Page 80 of Lodged

“Yeah, I’m sure you’d love to know all my embarrassing details, but that’ll have to be saved for another day. I cannot wait to see what you planned for us today.” Ruin places her hands together as she gives me a bright smile.

“Let’s go then. I can’t wait for our date to start either.” We say goodbye to Jossie, and I hold Ruin’s hand, guiding her toward the door.

When I’m about to help her inside my car, Granny comes out to the porch and shouts, “Have fun, lovebirds! And remember, don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.” She cackles, and Ruin and I share a chuckle as we get into my car, and I start driving.

“Okay, can I please know where we're going now?” Ruin practically begs as she bats her eyelashes at me.

“Well, since the weather is changing, I thought it’d be fun to go for a hike. We could see the early foliage colors and have a nice picnic surrounded by nature.” I share my plan, hoping she’ll be as excited as I am. But Ruin doesn’t make a peep; she’s just staring out the window.

“We can do something else if you prefer,” I say, wondering if I fucked up with this idea and hoping she’ll say she wants to do this, knowing damn well I’ll do whatever she wants.

“No, no. That sounds fun. It’s just that...” She trails off with a deep sigh. I grab her hand and give it a squeeze, letting her know I’m listening. “It’s just that I haven’t hiked since before the accident, and I’m nervous. What if my ankle breaks again, or what if I can’t handle the hike and we get stranded in the middle of the forest?” Her voice turns low as she speaks, and I hate that my smart, strong girl doubts herself.

“Sweetheart, do you trust me?”

“I do,” she answers immediately, no hesitation. I give her a wink, and she blushes. That’s my girl.

“I made sure the path we’ll be walking is easy and has some of the best views in the area. I also packed an emergency backpack with food, first aid items, and even a satellite radio in case we need professional help.” I glance at her briefly since I’m driving, and her face has gone from worried to happy. The lines on her forehead vanish.

“Thank you, Gio. Seriously, I’m so thankful we met.” She pulls my hand to her lips and kisses the top.

“Trust me, I’m the lucky one here.” She smiles at me as we continue to drive to our destination. Hopefully, we can make it to the spot I’ve planned for the night—and she likes the surprise I have for her.

“Oh, Gio. I know this place. Did you know I love this trail?” I shake my head but don’t meet her gaze. We’re at the Mount Mitchell visitor center, and after doing some research, I learned about the different trails that lead to the summit, and one that leads to a beautiful clearing. Of course, I made some calls and some generous donations, and voilá—we have exclusive access to the trail and clearing for the next twenty-four hours.

I help her out of the car, and after grabbing my backpack and something for Ruin to use on the hike, I lock my car and walk toward her.

“What’s that?” she asks, a frown marring her forehead.

“A cane. I thought you could use one to help support your body while we walk.” I asked around town for a woodcrafter, and they directed me to Mr. Gilbert. He handmade this one especially for her. He knew her height and assured me this would be great for her. By the look on her face, I’m not so sure anymore.

“Did I overstep? I’m sorry. I thought I was doing something helpful. Here, let me take it back to the car.” I smile at her, letting her know I’m not upset. I just want to make her happy. When I grab the cane, she doesn't let it go.

“No. Don’t take it back. I actually think it’s a great idea.” Relief washes over me, knowing I didn’t mess up our date.

“I was just in shock because it’s been eight months since the accident, and my family and everyone in town think I’m back to normal. Thanks to the extra physical therapy sessions, I think I am getting close, but I still don’t feel completely like myself. Somehow, you see that, you see me. Thank you.” She closes her eyes. I’m trying hard not to cry, and I close the distance between us, holding her close to me.

“I love you, Ruin. You’ll always be my number one priority.” She looks up at me, and her green eyes shine with love. She doesn’t need to say it; I can feel it. I grab her chin between my thumb and forefinger, and she parts her lips—all the invitation I need to kiss her. This isn’t how I was planning to tell her I’m in love with her, but I guess not everything can go according to plan. She tastes like sweet apples and completely mine. I could get lost in this kiss forever and die a happy man, but I have big plans for us today. Reluctantly, I break the kiss, and Ruin whimpers. Fuck, how have I missed those little noises she makes.

“This way, sweetheart.” I guide her toward the start of the trail. The path is clear of debris, thanks to the town’s Boy Scouts. I promised them tickets for the rides at the Apple Festival, and they were happy to earn them by doing a good deed.

She walks a couple of steps ahead of me, and I see her give the cane a try. The more comfortable she feels using it, the more speed she gains. After ten minutes of walking, she’s at a pretty good pace. I catch up with her after snapping a couple of pictures of her walking surrounded by trees, rocks, and the changing leaves; it’s a beautiful sight.

“How are you feeling?” I ask as soon as I’m walking by her side. Her face shines with perspiration, and her breathing issomewhat fast, but her smile is big, and her eyes are so bright they could light up the entire mountain.

“I’m feeling incredible. Thank you for doing this, Gio.” She reaches closer and gives me a quick peck on the lips. I chuckle at her excitement. I feel like the best boyfriend in the world right now. I put that smile on her face.

We reach a small creek with a picnic area big enough for us to sit down for a moment. I pull a blanket out of my backpack and help Ruin sit down. Once I know she’s comfortable, I grab two water bottles and two granola bars.

“Can we really be this in sync? These are my favorite bars, and I don’t think I’ve had them since before…” She trails off, and I know what she means. I hate that the accident is still a sore topic for her. Maybe she needs to see someone to talk things through. I make a mental note to revisit that topic at a later time.

We enjoy the snack in comfortable silence, relishing the sounds of nature—the water running down the mountain, birds chirping in the distance, twigs falling from the trees. The first hints of the changing leaves appear on the trees—yellows and some oranges are the most prominent now. The colors will be in full swing in a couple of weeks, just in time for the Apple Festival.

“It’s beautiful, isn’t it?” Ruin asks with a pleasant smile on her face.

“It truly is,” I answer honestly. Even though I wasn’t born here, I’ve come to love this area.

“Do you see yourself setting down roots here?” she asks, a hint of nervousness in her tone. I know exactly where she’s going with this.

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