Page 12 of Daddy’s Little Camping Trip (Found by Daddy #14)
Gilbraith
This time, I was the brave one, inviting Quill to spend the night.
But I didn’t want him to think I was being pushy or anything, and my accommodations had only one bed, so I’d have to make it clear I had no expectations when we got there. Or now. “To sleep. I am inviting you to sleep over.”
“So, this dome, it keeps out bugs?”
“I didn’t see a single bug last night.”
“Then count me in because I don’t think I can face another night of being the main course in the mosquitos’ dinner.”
The repellant might work, but since I really wanted to spend more time together, mentioning the bracelet on his arm and the whiff of citronella in his hair would not be helpful to my cause.
And the hint of guilt I felt for not mentioning it faded when he waved his arm and said, “Even with all the help you got me, those things were the size of eagles and might be immune.”
“Why don’t you bring some of your things, or all of them if you like, and we can head for the dome. I need to pick up my lantern from the front desk so we aren’t walking in the dark.”
He paused, halfway into bug central. I could hear the wings hitting the sides of the tent from here.
Had the roommate left the thing open all day as well?
No wonder it was so infested. “Is there a path without the solar lights on the grounds? Every one I’ve seen so far has been illuminated so we don’t trip and fall or get lost.”
“The dome isn’t exactly within the campground.” Please don’t let this be a dealbreaker. “It’s a short hike through the forest away.”
“It’s the luxury accommodations—at least when you say dome, that’s what it sounds like to me—but there’s no road to it?”
“Right?” I chuckled. “I asked the same question, but there was an issue with the road washing out, and it just hasn’t been replaced yet. I understand if you’d rather stay here tonight. You do have all the bug repellants.”
“No way. I am very grateful to you for the invitation. I am just not a tent camper, and even without the mosquitos, I wouldn’t be happy there for another night.” Although he still wore the little garb, he had stepped all the way into big headspace.
“All right. I’ll get the lantern and be right back.”
Now that he’d mentioned it, all the pathways within the campgrounds were lit with rows of solar lights, making it very easy to find my way here. When I went inside to grab the lantern, Sandy was there, doing some kind of paperwork.
“Wow, you never get to rest,” I said, approaching the desk.
“Not too often, but it’s worth it, having our own business. Did you enjoy the dinner?”
“Very much. The food was tasty and the games were perfect for the littles.”
“Rocky will be pleased. He’s been working with Ms. Lily for weeks on everything. One more day to go. Are you enjoying the dome? You’re our first guest there, you know.”
“I love it. I am not a good camper. In fact, this is my first camping trip, and I think it could sell me on the whole idea. As long as there is a dome wherever I want to camp.”
“I think they are getting pretty popular. If you see or experience anything we can do better, please let us know.”
“Since you mention it—”
“You hate the steam shower?”
“No! I love the steam shower. Nothing about the dome itself is anything but amazing. It’s the path.”
“Right. That’s why we hesitated to rent it to you. It’s a long walk and kind of rough. The lantern helped though, right?”
“You know what would help more?” Surely they’d already thought of it.
“What? We are so glad to get your feedback.”
Rocky came in behind him at that moment and slipped an arm around his husband’s waist. “Feedback? On the dome?”
“I love it,” I assured him, “but I wondered why you don’t have some of the solar lights on the pathway. I know it’s only a temporary route, but it would be helpful, and if you move it or improve it, you can always pull out the lights.”
They looked at each other and burst into laughter.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to criticize.” My cheeks warmed. “I just thought—”
“No, you’re right. We have been very concerned about getting the road repaired and the second dome built, but we never thought about lighting the path. That’s why we gave you the lantern, so you could safely get there. But this is such a good idea. So easy.”
I left them laughing over the whole thing, but for tonight, at least, it was still about the lantern. I met up with Quill at his tent, where he’d changed into shorts and an ordinary “big” T-shirt and together, we headed for the dome.
The path was anything but level and smooth, probably had been washed out when the actual road was, but the lantern provided enough illumination to get me home the previous night with only one stumble I’d recovered from.
But I went slower and made sure Quill could see clearly, taking his arm a couple of times to step over particularly deep dips in the path.
The second time, I switched my grip to his hand and we continued on that way until the dome came into sight.
It was going to be a good night.