The Fiery Forest (Repost of an old Story)

The Fiery Forest…a tale of love and life in the woods

Part One

By Christine Wichman  c. September 2015

“Call me” he said, handing her his number on a coffee stained napkin. Something in the way he smiles at her, always sends a physical shock straight through her core. 

Even though they’d only spent the last few months next to eachother spinning in the dark, there had been a palpable energy connecting them somehow. She felt the attraction from day one of his “Soul Cycle” class, and had no way to approach him outside of the hourly ritual. He was an amazing instructor and seemed to have a groupie following which intimidated Eden and kept her at bay. Any attempts to actually flirt, let alone speak to Gage seemed like a bad idea.

So it was something of a miracle, that moment in the parking lot when he actually handed her his phone number. Eden was speechless as he continued to smile and look back at her while getting into his open bed pick up truck. She heard rumors that he lived off the land up in the mountains, and only came down on Tuesdays and Saturdays to teach his class. She also discovered he had a photography blog and a very lumber sexual instagram page. Clearly she’d been doing a lot of online stalking the last few weeks.

Eden stood there holding the napkin like a school girl, awestruck and frozen. Long after Gage hopped into his truck and pulled out of his parking space she was still in the same position, which was unfortunate because suddenly from out of nowhere came a violent gust of warm September air ripping the paper from her hand, blowing it away in the wind…

“Shhhhiiittt” Eden screamed chasing after it.

*******

“Hey,” Eden called after Gage as he headed into the parking lot. The same parking lot where she’d let his number slip down a storm drain last week. “Hey, wait.”

Gage stopped in his tracks and turned to greet her. “Sorry, I didn’t see you in class. Were you in there?”

“Umm, no actually I just got here. I came to talk to you. I have the worst confession to make.”

“Oh it’s cool, I feel like an ass for giving you my number, I should have figured you’d have a boyfriend…”

“Oh God, no.” Eden flushed.

“A Girlfriend?” now Gage was blushing.

Eden laughed, “no no nothing like that, I like boys, I mean men. I mean you… I like you.”

Now Gage was speechless.

“I honest to God lost your number.”

“Well that’s great. I mean it’s great that, well you know.”

Eden was amused to see him like this, suddenly vulnerable and not the coolest guy in the room. She was the one in control now and the grin on her face gave it away.

“So, what are you doing right now?” Eden was feeling brave.

“Now?”

“Do you want to grab a coffee or something?”

“I’d love to, but I have to get home, to my feed my dog. I’ve been away all day and he usually eats around now…” Gage looked at his watch.

Eden admired his sense of responsibility and animal loving nature, so she shrugged it off,

“No problem maybe another time.” she began to walk away.

“Hang on, this might sound crazy, but would you want to come with me? I could make you dinner and we could hang out.”

Eden knew it was kind of crazy, but she never felt like hanging out with someone more in her entire life, especially now that she knew he had a dog. But according to the rumors he lived way up in the mountains, her night vision was crap . How would she drive home?

“We can drive up in my truck, you can leave your car here and I promise I’ll have you back by midnight.”

Wow, was he a mindreader? That was the best Cinderella offer she’d ever had.

“What kind of dog do you have?”

“He’s part Husky and part human. Seriously, he actually talks.”

“Well that I have to see. Let’s go meet this talking dog of yours before I change my mind.”

Gage actually opened Eden’s door for her, and she about died. Mentally she added his name to the rare order of chivralous men left on the planet.

Once they hit the winding roads through the beautiful lush pine and sequoia trees, Eden began to relax, and Gage rolled down his window.

“Just smell that…that is what the world is suppose to smell like.”

“Mmm I love it,” Eden smiled. “I know all of this is so close to home, but I never seem to find the time to get up this way anymore. When I was a kid my Dad took us on drives at least once a week, we would end up at Alice’s Restaurant or the beach depending on his mood.”

“Sounds great.” Gage pushed in a CD, and the Beatle’s Blackbird began to play.

“Oh I love this song.” Eden was surprised by his choice.

“Me too, I’m kind of old school and boring when it comes to music. You can pick the next CD.” he handed her his leather zip pouch of CD’s and Eden took pleasure in figuring him out through his Music.

