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They were following the creek now, and it gurgled loudly past them. They crossed a series of wooden steps and inclines and then took the left fork. When they reached the actual waterfall, Tony was waiting. He nodded to them, stepping back so they could take in the view of the rushing water.
“Oh my. Oh, my! It’s gorgeous, mystical, ethereal, magnificent, out of this world. There just aren’t enough words,” Lizzy gushed as she stared in awe at the verdant and rocky waterfall.
Chase had to agree with her assessment, but he’d never seen anyone so enthralled with scenery.
The waterfall was beautiful with a steady flow of water roaring over the moss-covered rocks and a misty spray floating off of it.
The cliff side around the falls was rocky yet covered with mossy green that seemed to glow.
The waterfall was set back in the rocks, and the spray made it look ethereal.
“It’s a real waterfall,” Lizzy breathed.
“Yeah,” Chase half-laughed. He was as enthralled with Lizzy and her effusive reaction as he was with the waterfall.
He shouldn’t have expected anything less.
She had a zest for life he found so endearing.
Something he’d missed for years was an innocent view of life.
As an Army Ranger, he’d been busy and his days were challenging and exhilarating but also sobering, difficult, and depressing.
Since retiring, he’d been in a funk. Even though he enjoyed living in Jade Valley, the outdoor adventures, and the people there, he hadn’t had a real challenge or seen things with excitement and fresh perspective the way Lizzy did. He wanted to thank her for giving him that gift.
Lizzy gazed around. She talked rapidly, taking note of every jutting rock face, charming green growth, the rushing and powerful water, and gorgeous vegetation of the surrounding mountainside and wildflowers.
Chase studied her more than the waterfall.
“Why are you staring at me like that?” she demanded, pausing in her description.
“I like watching, or rather listening, to the scenery through your eyes.”
A teasing glint entered her eyes. “Maybe I should blindfold you.”
“Anytime.”
The moment slowed, and Chase saw a future in her gaze that he’d never seen with anyone. He found himself leaning closer, caught up in the moment, the beauty of this mystical place, but more importantly the warmth, authenticity, and beauty of Lizzy.
He checked to make certain they were alone and their guards weren’t watching. He met Captain Macon’s gaze, and the man backed farther down the trail.
Turning back to Lizzy, he saw she was biting at her lip. The movement was enthralling, but unfortunately he could sense their intimate moment had passed.
“Thank you for bringing me here, Chase.” She gestured to the waterfall. “This is the most exquisitely beautiful spot on earth. I am certain of it.”
“I thought the view of the lake and mountains outside our house was the most beautiful.”
She was more beautiful than any scenery. Exquisite. Would she withdraw if he told her as much?
“A close second to this.” Lizzy smiled and glanced around. “I’ve never been to a real waterfall before. Sorry, did I already tell you that?” She bit at her lip. “I’m revealing how lame my life is.”
“Not at all.” Chase was shocked that it was her first waterfall, but Kansas wasn’t known for mountains. He wouldn’t have been anywhere besides Georgia without the Army and his friend Brandon. He’d seen majestic waterfalls, but seeing this one with Lizzy topped the others in his mind.
“Thank you for not making me feel silly for never traveling. We went to the Flint Hills once, but they’re not really mountains.
Dry and not soaring, nothing even in the realm of this majestic beauty.
Janie and I had a trip planned to Colorado, and the waterfalls we had planned to see there would’ve been epic, but nothing like this.
The alternator went out on my Fiesta, though, and that took all my trip money.
” Lizzy shrugged and waved her hands. “Doesn’t matter now.
I’m here.” She threw her hands high and looked to the heavens.
“Thank you, Heavenly Father, for creating such beauty. Thank you, Chase, for bringing me here. Thank you, Madelyne, for researching and finding me. Thank you, Brandon, for paying for all of it.”
He grinned at her exuberance. “Thank you, Lizzy, for allowing me to see all of this beauty through a new set of eyes.”
She peered up at him. “I help you see it better?”
“Yes, ma’am. A renewed and rejuvenated perspective.”
“I like that.” They shared a look, but then she pulled out her phone and said, “Now it’s time for too many selfies. Pretend you’re a girl, please.”
Chase groaned, but he didn’t really mind. He smiled when instructed and gave her a hard time about the selfies, but he was happy to have photos of the two of them.
They were only on day two of adventuring, but already their time together was going too fast.
Could he see her after their two weeks were up? He wanted to develop a long-term relationship with Lizzy. Would she feel the same if they kept growing close over the next two weeks?