Page 9 of A Little’s Campervan (Pride Camp 2025 #3)

Emmie

I t really was very beautiful.

Wren had picked a route for them that mainly stuck to a clear worn tread through the trees, which meant that Emmie didn’t have to worry too much about falling over and hurting herself.

It meant that she was free to look about her and take in the nature all around her.

And none of it seemed determined to kill her.

Yet.

The startling blue of the lake glinted through the leaves of the trees, and Emmie hoped she’d have a chance to look at it without all the leaves in the way, although she was grateful for the shade.

She’d slathered a load of sunblock on that morning, especially as she’d pulled on a pair of high-waisted shorts that left her usually covered legs bare to the elements.

At least her blouse was floaty and light and covered her arms. And of course she had her trusty floppy hat that had the dual benefit of keeping her nose from burning, but also kept direct sunlight from blinding her.

“Shhhh…” Wren stopped in front of her suddenly, and Emmie froze. She wasn’t sure what she was expecting to see, but it wasn’t a kaleidoscope of butterflies flitting through the clearing.

The red and black fluttering wings took her breath away, and she crept carefully until she was next to Wren.

“They’re California tortoiseshells,” Wren explained. “There’s an influx of them in the park at the moment, and swarms of them migrate across the lake. I think this is most I’ve personally ever seen.”

“They’re beautiful,” whispered Emmie. “This is definitely better than a six hour hike.”

“It’s certainly more peaceful round here,” admitted Wren. “Okay, baby girl, this is a good point for a water break.”

Emmie rolled her eyes, but thankfully gulped down some water. The walk wasn’t to exerting, but it really was very hot, and she had a tendency to get dehydrated if she wasn’t careful.

“I’m glad I packed extra water then,” said Wren when she explained. “What kind of Daddy would I be if I got my petal ill?”

“You did bring extra water though, and you didn’t even know,” said Emmie. “You’re clearly an excellent Daddy.”

“Awww, thank you sweetheart,” said Wren, and pressed her lips glancingly to Emmie’s.

Emmie made a small noise of protest when Wren went to move away, and Wren laughed, returning for another kiss. “Come on baby girl; not far now.”

Eventually the trees thinned out around the path until they came out to a large clearing. There was plenty of space for Wren to layout the picnic blanket and sort out the food whilst Emmie stood, open-mouthed, staring out across Crater Lake.

“It’s the deepest lake in the US,” said Wren, behind her. “And it’s so clear because there’s no surface flow in or out of the crater. It’s pretty much all rain or snow. Hence why it’s so clear.”

“It’s like a mirror,” said Emmie, for where the mountains met the water’s edge, they were reflected in the clear blue. “Really rather remarkable.”

“And quiet,” said Wren. “I thought you’d like that bit.”

Emmie sat down on the picnic blanket, hugged her knees to herself and closed her eyes. She could hear the wind in the trees, the sound of birds chirping, and crickets—though quieter than they’d been the previous night. Everything felt so still .

“I understand,” she said, not opening her eyes. “I understand why you like the outdoors so much.”

“Right?” said Wren.

“If only we could get here quicker, though I guess if we could get here quicker, everyone would be here.”

“Exactly.”

Slowly, she opened her eyes, blinking as her vision was beset by light. “I guess that hiking for hiking’s sake is worth it after all. Because you’re not really doing it for the hike; you’re doing it for the view.”

“Oh there are definitely some people who are just after bragging rights,” said Wren with a laugh. “But I’m definitely in the hike to explore and marvel at nature camp. Sandwich?”

Emmie finally looked down at the blanket and looked at the spread laid out before them.

Ham sandwiches with cucumber and no mayonnaise, carrot sticks with hummus, and cucumber slices cut into the shape of hearts.

There was a little pots of nuts and raisins, another with cheese and crackers, and then some lemon cake bars and tiny strawberries to finish it off.

“Wren, Daddy, how on earth did you manage all of this?”

Wren shrugged it off. “No big deal; anything for my baby girl.”

“Yes, but, how ?”

“Daddy magic,” said Wren with a smile. “Come on petal, eat up. You must be hungry.”

Emmie found that she most certainly was hungry, and between the two of them, they devoured the entire feast.

Afterwards, they lay down together on the blanket. “Come cuddle up on my chest,” said Wren.

“But you’re tiny,” said Emmie. Wren was pretty petite herself, and Emmie dreaded the idea of accidentally squashing her.

“I maybe tiny, but I’m strong, now come cuddle Daddy!”

“Yes, Daddy,” she said.

“Good girl.”