Stopping at the top of the trail, Owen stopped and covered her eyes. “No peeking,” he teased, gently kissing her lips.
“It’s not as if I don’t know we’re at the lake,” she said, laughing.
He led her around the side. Owen seemed nervous as he stopped her.
“Wait right here,” he said nervously.
“What time did you get the tickets for the movie? Won’t we be late?” she called.
“We have plenty of time,” he answered. “Give me a minute.”
A few minutes later, he approached her, took her hand, and led her to the left. Stepping behind her, he removed the blindfold. Her heart raced as she saw the flameless candles in the shape of a heart. They stood in the middle of it, the ground covered in rose petals.
Owen knelt to one knee and gazed into her eyes. “I know I don’t have a ton of money. But I promise to make up for it with love, loyalty, and honesty. You will always come first, Leslie. I’ll leave for the military soon because I want to secure our future. Then, we’ll travel the world together. I love you and want the honor of having you at my side forever.”
“Yes,” she cried, throwing her arms around his neck and kissing him senselessly.
Owen slipped the small diamond engagement ring over her finger. Their love felt invincible as he pulled her close and kissed her. Leading her to the bed of his truck, he lifted her onto the tailgate, and their passion for each other took over. They made love on top of the rose petals he sprinkled over the blankets. They held each other until the sun rose over the lake.
Three weeks later, Owen walked out of her life and never returned. Holding out hope, Leslie tried desperately to reach him. She watched as child services took Owen’s brothers away, and his dad was charged with reckless endangerment. The family who once played, laughed, and argued together disappeared within weeks.
“Mom, who’s that?” Tucker asked, pointing toward someone by the lake.
She shielded her eyes when the man waved to her.
“It’s only me,” the man shouted.
Recognizing the voice, Leslie smiled. “Hello, Mr. Bigsby. I didn’t expect to see you here.”
“I lost my samples from the lake. The resort wantsa full report. Of course, Jeremiah gave me permission before he died. I rang the doorbell, expecting one of his sons to return home. When no one answered, I thought I’d run up and grab them again,” he said, passing the boys.
“Yes, Jeremiah told me they wanted the water tested. What did they expect to find?” she asked, keeping an eye on the boys.
“They want the I’s dotted and T’s crossed,” Mr. Bigsby explained. “It’s a formality. I imagine if they get their hands on the property, they’ll want to expand and build a hotel. They can’t redirect the creek leading from the lake. They’ll have to work around it. It’s protected land.”
Leslie stared at the beauty of the mountain. “This place doesn’t deserve humans to touch it. It’s meant to always be appreciated.”
“I agree with you,” Mr. Bigby said. “It’s beautiful here. There’s a magical spell cast over the place. I can feel it.”
“It’s my Grandpa Jeremiah. Mom said we might find him here. He loved this place,” Tucker said as he balanced on one of the rocks. “I can feel him, too.”
“Me, too,” Conner agreed. “He’s right here,” he said, pointing to his heart.
“You’re right,” Leslie agreed.
“I’m done,” Mr. Bigsby said. “You enjoy your hike. Don’t forget about the wild animals up here. Youdon’t want to venture too far off the path,” he warned.
“I never come without a weapon. We respect nature unless it threatens us,” she informed him. “Owen and his brothers will arrive in a few days. You’ll need their permission if you come back here. They may have other plans for the place.”
“Will do. I don’t know what happened to my last samples. I guess my memory must be going,” he complained. “Have a good day.”
“You, too,” she said, walking to where the boys poked their sticks in the clear water, attempting to catch a fish.
“If I catch it before you do, then you’ll clean it,” Tucker challenged Conner.
“Fat chance, you can’t even hold your stick right,” Conner argued.
Leslie sat on the rock, watching the two, recalling Owen and Cade playing the same game.
