“Ready to work off this meal?” Geoff asked, patting his belly.
“I’m ready when you are,” Ciaran said.
“You guys enjoy your walk. I’m going to clean up here and probably read.”
Geoff stood and kissed Teddy. “See you later, sweetie.”
“Bye, hon.”
Ciaran smiled at the exchange. Sixteen years, and the spark was still there. Seeing a happy gay couple was amazing. He went to his room and bundled up in his winter coat and beanie before meeting Geoff at the front door.
“The trails are beautiful in the winter,” Geoff said.
“I can’t wait.”
They put on boots and headed outside, where he followed Geoff down the stairs and around the side of the cabin. The cool morning air filled his lungs.
“This is the trail I like to take.” Geoff pointed to an opening between some bushes. “It goes around the property and will bring us to the other side of the cabin. Easy to follow, and I can’t get lost.” He laughed.
“Lead the way,” Ciaran said.
Ciaran followed Geoff into the patch of pine trees and, for the first time in years, Ciaran appreciated the distance from the city. No traffic, no commotion, no need for earplugs. Just the sound of nature: birds singing, and the wind rushing through the trees. He closed his eyes and took everything in.
“You like this?” Geoff asked.
“I do,” Ciaran said. “Every time I visit my family, I get this sensation. I don’t know what draws me back to San Francisco anymore.”
He loved nature. His clients found the outdoor pictures he took breathtaking, but he didn’t get out enough to take as many as he wanted.
“Maybe you should think about leaving,” he said. “Move to a place you love and that brings you peace.”
Geoff was right. Ciaran didn’t like the bustle of the city, and for the life of him, he couldn’t remember why he moved there.
“I’ve thought about it.”
“Well, let’s see more of this wonderful landscape.”
Geoff pointed out the different plants and trees they passed. He was smiling, and he radiated excitement.
“You know a lot about nature,” Ciaran said. They’d stopped on a rock halfway through the trail to take a break.
“I love it,” Geoff said. “I feel at home out here. I take walks a few times a week to get out of the house and enjoy it.”
“I need to bring my camera next time,” he said. “I could get some great shots out here.”
“We can come anytime you want.”
Ciaran looked over at Geoff. He was beaming. The man loved talking about this, and Ciaran could relate. He probably looked like that when he discussed web designs or pictures he’d taken.
“Why doesn’t Teddy go with you?” Ciaran asked.
Damn it. That’s none of my business.
“Teddy isn’t much of a hiker,” he said. “He likes to stay home and read, cook, or work on the business.”
“He never comes with you?”
“He will if I ask,” Geoff protested. “But I don’t want him to do something he doesn’t enjoy.”
