Page 16 of Daddy's Little Camping Trip
“I love it. I am not a good camper. In fact, this is my first camping trip, and I think it could sell me on the whole idea. As long as there is a dome wherever I want to camp.”
“I think they are getting pretty popular. If you see or experience anything we can do better, please let us know.”
“Since you mention it—”
“You hate the steam shower?”
“No! I love the steam shower. Nothing about the dome itself is anything but amazing. It’s the path.”
“Right. That’s why we hesitated to rent it to you. It’s a long walk and kind of rough. The lantern helped though, right?”
“You know what would help more?” Surely they’d already thought of it.
“What? We are so glad to get your feedback.”
Rocky came in behind him at that moment and slipped an arm around his husband’s waist. “Feedback? On the dome?”
“I love it,” I assured him, “but I wondered why you don’t have some of the solar lights on the pathway. I know it’s only a temporary route, but it would be helpful, and if you move it or improve it, you can always pull out the lights.”
They looked at each other and burst into laughter.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to criticize.” My cheeks warmed. “I just thought—”
“No, you’re right. We have been very concerned about getting the road repaired and the second dome built, but we never thought about lighting the path. That’s why we gave you the lantern, so you could safely get there. But this is such a good idea. So easy.”
I left them laughing over the whole thing, but for tonight, at least, it was still about the lantern. I met up with Quill at his tent, where he’d changed into shorts and an ordinary “big” T-shirt and together, we headed for the dome.
The path was anything but level and smooth, probably had been washed out when the actual road was, but the lantern provided enough illumination to get me home the previous night with only one stumble I’d recovered from. But I went slower and made sure Quill could see clearly, taking his arm a couple of times to step over particularly deep dips in the path. The second time, I switched my grip to his hand and we continued on that way until the dome came into sight.
It was going to be a good night.
Chapter Thirteen
Quill
My expectation for what the dome was—and what it actually turned out to be—were so completely different. I thought it would be a fancy tent. Not fancy like glitter and gold and fairy lights but substantial. One where I could stand up and walk around. Something that felt closer to a cabin than a tent. And, obviously, spherical.
I was blown away. It was absolutely, positively stunning. It belonged in a high-end magazine for people going on exotic eco-vacations. One of those must-stay bucket-list spots.
Because…wow.
“I take it you approve?” Daddy G asked as we reached it.
“It’s so glamorous.”
“It’s part of the new trend of glamping, apparently.” Daddy G shrugged.
I hadn’t heard the term before, but he explained it, and it fit the space perfectly.
“Maybe I don’t hate camping as much as I thought,” I said, still trying to decide.
“Have you been hating today?” Daddy G asked, suddenly serious.
“Oh no. Today has been…well, it’s the most fun I’ve had in I can’t even tell you how long. That’s thanks to you. But the idea of going back into that tent ever again?” I shivered.
“It’s a good thing we have a dome.” He led me inside.
We.Not he. Daddy G specifically said we, and it warmed me from the middle.
