Page 21 (1/2)

She darted back every few minutes with questions for Ben, and the time passed quickly Before Jason knew it, they’d reached the lookout, and he had to ad over the trees Snow-capped peaks met the clouds, and it was like they were the only people left in the world

Maggie clasped her hands joyfully, staring in awe “It’s so quiet I love it”

Jason pressed a kiss to her damp hair “Me too, baby” It had been worth every penny he’d saved to give her this gift

“Can we go farther? Is there another lookout?”

Ben said, “There is Another hour or so”

Before Jason could open his ie jumped in “Yes I’ll totally be able to walk back, and no, it won’t be too late for dinner We have lots of snacks”

Ben chuckled with a flash of white teeth “She’s got your number, huh?”

Jason had to laugh “She sure does Okay, we’ll go to the next lookout, but then we’re turning back” He’d probably have to piggyback her later, but he couldn’t say no

Maggie bounced “Thank you, thank you, thank you!” She darted off, full of energy as always

“Not too fast,” Jason called after her “Stay in sight!”

As they walked on, it was peaceful under the shelter of the trees, the sodden, earthy-s their footsteps Drizzle pattered on the glossy leaves and dripped onto Jason’s head, but he didn’t otten his cap in the car He kept his hood doatching Ben from the corner of his eye

Ben race, clearly at hos striding confidently Beneath the bri jaw, and—

Jason’s breath caught, body seizing as he tripped over a root, barely getting his palms out in time to break his fall as he thudded onto the wet earth

Oh my God, I am such a loser!

He popped back up as Ben took hold of his ar him to his feet, face creased in concern “You okay?”

Laughing aardly, cheeks on fire, he brushed leaves and twigs and dirt from his jacket and pants “I’m fine!” The sympathy in Ben’s expression made the sticky flood of eie had rounded the corner and he could only see flashes of her red poncho through the trees, her latest song fading on the breeze He called, “Maggie, wait up!”

Ben was still holding Jason’s upper ar “Are you sure you’re okay? You didn’t twist an ankle?”

He circled the right and then his left ankle “I think I’ain “Lame city slicker”

With a low laugh, Ben said, “I’ll tell you a little secret”