me.
“Better get used to it, Angel.” I poke her ribs, making her squeal and swat at me, our laughter carrying over the crash of the waves. “Anyway, I’m so hungry I could eat a horse and chase the rider. Let’s set up our spot, then grab a feed.”
She slips her hand into mine without hesitation. We walk back to the ute, the warm press of her fingers in my palm making the whole beach feel like it’s ours alone.
We get to my favourite spot to camp, not far from the creek in a shaded, protected area. It’s serene. Gum trees stretch high above us, their leaves whispering in the breeze. Sunlight scatters across the surface of the creek, catching in ripples, and the air is thick with the smell of earth and eucalyptus. Somewhere nearby, kookaburras laugh, joined by the softer calls of other birds. Camille looks around in absolute awe.
“This is stunning! I can’t believe this has been here all this time, and I’ve never seen it before.”
“I’ll take you to every beautiful spot we’ve got if you’ll let me.” I lean in and steal a kiss.
She smiles against my lips. “What can I do to help? Give me a job.”
“Alright. We’ll get the rooftop tent up first, that’s easy. Kitchen’s attached to the ute. You can grab the shower gear and help me set that up, then maybe sort the camping chairs? I’ll handle the rest, baby.”
“Deal.” She presses another kiss to my mouth, and we get to work.
It doesn’t take long with the two of us moving in sync. Once camp’s set, I pull out lunch. “Sorry, it’s just basic old Vegemite sandwiches.” I pass one over with a grin.
She laughs, taking a bite. “It’s fine. I love them, though I would’ve preferred Promite.”