“Kid Rock? Really?” she giggled

“Yeah I bought that album for one song, it got me through a tough year in Iraq.”

“Which song?”

“‘Only God knows why’…it’s a good one.”

“So you served? Wow.”

“From 18 to 28, I ended up a Seal, and now I’m going on seven years as a civilian.”

Eden was doing fast math in her head…okay so that would make him 35. Perfect. Eden was 31 going on 50. She had a feeling the more Gage revealled the more she would be impressed, he seemed too good to be true.

“I have another confession to make.” Eden’s voice cracked as her nerves returned.

Gage glanced over at her, intensely curious.

“I googled you and found your photography blog, I cannot believe what you can do with black and white film.”

“Well between black and white there lies a lot of grey.” he smiled then paused, “I have a confession to make too. I’ve been stalking your Instagram.”

They both laughed.

“Well it’s been kind of hard to see you in the dark, and you are always the first one to bolt out of class, so I checked the roster and searched your name. I have to admit your black and whites got to me too. Who takes those photos of you?

“My sister, India, she’s my roommate. We love to mess around with the camera.”

“So, we have a few things in common then, We both love black and white photography and cycling in the dark.”

“Hmm, well I’m pretty sure we also have Dogs and trees and stalking in common too.”

*Eden*

Gage turned off the main highway and began the descent along the creek. They were 30 minutes from civilization and twisting deeper into the woods. The vivid green moss clinging to the thicket of trees was stunning. The sudden darkness and mist lent an air of seclusion and mystery. Eden was speechless as they drove over a bumpy cattle crossing and up a steep grade to a clearing and finally a house at the edge of the summit. An impressive three story grey wooden house with a wrap around porch and a deck with a view to die for. Waiting on the deck was the most adorable Husky she had ever laid eyes on.

“What is his name?” Eden was already in love. “And how did you get so lucky?”

“Ha, I almost named him lucky. He was a stray dog, who lucky for me was adopted by Operation Freedom Paws. They link up vets who have PTSD with service dogs. I ended up calling him Smokey.” Gage and Eden stepped out of the truck and moved toward Smokey who greeted them both with excitement. Gage bent down and kissed him on the head ruffling his fur affectionately. “He saved my life.”

*Smokey*

Eden took a moment to let it all sink in. “So the PTSD, is it still pretty bad, or….”

“No, I have a handle on it now, years of therapy and this guy. I’d say my only crisis now is a crisis of confidence.”

“Confidence?” Eden laughed, “Really, that I would never guess in a million years.”

Gage just smiled, opened the door and allowed them both inside. “Feel free to give yourself a tour, while I feed him.”

“Thanks, this place is amazing how long have you lived here?”

“Well My Dad and I started building it five years ago as a fishing cabin to escape to. We were nearly finished when Dad got Cancer, so we put it on the back burner. Dad died in October 2013. So I came up here to finish it and never left.”

Eden stopped to look at Gage, “I am so sorry about your Dad. My Mom died of Breast Cancer when I was 15. It’s really tough to lose a parent.”

Gage looked up at Eden and saw her tears, then walked across the kitchen back into the foyer…”I know.” he said hugging her. The hug felt like home to both of them, and lasted longer than any first hug normally would.

“I have some records upstairs in my library if you want to put one on.” Gage let go and went back to the kitchen.

Eden began to climb the open wooden staircase, “You have a library? Wow…”

“Well it’s really a loft off the master, but my books and albums needed somewhere to go, so I built some shelves and now it’s a library.”

*Gage’s Library*

Eden filed through the stack of albums on the floor and called down “So many choices I could be here all night…Oh wait, how about this one?” she placed Elton John on the turntable and moved the needle to “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me.”

Gage put Smokey’s bowl of food down and shook his head, how did she ironically just pick his Dad’s favorite song…very strange.

“You know there are some very unlikely background singers on that track?” Gage yelled up the stairs.

“Aren’t they called back up singers?” Eden corrected.

“Well what ever they are called you will never guess who they are.”

“Who?”

“The Beach Boys and Toni Tenille, from Captain and Tenille.”

Eden had heard of the Beach Boys of course but never Captain and Tenille.

“That’s interesting.” Eden said making her way into the bedroom for a peek. Outside the bedroom door there was another cozy corner with a reading chair and some built ins. She loved the mish mash of reclaimed wood and perfect mix of modern bohemian touches.

