Chapter 2: Chapter 2
Everett held out two key cards, grinning. “If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask. One of us will always be around, and if you can’t find us, or don’t feel like looking, you can dial zero on the house phone and you’ll be connected to Jackson right away.” Everett clicked a few more buttons. “And, before I forget, we’re having a party on the fourth of July, here at the campgrounds, if you’d like to join us. Locals and guests alike. Barbeque and socializing. And there will be fireworks over the lake as well.”
“Sounds awesome,” Sawyer said. “Thank you, Everett. I like your tiara.”
Everett preened a little under Sawyer’s shining gaze. I fought the urge to pull Sawyer closer, although I didn’t need to worry. I trusted Sawyer completely, and besides, Everett knew we were married.
“Thank you, Mr. Waters. It does complement me beautifully, doesn’t it?” Everett let out a ringing laugh as he posed with a jaunty head tilt. “The boys bet me I wouldn’t wear it every day for a week. Silly men. They really should know better.”
“The boys?” I couldn’t help but ask.
“My best friends. We all own the business together.” With a long finger, he tapped the top brochure in Sawyer’s hands. “Our story is in there, along with info about our place.”
“I can’t wait to read it.” Sawyer flipped open the brochure, but I slung an arm around his shoulders and turned him toward the door.
“Thank you, Everett. We’ll just get our bags and get settled in.”
“You’re in Cabin Four. Would you like any help?”
“No, thanks,” I said with a wave. “We’ve got this. Is where I parked okay?” I pointed out the window toward the SUV.
Everett nodded. “Anywhere in the parking lot is fine.”
“Thanks again. We’ll let you know if we need anything else.”
“Please do! And again, welcome. We hope you enjoy your stay!”
I steered Sawyer out of the office and into the sunshine before he could respond. I wasn’t trying to be rude, but I was tired. Three hours of highway- and backroad-driving had taken its toll, and I was more than ready to get unpacked and relax. I needed some quality time chilling with Sawyer. After the last few months, we both deserved that.
We had brought only two bags apiece, so it didn’t take long to retrieve them from the SUV and find our cabin. Sawyer’s head seemed like it was attached to a swivel. He kept glancing around and smiling hugely. With each step we took, some of the tension melted off him. Seeing him relax helped me to do the same.
We’d both been nonstop busy since the beginning of the year. I’d been in charge of several big projects, and even though I did my work sitting in front of a computer, analyzing businesses and finding ways they could improve was mentally challenging sometimes. Sawyer, on the other hand, spent his days chasing after second-graders. He’d had a tough class this past year, and when school let out the week before, he’d been relieved. It was the first time the end of the year hadn’t made him sad, and I was grateful our vacation had already been booked.
Sawyer bounded up the three steps onto the small porch of our cabin, then, so excited, it took him two tries to get the key in the lock. He gasped when he pushed the door open and laughed. “Preston, honey, you’ve got to see this!”
The cabin was one large room with two doors that presumably led to the bathroom and bedroom. The rest was open, the small kitchenette blending seamlessly into a dining area and a comfortable-looking living room.
“There’s a fireplace,” Sawyer breathed, dropping his bags.
“I see that.”
“I read that the nights can sometimes get chilly. Won’t it be great to sit here with a crackling fire?”
“Yes. It will.”
“Aren’t you excited?” Sawyer gave me a mock pout while he traced the thick wood mantel with one hand. I couldn’t help but stare at his fingers, then realized he was waiting for an answer and my momentary silence had started to make him worry. That little frown line had appeared between his brows.
“Baby, I am thrilled. Four weeks. Nothing pressing. Just you and me and the great outdoors.” I set down my bags and crossed the floor to him. When I opened my arms, he immediately snuggled into my embrace. We fit perfectly together, and I loved the feel of his body against mine. He was sometimes a manic ball of energy, and I truly enjoyed having that pulsing into me.
Gifts
-- Gift
received Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone