Page 21 of The Bride's Secret

Her smile could not have grown any larger. She rocked back and forth grinning until he thought he might have a view of each of her teeth. “Who put a nickel in you?”

“No one. I’m just so happy I could do something nice for you. For a change.”

He nudged her and they walked out onto the ridge. “Oh, I can feel the heat through my shoes.”

“Look at the sign.” Carisa pointed to the words, “Absolutely no flip flops or sandals. Enter at your own risk.”

“This is crazy.”

They followed the designated paths and made their way. Carisa pulled out her phone and started taking pictures of everything. One of the flows looked bright orange. As they moved closer, a big bright orange liquid lava bubbled up and burst, spraying bits all over the area around it.

Carisa started stepping gingerly. “Uh, Wyatt.”

“What is it? Are your feet getting burnt?”

She lifted up her shoe to look. “Oh my gosh! This is totally melting the bottoms of my shoes.” She started hopping around from foot to foot. “What do I do? What do I do?”

“Here, stop. I’ve got you.” He bent down and pulled her up on his back.

“Oh this is better.” She laughed. “You sure you’re okay with this?”

“You’re about as heavy as my workout bag of gym clothes. I think I’ll be all right.”

“Well, okay then.”

They walked the rest of the way through the tour on the ridge, until they reached the other side. The signs directed them how to return to the visitor center or continue hiking to the other sights.

“I’m still wanting to go see the turtles.”

“Me too, but I’m not even walking anymore.”

“Off we go!” Wyatt took off at a run down the other side and then followed the curve around the mountain that led toward the beaches below.

“Oh! Be careful! Don’t fall!” Carisa’s grip on his shoulders moved to his neck and he had to twist and bulk out his muscles to stop himself from getting choked. But he loved it. Even though he knew she could walk now. The ground was cool. He kept her up there a little bit longer. He used the time to plan how he could keep her in his life a little bit longer.

Chapter 10

Carisa could walk. Her feet were fine now, but she loved the feeling of all of Wyatt’s muscular power beneath her, loved watching him flex and stretch and move with so little effort down the path. With a reluctant sigh, she tapped his shoulder. “Hey, I can walk now.”

He turned his head. “You sure, cause I kind of like being choked by you.”

She gasped and moved her hands. “I didn’t realize. I’m so sorry.”

“No, I’m kidding.” He stopped and crouched so that her feet touched the ground.

“Thanks. How much farther do you think?”

“The website said the whole hike was four miles total, so we should be getting close.”

When they rounded the next bend, the ocean came into view and their elevation was significantly lower. In fact, one more switch back and Carisa thought for sure they’d be down on the sand. “I can’t wait to see the turtles. I didn’t check. Is this the season for turtles?”

He shrugged. “I don’t know, but I thought the hike would be cool and then the water. We’ve got to get down to the beach more while we’re here.”

“I’m game.” She picked up the pace. “Come on. Now that I know it’s close I’m excited.”

“Ha, says the woman who only just started walking on her own.”

Carisa stopped and turned. “You’re so right. I’m sorry. Do you need to take a breather?”

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