Bared Souls - Ellie Wade Page 0,93

his water bottle and swishing it around his mouth.

“Ready for taste test number two?” I put a red-and-white worm into his mouth. “What do you think of this one?”

“Sweet and good,” Leo responds with a grin.

“Okay. Do you notice a difference between the two, and if so, which did you like more?”

“They tasted a tiny bit different, but I can’t really describe how. For some reason, I thought that number two was a little better.”

“Yes.” I clap my hands. “Told you, red-and-white is the best flavor combo of worms.”

“I shouldn’t have doubted you. You are the sugar connoisseur among us.” He playfully squeezes my knee.

“That I am. I know my sweets.”

Four hours pass quickly. One of my favorite things about our relationship is the fact that we can talk for hours. He says he finds me adorable, and I return the sentiment. We’re a good pair.

Leo parks in a lot, and I see signs for a ferry.

“We’re taking a ferry boat?” I ask.

“It’s the only way to get to Mackinac Island.” He shoots me a wink.

I bounce in my seat and exit the vehicle. “I’ve always wanted to go there,” I exclaim. “Have you been?”

“Yeah, I love it,” he replies.

I walk around to the back of the car, where he’s opening the rear hatch, and throw my arms around him. “Thank you. I love this week so much.”

He grasps my waist and kisses the tip of my nose. “It hasn’t even started yet.”

“I know I’ll love it. You make life so fun. I’m incredibly thankful for you.”

Leo stares down at me with a look of wonder, and then his lips find mine. He pulls away too quickly. “We’d better get going, so we can catch this ferry. Or we’ll have to wait for the next.”

“Okay.” I reach for my bag, but Leo insists on carrying both.

The ferry ride is exciting. I’ve never been on a boat before—a little tidbit I keep to myself. I think Leo is still shocked that I’ve never visited any Great Lakes. The water is clear and gorgeous. Peering over the edge of the ferry, I can see the rocky white bottom.

“So, you’ve officially seen Lake Huron now,” Leo says from beside me before kissing my temple.

“It’s pretty.”

“It is. So, do you know much about the island?”

“I’ve heard it’s beautiful, but that’s about it,” I remark, holding my hand to the side of the ferry as the wind whips across my skin.

“Well, there are no cars. Everyone either walks, rides bikes, or takes horse-drawn carriage rides. The island itself is eight miles in circumference, so it’s small. There’s a path that goes around the island. We can rent bikes and explore. There are so many picturesque views. The restaurants are incredible too. It’s a cool experience that is unlike anywhere else. You’ll see … it’s just awesome.”

I sigh, happy. “I can’t wait.”

FORTY-FOUR

Alma

The Grand Hotel and the grounds surrounding it is one of the most beautiful places I’ve seen. It has a majestic, antique quality with high beams, stunning ballrooms, women in dresses and men in suits, rich fabrics and colors throughout the resort that look like they belong in a 1920s mansion.

Our suite is breathtaking—old world meets new. The king-size canopy bed is a focal point with its swooping pink and white fabrics and comforter. Every detail of the room is interesting and unique. It has the Ritz meets Charlie and the Chocolate Factory feel to it. There’s an antique white milk basin next to the wooden vanity, floral chairs, a cuckoo clock on the wall, vivid wallpaper that has a soft texture, embroidered pillows with puppies that rest on the purple sofa, and chandeliers hanging in every room.

I bend and smell the fresh vase of flowers by the bed. I turn toward Leo. “This is the most amazing place I’ve ever seen.” I’m in awe as I continue to scan the space, finding new and interesting elements with each pass. “It feels like every item in here is an antique or handmade. I can’t imagine how they decorated this room.”

“It’s neat. I’ve never stayed in this suite before, but every room in the hotel is decorated uniquely. They all have different beds, color schemes, and themes. Each room is an adventure in itself. We used to stay here a lot when I was a kid. My parents loved to vacation here with their friends. I was basically left to my own devices and could explore the island all day by myself. One of the housekeepers,