Page 132 of Come to Me

She smiles, the tiniest thing, and slides her arm behind my neck. I lean into her, pressing my lips against hers.

When she pulls back, she brings her eyes back to mine. She looks at me for what feels like forever. It's like she's finding something in me, figuring something out.

"I do appreciate the concern," she finally says. "But I'm not going to break."

"I know."

She nods, reassured, and gets out of the car. I follow suit.

The scenery is even more gorgeous without a window in the way. There's blue sky and ocean for miles, and the hiking trail is something straight out of paradise. It's the most vibrant shade of green over mountains and valleys. It's life, everywhere.

I take Alyssa's hand and we make our way up the steep trail. It starts off simple enough--a straight dirt path going up a mountain. We walk slowly at first, taking in the sights, the warm breeze, the feeling of being ensconced by nature.

Alyssa stops at the peak of this curve of trail. She turns back to look at me. There's such a joy in her expression. For a minute, I forget that we've spent the last few months falling apart, that she's having secret conversations on the phone at the crack of dawn, that we're going to have to deal with this impossible distance.

The trail slopes down and starts to wind. There's a mountain to the left, and it's covered with layers and layers of vines. It's so green and so overgrown, it nearly blocks out the sky. To our right is a long valley. Tiny green bushes and tall, thick trees with deep, knotty roots.

"Come on, Grandpa. I don't have all day." Alyssa rushes ahead.

She's moving fast, almost running. I pick up the pace and catch up to her. She's tired, a little out of breath, but she is holding up fine.

I was worrying for nothing.

We hike for a long time. There's so much to take in. This place is so different from anywhere we've ever been together. Hell, anywhere I've ever been. It's pure, untouched jungle. It's secluded.

It's perfect.

The morning turns to afternoon. The sun rises, until it casts a soft glow over everything.

We don't stop until we come to a sharp batch of rocks. The only way up the rest of the trail is climbing. Alyssa eyes them with trepidation, but she won't admit she's scared.

I'll have to give her an easy out.

"How about we take a break?" I suggest.

"I'm fine."

"Yes, but I'm in the middle of paradise. There's beauty everywhere I look." I turn to her. "Especially in front of me."

"Cheesy." She smiles.

I grin.

"Sometimes a little cheese is a good thing. And I want to absorb everything."

Alyssa shakes her head. "You don't fool me for a second. But fine." She takes a seat on a short rock.

I find a place to sit near her, watching her take in the scenery. The look of amazement in her eyes is really nice to see.

She's happy.

I'd hate to destroy that.

She brings her gaze back to me. "What are you thinking?"

"How lucky I am to have you."

"Cute answer, but what are you really thinking?" She props her chin on her hand.