“You got it.” I hold out my fist. “See ya tomorrow, pup.”
She bumps it.
I look to Jeff. “Show up tomorrow at the waterfall three miles South of here. You know the one?”
“Yeah, I know the one. We’ll be there.”
Still in a pup-friendly tone, I say, “Yeah, you will. Either willingly or strung up as a piñata for the princess. The choice is yours. Either way, I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Jeff stops me. “Wait! Aren’t you going to untie me?”
I peer over my shoulder at Casey. “What do you think? Should I untie him?”
She smiles a toothy grin and shakes her head and whole upper body with it.
“No?” I chuckle and shrug at Jeff. “Sorry, matey. My hands are tied.”
Chapter FORTY-THREE
Caleb
Jay is blindfolded as we walk through the woods. I told her a surprise awaited her. The blindfold seemed a big ask, but she didn’t fight it. Holding her hands, I walk backward to guide her and keep her from tripping. It feels good to know she can trust me.
“Can I take my blindfold off?”
“Not yet . . .” I singsong. “Almost there.”
“Can you at least give me a hint?”
“No way. You’ll have to wait and see.”
“Ugh.”
I chuckle. “It seems I need to teach you patience.”
Her ears perk up at the waterfall roaring in the back.
“Oh, I know where we are. We’re at the cave.”
“Nope. You’re wrong. Seems we need to work on your tracking skills, too.”
I finally get her positioned in the spot I want her in. “Okay. Now you can look.”
Jay wastes no time removing her blindfold. She takes in her surroundings. Being the person she is, Jay is grateful for the simple things. “Wow, it’s so beautiful. I love waterfalls. Thank you, Caleb, for bringing me here.”
Jay doesn’t question it.
I appreciate her excitement, which I believe to be genuine, but I don’t miss the tinge of confusion in her voice.
“That’s not the surprise.”
“It’s not?”
“No, this is.” I whistle loudly and on my signal, Jeff and Casey step out of the forest.
Jeff lets go of Casey’s hand, and she runs to Jay. “Princess Jay!”
Jay’s eyes go wide. Her smile and surprise melt me. She covers her mouth, then holds out her arms. Jay drops to her knees and squeezes Casey tight. “Oh my goddess, I missed you so much!”
