not! I was checking out the fabric of his trousers.”
Aunt Myra shook her head. “So, you say now.”
Journey gave up. “I’ll go set the table and finish up supper. You should take time to bond with the kittens.”
“I can’t believe you foisted those little monsters off on me. What must my pups think?”
“The pups love them and so will you. Just wait and see.” When Myra didn’t say anything, Journey glanced at her to find her crying. “What’s wrong?”
“You won’t be here to see it. You won’t be here to see anything.”
“Oh, Aunt Myra. It’s going to be okay. I’ll be happy. Don’t you want me to be happy?”
“Yes. I do.” She dried her eyes. “That’s the only thing making any of this bearable.”
…Later that evening, after they’d all eaten their fill of chicken and dumplings, Journey rose to serve dessert. “Chocolate pie, anyone?”
Everyone accepted and Kota nodded his ascent graciously. “Please. I am grateful to be so honored by the bride-to-be.”
“You’re very welcome, Kota,” she murmured as she passed the slices of pie around the table. “I presume you’re all set for the big send-off.”
“Journey,” Myra protested. “Don’t make it sound so every-day. This is a remarkable event.”
“I think she knows, Aunt Myra,” Lou took up for her. “We’re all just a little nervous.”
“I am prepared.” Kota glanced at Reno. “For whatever happens.”
Journey looked to Reno to see if he would add anything, but he was busy eating his pie with gusto.
“I hope the weather behaves. Or would it make a difference?” She pressed a little harder to get someone to address the issue.
Lou held up a finger. “The research done by the group monitoring the national and state park vanishings says that a weather event sometimes follows a disappearance.”
Journey waved her fork at Lou. “You know, I was thinking if you tied us together, we’d be less likely to…”
Suddenly, Reno stood up. “I think I’ll take a walk. Love, would you like to join me?”
Something about the expression on his face told her this could be a big moment. She certainly didn’t intend to fight. She loved him. To set the mood, she opened one of the kitchen drawers and took out the small wrapped box that held his wedding present. After she’d discretely slipped it into the pocket of her sundress, she held out her hand. “I would love to go for a walk with you, Reno.”
…As if drawn, they set out for Enchanted Rock. The sunset was a lightshow of purples, oranges, and corals. The way the massive pink dome looked against the colorful palette was breathtaking. She held his arm while they strolled, taking comfort from his strength. Every few moments, she would glance up at him. The sight of his beautiful face, his long hair lifting in the gentle evening breeze, never failed to thrill her. “Sometimes, I still can’t believe you’re real.”
He looked down, shaking his head. “I feel the same way about you. All of this feels so fragile.”
Suddenly, she stopped and turned, wrapping her arms around his waist to hold him tight. “I don’t want to lose you.”
“You’re not. I promise.”
“You don’t know. We don’t know what will happen.”
“Yes, I do.” He led her over to a large piece of limestone that set beneath a massive oak. “Come sit. I have something for you.”
She let him lead her. “You’ve already given me a gift. Tonight, is my turn.”
Reno helped her find a comfortable place to sit. In the background, Enchanted Rock loomed large. “You look beautiful in the moonlight.”
“This is a magical night,” she whispered, wanting to preserve the moment forever. “I want to give you a wedding present. I know you’ll want to wear it at the ceremony. In fact, I doubt you’ll ever want to take it off.”
His hand shook as he reached out to accept the small box she offered. “What is it?”
“Open it and see.” When he started tearing away the wrapping, she couldn’t resist giving him a hint. “You’ll be so surprised. I didn’t know Uncle Myles had this. Aunt Myra thought it would be perfect for you and I agreed.” Journey laughed nervously. “Actually, I guess it’s from Uncle Myles instead of me. Oh, well. It’s a family thing.”
By this time, Reno had opened the box. “It’s a pocket watch. A fine pocket watch.”
“It’s fourteen carat gold with a diamond inset.” She pointed near the Roman numeral III. “What makes it extra special is the inscription. Read it.”