Page 34 of Falling

“Are you warm enough?” I ask as Geneva settles inside her sleeping bag.

“I will be. Just need to get settled.”

“If you need anything in the night, just wake me.”

“Okay. Thanks.” The campsite grows quiet. Slowly, I drift off to sleep.

The next thing I know, I’m being woken back up by someone shaking my shoulder.

“Peter?” Geneva whispers.

“What’s wrong?”

“I’m frozen. Can I sleep with you?”

“Of course.” I unzip my sleeping bag and spread it out. Grabbing hers, I zip them together to make one big one. She snuggles underneath, next to me. Her feet are like ice. I can feel them through her socks.

“Put your feet between mine.” She does as instructed and I pull her against me. Soon I hear her breathing even out as she drifts off.

I debate staying awake just so I can enjoy her body pressed against mine. No wonder the other woman thought we were married. Your friend usually doesn’t share a sleeping bag. I tuck a lock of hair that’s escaped her braid behind her ear. She murmurs and snuggles up tighter under my chin.

I already know this will be the best sleep I’ll get. Something about having Geneva in my arms feels so right. If I can just convince us both that this could be our life.

My eyes close. She’s safe in my arms for now. All is right in the world.

thirteen

GENEVA

Today isthe last day of the adventure part of our road trip. After a restful night snuggled against Peter’s warm body, I’m ready to go. We pack our tent, sleeping bags, and clothes back in the dry bags and secure them in the raft. Terry feeds us a hearty breakfast full of carbs that I wolf down without a second thought. Then we’re back on the water.

I close my eyes to take in the world around me. The water rushes under me, taking us toward the next rapid. Cold air caresses my face, turning my cheeks pink. Peter sits behind me with his paddle in his hand. His quiet strength reminds me nothing bad can happen as long as he’s near.

My eyes open to feast on the scenery around us. This is life at its best. It’s wild and free, and I want to live in this moment forever.

“Alright, rafters. Here we go,” Chuck shouts as we enter whitewater. We fight as a team to keep our raft in the middle of the river. We cascade over rocks as we work together to victory at the other end.

A cheer rises from us as we clear the first set of rapids. Even Peter has gotten into celebrating the small victories. His deep voice makes my body shiver as it washes over me.

It’s probably why I’m not paying attention as well as I should be when we enter the next set of whitewater. Everyone is tired today, even though we’re excited to be back out.

I don’t notice when Karen, one-half of the older couple, slips. The paddle comes out of nowhere. By the time I register it’s coming at my head, it’s already struck.

There’s a moment of pain that shoots through my head. Then I’m in the water. It fills my mouth and nose. My only thought is that I can’t lose consciousness or I won’t survive.

My life jacket is no match for the current. I struggle to the surface, but the water is too fast. I crash against rocks as I hurl downstream. Right when I think I can’t fight for even one more second, a strong arm wraps around me.

“I’ve got you.’ His warm voice soothes me. I know at that moment I’ll be okay. Even as the river tries to carry us away, Peter will protect me. I can give up the fight. Hand it over to him.

“We’ve got her,” I hear vaguely as my mind swims back awake. I must have passed out. My body is being lifted out of the water and back into the boat. Hands tug me into the middle of the raft. I’m rolled to my side as water expels from my lungs.

“Peter,” I rasp.

“I’m right here, sweetheart.” The raft dips. Then he’s pulling me into his lap. We’re both dripping wet. A survival blanket appears from somewhere and he wraps me in it. His strong arms encase me as I shiver. “We need to get to a hospital,” Peter growls.

“I’m so very sorry.” I hear a watery voice whisper. It was an accident; I know that. “What can I do?”

“Get us down the river, now.” Peter hugs me tighter. I can’t seem to get warm no matter how hard he’s trying. “Stay awake for me,” he urges. It would be so much easier if he’d just let me sleep.

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