The Polaris rumbled to life under Sienna’s hands. The gravel crunched beneath the tires as we headed down the wooded trail toward the mountains, frost glinting on pine needles, the air crisp and clean.
For the first mile, the honeymooners chatted excitedly behind us about their favorite trails around the Midwest, gear recommendations, and the itinerary.
It gave me time to breathe and time to watch Sienna without her noticing.
Her braid swung lightly over her shoulder. Her fingers gripped the steering wheel with confident ease. Her cheeks were flushed pink from the cold. And when she smiled at something Emma said, the corners of her eyes crinkled in a way I hadn’t noticed before.
I shouldn’t have stared, but I did, and she caught me the third time.
Her voice dipped low. “Stop looking at me like that.”
“Like what?”
“Like you remember every stupid thing we said and did last night.”
I looked back at the trail. “We made rules, didn’t we?”
“We did.”
“And we’re following them?”
“Mostly.”
The air between us warmed in all the places it shouldn’t.
Another mile passed, and the trees parted enough to show the rising sun painting gold over frost-nipped pines.
Ahead, the trail narrowed to our turnoff.
“Here,” she said softly. “We start the footpath up ahead.”
“You’re doing great.”
She smiled and took in a deep breath. “I know a thing or two about this place.”
The Polaris slowed to a stop beneath a lanky old pine. Birds scattered overhead, wings slicing the chilly air.
The honeymooners hopped out, energized and ready to go.
Sienna stepped off the Polaris and slung her pack over her shoulder, and I did the same, tightening the straps before we helped the guests who were entranced with each other.
“You ready for the hike? It’s a short one,” she explained to the couple.
“That’s why we chose it,” Emma said, chuckling and hopping out of the vehicle. “Short and sweet. Get some air and exercise and snap some good photos.”
The couple grabbed the gear as Sienna smiled, and our eyes met again.
And everything stopped.
No noise.
No guests.
No rules.
Just her.
Her lips parted slightly, like she wanted to say something but couldn’t find the words.
