Page 23 of Bound and Blitzed

“Just being out in nature. The scent of the trees, the brightness of the sky, the breeze. It feels so big and powerful, and I feel insignificant in comparison. Nature is always where I come if I’m overwhelmed. It gives me perspective.”

Avery takes in our surroundings. The leaves on the trees are changing colors, the sky is bright blue and infinite. It’s a beautiful day.

“Ready?” I gesture toward our starting point. “This is an easy hike so we can take our time and enjoy the surroundings. We’ll be near Onion Creek too.”

“Okay.” Avery falls into step beside me. “Lead the way.”

As we enter the wooded area, tension I didn’t realize I was holding begins to seep from my limbs. I close my eyes, turn my face up toward the sun, and open my ears to the sounds of rushing water, crunching leaves, and soft bird calls.

Avery’s breathing is even. Steady. A rhythm that centers me.

When I open my eyes, he’s staring at me curiously. “I’ve never met anyone like you, Valentina.”

“Is that a good thing?”

“I think so,” he murmurs sincerely.

I smile. “Thanks for taking me here, Avery. I’ve always wanted to come.”

“I’m glad I could come with you.”

We walk toward a waterfall and when we reach it, we stop to drink in the view. The sun is shining, the trees are full and inviting, the colors are fulfilling and bursting with the possibilities I feel deep in my chest. Today is a good day.

My fingers stretch toward Avery’s of their own volition. To his credit, he doesn’t miss a beat. He takes my hand in his, laces our fingers together, and stands beside me.

For the first time since I accepted his fake marriage proposal, I feel like this isn’t a mistake. It isn’t just a means to an end. I know we’re not going to have some big love story but there’s a respect between Avery and me that is important. There’s a trust that’s significant. There’s the potential of a true friendship—something I haven’t experienced before.

As we’re enjoying the scene, a bald eagle flies overhead. He glides brilliantly, his wingspan impressive, his presence powerful.

“Look!” I gasp, pointing toward the eagle.

Avery’s eyes follow the line of my finger, and he draws in a sharp breath. “Wow.”

We stand stock-still, staring at the eagle as he swoops and dives. I memorize everything about this moment—the stunning backdrop, the regal magnificence of the eagle, the warmth of Avery’s palm pressed against mine, and the lightness that fills my chest.

When the eagle flies off and dips behind a different hill of treetops, I let out a little laugh. Glancing at Avery, I see he’s grinning broadly at me.

“That was amazing,” he says.

“Incredible,” I agree.

He squeezes my hand tightly and we continue our hike.

But something significant transpires between us. It’s as if we both know that this is the start of something important. Not just a sham, not just a solution to a problem.

But the start of something meaningful. Special. At the very least, something honest.

Chapter9

Avery

I never thought seeinga bird would matter so much to me. But seeing a bald eagle through Valentina’s eyes made an impression. The awe and gratitude in her expression, the excitement in the lines bracketing her mouth—she was riding a natural high that I got in on just by my proximity to her. Just by caring about something that she cares for deeply.

I’ve never experienced that apart from football. And certainly not for someone else, about something I know little about. But standing next to the creek, consuming the glorious scene before us, and holding Valentina’s hand changed something between us.

It made us true allies instead of two parties coming to an agreement. We’re in this, whatever the hell it is, for better or worse.

And when I wake up on my wedding day, I’m excited for the next chapter. I want to experience whatever the hell is about to come my way with Valentina by my side.

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