*Reading corner*

She let out a slight gasp when she saw the beautiful yet perfectly masculine master suite. “Wow.”

The blend of leather, wood, faux fur and cashmere were so inviting, she wanted to curl up in the huge bed and never leave.

*Gage’s Bedroom*

“Do you want some wine?” Gage called.

Eden began walking down the stairs, “Sure, if you are.”

“Red or White?”

“I’m really into red at the moment, kind of a seasonal thing for me.”

Gage was already pouring her a glass of Switchback Ridge 2008 Cabernet.

“Hey.” Eden laughed, “what if I said white?”

“Well it was a 50/50 chance, and I sort of took you for a red girl anyway.”

Gage handed her the glass and slid open the back door, “it’s usually really nice out here just after the sun goes down.”

Eden followed him and took in the vastness of trees and lake below, above them the last purple of sunset trailed into a twilight cerulean blue.

“Look the first star, better make a wish.” Eden smiled.

Gage came a little closer, “Okay, close your eyes and really concentrate.”

Eden closed her eyes and felt Gage’s lips and breath gently moving in for their first kiss.

For the first time in her life Eden felt her knees go weak and a strange sensation began to tingle all over her body. Was it the wine or the kiss? Definitely the kiss. Wow. The electricity she felt in spin class was now multiplied and charging through the roof.

Gage stepped back to witness Eden’s response. Her giddy smile gave her away, so he went in for a second kiss, and a third. There would have been a fifteenth if the timer hadn’t gone off on his Baked Brie.

“Hang on.” Gage rushed into the kitchen to rescue his melting cheese and plate it up with his homemade fig and pistachio tapenade. When he returned Eden had swigged down the rest of her wine and was trying to maintain an illusion of calm.

Gage quickly set up a rustic table outside and presented her with the appetizer as well as a fresh bottle of red and another generous pour.

*Baked Brie with Fig and Pistachio tapenade*

“Are you serious?” Eden gushed, “You just whipped this up? Please do not tell me you are a gourmet chef on the side.”

“Okay I won’t tell you.” Gage laughed.

Eden stared him down, “Really?”

“No, I only cook for myself and my family. My Mom and sisters come up here a lot during the week. Our Dad was the chef in the family, so none of them can survive on their own. I don’t mind cooking but I hate shopping. So if they bring me what they want to eat, I make it for them. Oh and I also have that garden down there to keep supplied.” Gage pointed down the hillside to an elaborate covered garden that looked to be the envy of any survivalist.

“So will we be eating anything from your garden tonight?” Eden inquired while digging in to the Brie.

“Well I happen to have some really tasty potatoes and artichokes on hand for a salad and I can boil up some gnocci with avacado pesto if that sounds okay to you?”

Eden shook her head, she was beyond impressed. “Bring it on.” Gage was truly blowing her away with his talents.

“Are you any good in the kitchen?” Gage picked up his wine glass and nodded for her to follow him in, “I could use a little help.”

“Well, I’m more like your Mom and sisters, our Dad did all the cooking, we just cleaned up and set the table.”

“Okay then you can be my sous chef…I won’t make you clean up on our first date.”

“Oh so this IS a date?” Eden smiled. “I thought we were just hanging out.”

“Tomatoes, Tomaahhhtoes…” grinned Gage.

The two of them continued to banter, laugh, drink and dance their way through Eden’s first cooking lesson. Another bottle of red and two Led Zeppelin albums later, dinner was served.

The cerulean twilght was now a lapis blue dotted with sapphire and ruby stars.

“The clarity of the stars up here is pretty amazing, you can actually see their individual colors.”

Gage lit a few candles and brought them out to the table, while Eden carried out the bread, looking up to observe the stunning night sky.

Smokey trailed after them wagging his tail in the hopes of a few scraps falling his way.

“Aww look at Smokey’s shadow dancing on the deck, that is adorable.”

Gage countered, “Only problem is when the wind blows from his fierce tail he’s gonna put out our candles.”

*red potato, arugula, and artichoke heart salad*

*Gnocci with avacado pesto sauce*

Smokey tilted his head as if he knew they were talking about him. He then began a long sharp broken howl that was nowhere near a bark.

