Page 66 of Curvy Wives of Willow Creek 5-8

I can't help but marvel once more at how much he's changed over the years. Back then, he was just my brother's goofy friend; now, he's a man. My man. And I intend to keep him that way. As I look at him, a vision of a future together forms in my mind.

My thoughts are interrupted by a sudden movement. Aaron drops the tent and bolts towards the road. I follow his gaze and spot a car approaching. My heart lurches as he starts waving his arms, trying to catch the driver's attention.

I say a silent prayer, hoping that the driver will stop. Despite the euphoria from last night, I can feel exhaustion creeping in. And I still have to call Naomi and explain why we didn't attend the high school reunion. That's going to be a conversation and a half.

To my relief, the sports car slows to a stop beside Aaron. They exchange a few words, and then Aaron returns to me.

"He's going to give us a lift," Aaron tells me, a triumphant grin on his face. He glances at his truck. "I'm going to put the tent in there. Can you put the rest in too? We can come back for it later."

I nod, following him over to his truck. Together, we stow our gear and lock up the vehicle. With one last look at our impromptu campsite, we head towards the stranger's car.

As I slide into the backseat of the car, I can't help but be in awe of it. The interior is sleek and modern. It’s a sporty convertible, something I never expected to ride in.

The driver turns to us with a friendly smile.

"Dennis," he introduces himself, "Hope you're comfortable."

Aaron and I both nod our thanks.

Aaron then ventures to ask, "If you don't mind me asking, what brings a man in a suit to Willow Creek in a car like this?"

With a laugh, Dennis starts the car, and we're off. The vehicle hums to life, picking up speed effortlessly.

"I'm moving here," he tells us.

"Moving?" I repeat, taken by surprise.

"Yes," Dennis confirms, "I grew up in a small town, and moved to the city to become a lawyer. Loved it for a while but got tired of the chaos. I need a fresh start, and Willow Creek seemed as good a place as any."

Aaron nods, understanding.

"I can relate," he says, "Spent a few months working random jobs in the city, hated every second of it. After that, I worked for a few years for the same company in a small town called Silvervale Mountain. Felt like home."

Dennis raises an eyebrow at that, looking surprised.

"You're kidding! I'm from Silvervale Mountain!”

Aaron's surprised laugh echoes through the car.

“You wouldn't happen to know Sheriff Brad, would you?" Aaron asks him.

“Of course I do,” Dennis replies, “We were in high school together!”

"Brad helped me a lot while I was there! Can't believe you two are old school buddies."

Dennis chuckles, shaking his head in disbelief.

"It's a small world, indeed."

I sit quietly through their exchange, content to let them catch up on old memories. It strikes me that I don't know much about Aaron's past ten years. There's so much more to learn. A sense of excitement fills me at the prospect of uncovering more about him.

I lean into him, resting my head on his shoulder, my hair fluttering in the breeze. As we drive into Willow Creek, Dennis asks where he should drop us off.

Aaron directs him to the old mechanic's location, but I cut in.

"It's moved," I say, "Same street, but now you turn left after."

Dennis takes us there in a matter of seconds, and after thanking him for the lift, Aaron invites him for a beer sometime, a chance to trade Silvervale stories.

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