“We’re all set. He has my phone number. I told him we’d be gone an hour, maybe a little longer.”
Emma slipped into the bedroom and dressed. Then, she and Cap set out on their hike.
Once behind the cabin, Cap led her through the woods.
“Watch your footing. It won’t be too bad in this area, not walking on the trail, but still, keep an eye out for obstacles.”
Emma followed him through the woods as he walked with ease, stepping over the uneven terrain and slipping between trees and foliage. For her, every foot placement seemed to require great attention.
When they reached a small creek, he jumped over it, then reached back to take her hand to help her. Electricity sparked between them enough that it practically pulled her over the creek with just the lightest touch from him. Once over, he kept her hand in his. They walked along the edge of the creek for a few minutes, not stopping until they reached the shore of the tiny lake it dumped into.
“This is it,” Cap said as he tilted his face to the sun and inhaled deeply.
Following his lead, she did the same, taking in the fresh woodsy scent as the sun warmed her face. It was invigorating and relaxing at the same time. And safe. It felt safe to be in the woods, away from everyone.
When she opened her eyes, she found Cap’s gaze on her.
“It’s lovely here,” she said.
He leaned forward and gave her a light peck on the lips.
Birds chirped in the background. The distinct quacking of ducks among the cattails to her left drew her attention. Out from behind the tall cattails and other wetland foliage, about twenty feet away, paddled a mother duck with five babies in tow.
Emma went stick-still to not scare them away. She wondered what kind they were. The mom was gray-brown with a white teardrop patch around her eyes. Her feathers were darker at the center of her back and toward her tail. They floated off in the opposite direction and then tucked back into the tall foliage.
“That was a pleasant treat,” Cap whispered.
She returned his warm smile.
“Sure was. What kind are they?”
“Wood ducks. Mostly, I see those and mallards out here.”
“I’ve seen mallards before. Their coloring is beautiful. That bright green.”
“Yeah, they are pretty, but so are the male wood ducks. They have vibrant coloring. An iridescent green and purple head, bright red eyes, and a red bill with a black and white patch. When you see one, you definitely know it’s a male wood duck.”
“It’s so unfair.”
Cap pulled a frown.
“What is?” he asked.
“When it comes to tropical fish and ducks, the males get all the pretty coloring, and the females are bland.”
“That’s for protection. They’re a duller color to camouflage them from predators. It helps them hide when incubating eggs. Males are colorful to help attract mates.”
“I guess that makes sense.”
“Just the opposite of people.”
“What do you mean?” she asked.
“You ladies are beautiful and attractive, and we’re plain.”
Her heart fluttered. She rose onto her tiptoes and kissed him lightly, and he wrapped her in his arms. She practically melted into him, soaking in the security and comfort he provided.
“Look there,” Cap said as he released all but the hand he held.