“See I told you he could talk.”

**********************************************************************************

*ALL RECIPES are taken from THE FOREST FEAST by Erin Gleeson, food photos as well. It’s an awesome book by a local lady in Woodside. 🙂

**********************************************************************************

Eden leaned back from the table, took up her wine glass, and gleefully held it out toward Gage, “Cheers to the Chef, this is truly an amazing meal. Thank you.”

Gage clinked his glass to hers and blushed, “I’m just glad you’re okay with my style of cooking.”

“I’m in veggie organic heaven right now, are you kidding me?”

“So you’re a vegetarian too?”

“Umm well 90 percent of the time, I can’t lie, I have a steak about once a month.”

“I appreciate the honesty. And don’t worry I won’t judge you. I might convert you, but I won’t judge you.” he teased.

Eden laughed, then took a bite of her meal. “If you cook this well, you just might.”

“Well I’m not perfect, I do eat dairy. But for the most part I try to stay clear of meat.”

“I actually think I could do that.” Eden tipped back her glass and finished off the last of the wine for the evening. Things were beginning to go a little fuzzy.

When Gage got down to his last bite of potato in the salad, he picked it up and handed it to Smokey. “There ya go boy. Thanks for being so patient.”

“I don’t like to feed him people food. It’s not good for him, but sometimes he gets to me with those eyes.”

“I know what you mean,” Eden looked down at him as his begging eyes glanced her way. “May I?” she offered him up one of her last potatoes and made a friend for life.

“Please will you let me clear the table and clean up for you?” Eden set her own begging look on Gage.

“Those eyes work on me too, but I promised you no cleaning up on our first date…so I will take those, Thank you.” Gage snatched up his plate and hers and hustled the dishes off to the kitchen.

Eden sauntered over to the deck railing and leaned over it to really take in the view. The vast silence of all those trees was pure magic. Every time she inhaled the forest breeze she felt pure oxygen pumping straight into her lungs as if some sort of euphoric drug.

Gage came up behind her and put his arm around her waist. “Can you hear it?”

“What? I just hear silence.”

“No, listen,” Gage was quiet.

Eden still did not hear anything but the breeze and the soft sound of both of them breathing together.

“Everyone has his own sound...even the forest. Now do you hear it?”

Eden closed her eyes and she did hear something, she heard her heart beating fast, and then she could feel Gage’s heart on the back of her shoulder and it was beating steadily, so calm. She took a long breath to calm her own heart to his pace and then she heard something down in the forest, it was more a feeling than a sound…almost an echo of their heartbeats.

“I call them night echoes,” whispered Gage in her ear.

“You just made that up,” she smiled.

“I did,” Gage smiled then bent down to kiss her. The kiss was surprisingly more intense than the first one and in that second Eden knew she was not going to be home by midnight.

Eden slowly opened her eyes expecting to see the dove grey walls of her own bedroom, but instead was met with lush wood walls and the comfort of Gage’s cozy bed. It took a moment for the entirety of last night to come back to her. The flashes that surfaced made her blush, she turned to see the other side of the bed empty and in Gage’s place there was a note.

Hey Beautiful,

Took Smokey for a walk,

be right back with coffee.

A huge smile of relief swept across Eden’s face, she wasn’t ready to face Gage just yet, she needed to process what the hell just happened. She never slept with guys on the first date. Honestly though, it didn’t feel like a first date to her, it just felt like one of those moments you get swept up in and everything’s completely out of your control.

Eden searched the room for her clothes and pulled her oversized sweater on to cover herself, she then tip toed down the stairs to find her purse so she could get her phone and call her sister. There was no sign of Gage downstairs, so she grabbed her purse and hurried back up to the bathroom to retouch her make up and brush her hair.

Eden tapped her sisters name on the phone and India picked up on the first ring.

“Where the hell are you?” India was the younger sister but always took on the Mom role.

“I’m sorry I forgot to text you. I’m alive. I’m fine. Well I am better than fine. I’m with Gage.”

“Oh my God, Soulcycle Gage?”

“Mmhmm.” Eden squealed in a whisper, “ahhh, he is better than I thought. He is amazing.”

“Tell me everything.”

“I can’t now, he just left to walk the dog, he could be back any second. Oh shit, I think I hear them now. I gotta go. Love you.”

