Page 46 of Damian

“May I teach you sometime? See if it is something you enjoy. It’s one of my favorite pastimes.”

“I don’t have any pastimes. I think I’d like to try, as long as you let me cook what we catch.”

“Of course. Do you cook?”

She nods. A far-off look passes behind her expression. “I had a friend for eighteen years. Mrs. Walker. She taught me everything she knew about cooking.”

Mrs. Walker? That explains the name Walker. “Knew?”

“Yes, she passed away ten years ago. She was my dearest friend. More like the mother I wish I could have been.”

“Give them time. They are still adjusting to this new world of theirs and matrimony.”

“I know.” She holds her head up. “One day at a time, right? That’s what I keep telling myself. Hopefully, soon I will feel it in my heart. With Priscilla, I have more time. She’s not going anywhere. But Shay—she’s leaving for London for her next travel blog once we return.”

“You will just have to call her every day. A brief, ‘I’m checking in to see what you did today. Anything exciting?’ Little things like that will melt any ice between you two.”

Her smile grows. “I like it. Thanks for the idea, Damian.”

We walk the overgrown path higher up the mountain toward the sound of the rushing falls. I rub my beard. I feel like a teenager on my first date. “There’s plenty of room for you and Georgia at my house.”

Emjay stops walking, rises on her toes, and kisses my cheek. “We will both move in when we return.”

I can’t contain my excitement. My arms slip around her waist. I lift her off her feet and twirl her around in my arms. “I’m going to kiss you again.”

I stifle a laugh as she closes her lids and puckers her lips.

When we resume our hike, the sound of the waterfall grows louder, filling the air with its soothing melody. The trail becomes steeper and the foliage thicker, but Emjay’s enthusiasm doesn’t wane. We pause occasionally to admire the vibrant wildflowers and the occasional deer that dart through the trees. Emjay’s hand in mine feels natural, like it was always meant to be there.

“I’ve never been this deep into the mountains before,” Emjay admits, her expression tinged with awe.

“It’s a special place,” I say, squeezing her hand. “There’s something about being surrounded by nature that makes you feel connected to everything. It’s grounding.”

She nods, and her eyes reflect the dappled sunlight filtering through the canopy. “I can see why you love it. It’s peaceful, yet so full of life.”

We finally reach the waterfall. Its cascading waters glisten in the sunlight. The sound is almost deafening up close, but it’s a comforting kind of noise. We find a flat rock near the edge and sit, letting the cool mist from the falls wash over us. Emjay leans her head on my shoulder, and I wrap my arm around her.

“This is perfect,” she murmurs. “I haven’t felt this relaxed—ever.”

“I’m glad you like it,” I reply, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. “We can find places like this anytime you want.”

She lifts her head to look at me. Her orbs shining with gratitude. “Thank you, Damian. For everything. I know I haven’t said it, but you’ve made this—us seem so easy.

“You don’t have to thank me,” I whisper. “I’m just happy to have you in my life.”

We sit in comfortable silence for a while, enjoying each other’s presence and the beauty of our surroundings. Eventually, we hike back down the mountain; the path seeming a little easier now that we’ve shared this moment. By the time we reach the entrance to the labyrinth, the sun is setting, casting a warm glow over everything.

As we approach the cave entrance, Emjay stops and turns to me. “I’m really looking forward to moving in with you, Damian. It feels right.”

I smile, feeling a surge of happiness. “Me too, Emjay. Me too.”

We walk back into the cave, hand in hand, ready to face whatever the future holds together.

Chapter 34

Peter

“I am powerless. It’s a foreign feeling. One that has me leaning on Helios for strength.” ~ Peter

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