“Walk over to me, but don’t let our ropes cross in the process.”
She did as told, and when she was in arm’s reach, I snagged her around the waist and pulled her to me.
She squeaked and I realized her eyes were shut.
“You’re missing it, doll. Open your eyes.”
Hesitantly, she did.
Her jaw dropped as she looked past me to the sunset.
“Oh my gosh. It’s breathtaking.”
“Nothing like it, doll. This is what climbing is all about.”
She rested her head on my shoulder as we watched the sun set.
“We should get down before it really gets dark.”
“Yeah, okay.”
But first, she kissed me.
I wanted so badly to deepen it. My mind even wandered to the prospect of making love up here, but I pushed it aside. That was an idea for another day.
She didn’t just stare at the rock on the descent like she had on our journey up. She kept looking past me out into the valley.
I loved the look of peace on her face. It portrayed exactly how climbing made me feel.
Once back on solid ground, she threw her arms around me.
“That was the most terrifying and awesome thing I’ve ever done.”
“Will you do it again?”
“Yes,” she said without hesitation. “But only as long as you’re there.”
“I wouldn’t miss it for anything.”
As soon as we got back in the car, she blindfolded me again.
I groaned.
“Do I have to wear this the whole way back?”
“No, but also, we aren’t going back tonight.”
“What are you up to?”
“You’ll see.”
A short time later, as she came to a stop and put the car in park, I took off the blindfold and laughed.
Cedar Ridge Lodge.
“There were some tough memories here, doll.”
“I know, but some good ones too. Thought we could use a fresh start with a weekend do-over.”