“Oh man….okay, Love you too.”

Eden scurried out of the bathroom and climbed back into Gage’s bed. The bed she never wanted to leave.

Snuggling in and trying to look casual, she waited a few minutes before hearing Gage come up the stairs and with him came the intoxicating aroma of fresh coffee. Smokey came bounding in first and ran to the side of the bed to greet her.

“Hi buddy,” Eden kissed the dog’s nose and then smiled over to Gage who was looking sheepish.
“Sorry that took so long, hope you’re not feeling like a prisoner here.”

“No honestly I just woke up. Thanks for letting me sleep. Where did you get the coffee? Aren’t we like forty minutes from the nearest Starbucks?”

Gage laughed, “Well in a perfect world I was going to sneak down and make you an espresso from my new top of the line espresso machine, but somehow one of those fancy little cups got wedged in there the last time I used it and has since molded. I tried using forceps to pull it out but It’s so moldy I am just gonna toss the machine and get a new one.”

Eden laughed, “I appreciate you not serving me moldy coffee.”

“So I hiked down to my neighbors place. Old Gwen was happy to fill up a thermos of folgers for me, especially when I told her it was for a lady friend.”

Gage then presented Eden with the cup of Gwen’s coffee he poured, along with a few wildflowers he picked on the way back up the hill.

“Hmm I could get use to this.” Eden smiled sipping the coffee, “How did you know I like it creamy?”

“Your Instagram.” Gage raised an eyebrow, “Is that creepy?”

Eden laughed again, “It should be, but right now I can’t stop smiling.”

Gage leaned in and kissed her. “Does that mean you’ll stay for breakfast?”

Eden kissed him again and said, “It’s Sunday, I’ll stay as long as you want.”

“Well in that case,” Gage took Eden’s cup and set it on the nightstand. “I think we should go back to bed.”

Smokey hopped up on the bed and Gage laughed, “Not you Smokey. Go on get down.”

Smokey sassed back in a staccatto string of howls, and Eden could not stop laughing. “Oh my God, he reminds me of that Mark Twain quote about Dogs and Cats.”

“I don’t think I’ve heard that one.”

“It’s something like...If animals could speak, the dog would be a blundering outspoken fellow; but the cat would have the rare grace of never saying a word….”

“That totally makes sense.” Gage looked down at Smokey who was clearly pouting. “Maybe I should give him his breakfast, keep him busy awhile.”

“Well I am kind of hungry too, why don’t we all go down and eat something.”

Gage turned back toward Eden looking disappointed. “Well you did say you’d stay all day, so I guess that sounds like a good call.”

Eden shook her head. “All day?…what will we do with ourselves?”

“Well first thing is to get you in the kitchen and rustle us up some breakfast.”

Gage teasingly scooped Eden up off the bed and threw her over his shoulder, her squeals could be heard echoing through the house, as he carried her down the stairs and into the kitchen.

Once downstairs Eden noticed a beautiful mist swirling outside, “Oh wow, it’s like heaven up here.”

“I don’t know which are prettier the starry nights or the misty mornings. We can eat outside again if you want.” Gage was eyeing his ingredients in the fridge, “I have eggs and some left over quinoa. That sound okay to you?”

“Sure, fine with me.” Eden stepped onto the deck, the forest was calling to her, she just had to feel the mist on her face and smell the trees again.

Gage fried up the eggs and heated the quinoa in the microwave, then poured them both a glass of orange juice and brought everything out to the deck.

“That was quick,” Eden looked at Smokey, “Did he eat already?”

“Yeah, he usually lingers over his dry food in the morning, but today he inhaled it for some reason. Must be the excitement of having a new friend here.” Gage winked.

“Aww Smokey, I love you too.” Eden hugged Smokey then walked over to the table.

“Are you warm enough? Do you want me to get you a blanket or something?” Gage took in the sight of Eden’s bare legs.

“Actually I’m okay, it’s not as cold out here as I thought it would be.”

“Not that I’m complaining about the view, it’s definitely a good one.” Gage passed Eden a fork.

“Well thanks,” Eden took the fork and dug in. “This is sooo good. I don’t think I have ever had quinoa before. Another pleasant surprise.”

“Glad you like surprises. Because after this I have a good one for you.”

