Page 44 of Fated Midlife Christmas
“Maybe you can come visit me,” he suggested, dropping a quick kiss on her lips. “It’s not a tropical island, but it’s still an island. That counts as a vacation, right?”
She smiled, still letting her fingers play over his handsome face. “Right. For now, we’d better get into the dining room before Griffin eats all the beef stew. Chelsea makes it every year, and it’s fantastic.”
“After you.” He let go of her and waved his arm toward the dining room.
There were a few curious glances when they walked in, but Amanda ignored them. She sat down and began loading her plate, feeling as though she hadn’t eaten in days.
“How long does it take for our tentions to come true?” Corbin asked.
“Intentions,” Chelsea corrected gently, “and that really just depends on how hard you work on them.”
Amanda thought about the tiny roll of paper she’d hung on the tree and what she’d written on it.To be healed.“Sometimes they happen really fast.”
17
“I’mglad you could come with me this morning,” Amanda said as she got out of the car and led the way toward the trailhead.
“How could I turn down the chance to see one of your favorite places?” he asked. It wouldn’t have mattered to him where they were going. The clock was counting down so swiftly that he could hear every tick of the hands in his mind.
“But it is Christmas morning,” she replied.
“Yes, but that doesn’t mean the same thing for me. Christmas morning is a time to relax and enjoy the holiday, since we’ve already opened gifts. In fact, there are times when my family has spent the day just like this.” A new blanket of snow had fallen overnight, cloaking everything in fresh white. A few flakes were still falling from the sky, their crystalline patterns standing out on dark surfaces and accumulating on his gloves. Trees surrounded them as they stepped onto the trail, a mix of evergreens and deciduous that made for bright swaths of green amongst the barren winter branches.
“As much as I enjoy time at home with family, with the warmth of a fireplace and lots of good food on the table, there’s something about coming out into the wilderness that makesme just feel completely at peace.” She tipped her head back, closing her eyes and letting a few snowflakes land on her cheeks. Amanda trusted her feet on the level path in front of her.
“I like seeing you that way,” he admitted softly.
She opened her eyes and glanced at him, and then she turned her attention back to the trail. “There are a lot of nice parks around Salem, but I started coming to Lynn Woods when I was in college. I needed a place to get away, where I could be in either form and feel comfortable. I came here with some friends, and then I started coming back by myself.”
“What do you like about this place specifically?” It sounded like small talk, but Lars wanted to know everything that motivated her. He wanted to understand her on a deeper level.
“It gives me this feeling in my stomach.” She gestured with her fingertips. “It’s almost like what I feel with magic, but it’s different. It’s a combination of excitement and a sense of coming home. Do you ever feel anything like that?”
“Yes. With places, but with people, too.” He felt like that every time he looked at her or even thought about her. It was hard not to relate every part of their conversation to their situation.
“I think it’s also because of the way it’s set up,” she went on. “There are all of these wonderful wide paths that guide you in. That’s where you’re going to find the people. But then there are vast spaces in between to explore all by yourself, where you canbeyourself. I’ve shifted out here so many times, and I’ve never had an issue.”
“There are fewer and fewer wild places left for people like us.” The path was wide enough for them to walk side by side, and Lars took her hand. Even through their gloves, he could feel the connection between them, that ball of excitement in his stomach that she’d talked about.
She stretched her fingers out as they interlaced with his so that when she curled them again, they were as interlocked as possible. “It must be a little easier where you’re from.”
“Yes,” he admitted. “There are places where you can stand in one spot and be surrounded by nothing but snowy mountaintops, blue sky, and a view of the fjord. It’s beautiful down by the water, too, especially when the clouds come in all low and foggy. My brother and I used to spend lots of time on the beach when we were kids, pretending that we were seeing ghost ships sailing in and out of the fog.”
“That sounds incredible,” she breathed. “You’re probably used to it, though.”
He shook his head. “I don’t think you really ever get used to things like that. Maybe I’m used to having access to it, but the views are stunning, no matter what. They’ll be even more spectacular when I get to see them with you.”
“I’m looking forward to it. Let’s head this way.” Amanda left the trail, cutting through the woods as easily as though there was a path still in front of them. “When should I come see you?”
His heart leaped at the idea. Lars could easily envision picking her up at the airport and bringing her back to his home. He knew without any doubt that his family would love her almost as much as he did. “Anytime you’re ready. I will warn you that the flight is very long, but I like to think the end result will be worth it.”
Amanda paused next to a thick pine tree. Its fluffy branches extended out over their heads, blocking the early morning sun. “I think we’re safe here.” She inhaled and let go of her human, setting her gorgeous bear free.
Lars admired her thick, dark coat and intelligent eyes as he made the change himself. He was used to shifting regularly back home, so the transition was always easy for him, but he swore it came on even faster now.
He shook out his coat and glanced around.I can just imagine the headlines if someone spots us. No one will believe that a polar bear was seen here.
Someone will just claim you’re a rare albino,Amanda joked.