Eden got a little flustered, “Mmm what kind of surprise?”

“This one involves putting your clothes on, I want to take you somewhere pretty cool.”

“Okay, I can live with that.”

“Hey we still have all day remember.”

Eden grinned. “I can live with that too.”

Just then the phone rang inside the house. “Hang on a sec, that’s probably my Mom. She calls every Sunday like clockwork.”

Eden went back to eating her breakfast, while Smokey put his head in her lap and gave her the begging eyes.

Eden could hear Gage’s one sided conversation clearly.

“Hey Mom. Everything okay?….No, awww no….I’m so sorry….well did you get everything cleared up?……….that’s too bad…..no, no you don’t deserve that…..don’t worry, I’ll come down tonight if you need me……….are you sure? Is Drea comin’? ……What about Roz? Can she get time off?…….Well screw her Mom, seriously, you know what they say…Six Feet of Earth Makes Us All Equal….yes. Okay……Sure….love you too…bye.”

Gage emerged looking a bit shaken and sat down quietly in front of Eden. “Sorry about that.”he shook his head and looked out to the trees.

“You okay?” Eden sensed something was seriously wrong.

“My Mom’s brother passed this morning. We knew he didn’t have long but still….”

“I’m so sorry.” Eden put her hand out and squeezed his arm. “Should I go? I can call an uber and leave you to go to your Mom’s.”

“No, no….please don’t go. My sisters are going over there now. I will head down later, we can still hang out. Seriously, it’s okay.”

“You don’t look okay.”

“I’m just worried about what my Aunt’s going to do. She and my Mom never got along. She’s basically a gold digger and my Uncle, being my Mom’s older and only brother inherited all of the family’s Estate. My Mom was meant to get half when her parents died, but Aunt Libby took it upon herself to talk my Uncle into getting them to sign her out of the will. It’s a long story but these past few months my Mom made amends with my Uncle and he promised he would make things right, so he drew up a new will and when he told my Aunt about it, she went after my Mom. Things got pretty ugly and my Mom is already so upset over losing Uncle Mike just when they were getting close again.”

“That’s awful. Your poor Mom. You really should go down and be with her Gage. Honestly, I can take a rain check…we can plan something once things settle down with your family.”

“Well, maybe you’re right. I’m gonna be worried about her anyway. You’re the best Eden. Truly you are something special.” Gage kissed her hand. “But you’re not calling a car, I will drive you back like I promised.”

********

Gage called Smokey to come for a ride. Eden was pleasantly surprised when he had the dog join them in the cab rather than make him ride in the back of the truck all by himself. Smokey was happy too as he laid his head in Eden’s lap the whole way to Palo Alto.

“Look up there,” Gage pointed to an amazing bird of prey.

“What is that?” Eden was not up to speed on her bird species, she just knew the bird she was looking at was huge.

“It’s a Golden Eagle, those are rare up here. We have lots of Red Tail Hawks and Great Horned Owls but I think I’ve only seen one of those guys, and it was years ago. Good to know they’re still around. So many species are disappearing now.”

“He’s beautiful. Look at those wings,” Eden secretly took it as a good omen. Maybe a rare bird sighting meant she had found something rare as well.

The ride back down was mostly silent. Not an awkward silence but a calm peaceful silence. One where both of them were safe in their own thoughts and enjoying the scenery. Smokey slept and snored a little and the radio was on an acoustic station playing mostly new artists and sad songs.

When Gage turned on to Alpine Road Eden knew the magic was about to end. A few minutes later Gage pulled in to the parking space next to Eden’s white Lexus.

“Hang on, I’ll let you out.” Gage, a true gentlemen, went around to open Eden’s door.

“I’ve never had a guy actually opening doors for me until now,” Eden smiled.

“Well truth is this door sticks a little,” Gage laughed.

Smokey hopped out dragging his leash, and Gage picked it up quickly, “Hold on boy, we aren’t going anywhere just yet.”

Eden reached into her purse for her keys and then looked up to see Gage grab his phone from his back pocket.

“Come here a second,” Gage put his arm around Eden and pulled her in close for a selfie. “I’d like some documentation of this first date. We might want to look back on it one day.”

Eden couldn’t help but melt a little. “Ugh, I’m a mess, really?” she protested.

“Honey you are nothing but gorgeous.”

That made Eden smile wide for the camera. After Gage clicked a few shots, he handed Eden his phone, “I need your number.”

Eden obliged him with her contact information and then headed for her car.

Gage pulled her in tight again, this time for a long hug goodbye. “I will see you soon. Don’t doubt it.”

They kissed for a good minute and then Gage began to walk away.

“You going in to Soulcylcle?” Eden wondered since he locked the car.

“No, I need to hit up the bakery and get my Mom her favorite cake before I head over to her place.”

“You’re a sweet one. I’ll see ya ‘round.”

Eden turned on the ignition and the song blasting from her radio was Elton John’s “Don’t let the Sun go down on Me.” The same song she played on Gage’s record player last night. How strange and wonderful, yet another good sign. Eden joyfully sang the lyrics as she pulled away, “But see me once and see the way I feel..Don’t discard me…”

Fifteen minutes later, Gage and Smokey were back in the truck and heading to Atherton to see his Mom. Gage instructed Smokey to keep his nose out of the Banana Caramel cake and then he searched for a CD to fit his current mood. He pushed in Elton’s “Caribou” album and skipped the “Bitch is Back” to play “Pinky”…when he heard the first line, “I don’t want to wake you. But I’d like to tell you that I love you…” he honed in and carefully listened to the lyrics. It had him reliving every minute he just spent with Eden and he knew by the way he couldn’t stop smiling, this could be something big.

***********

~EDEN~

A week had passed and not one word from Gage. By day three Eden was still in a daze, love drunk and giddy. By day four she was wondering if what she felt was real. By day six she was beginning to have doubts. Serious doubts.

Day Seven:

“India did you borrow my grey scarf? I can’t find it.” Eden’s tone was harsh. “You cannot keep taking my stuff. I never have what I want when I need it.”

“Chill,” India handed Eden the scarf she was frantically looking for. “Jeez, one guy doesn’t call and I have hell to pay.”

“Sorry,” Eden lightened up, “I just don’t get it. I know his family is going through stuff, but don’t you think I deserved at least a text?”

“Of course you did, but to play devil’s advocate maybe his shit is more serious then he let on, maybe he is just keeping you out of it for a reason.”

“I don’t know India, I am just so sick of thinking I have found a great guy and then this happens..the ultimate blow off.”

“Well keep yourself busy, forget he exists and then if he shows up again, it will be like a nice little surprise.”

“Right,” Eden rolled her eyes.

“Okay fine, I know you can’t do that. But what do you want me to say?”

“I want you to say, ‘He’s gonna call…he can’t stop thinking about you…it’s all just cruel fate messing with you.’”

“Well do you want my honest opinion?”

“Probably not, but you are going to tell me anyway.”

“He has not been back to Soulcycle right? So I am sure his family is his priority right now. Have you sent him a text? Have you asked him if he is okay?”

“Well, no…but everytime I start to type, I erase it, I just don’t know what to say and I feel like he’s the guy, he should text me first.”

““Eden you really need to give up your old fashioned ways. This is 2015 times are different now, there are no rules.”

“Well I will think about it. But right now we better get going, Dad is waiting at the restaurant and he’s going to freak if we make him wait again.”

India grabbed her purse and keys, “I’ve been ready, you are the one taking forever.”

Silently Eden followed her sister out the door and down the driveway to India’s new blazing red Mini Cooper. The girls were meeting their father for the annual company lunch. Both India and Eden worked for their Dad’s lumber company. Eden was head of human resources and India was in sales.

Cedar Grove Lumber Company had only 35 employees, but a successful 30 years of business under their belt. Run by partners Neal Cedar and David Grove.

The girls pulled up to the Valet at the Restaurant and hurried in thirty minutes late. David eyed them from a round table in the corner of the room and pointed at his watch to let them know he’d been waiting.

“Sorry Dad, It was Eden’s fault.” India kissed her father on the cheek and took her place by his side.

“Yep it was me. Sorry.” Eden kissed his other cheek and seated herself on his free side.

“Where is Evelyn?” Eden noticed her purse on the opposite side of the table. Evelyn was David’s office manager of ten years, and girlfriend the last five.

“Went to the ladies room.” Her father muttered. “Told me to watch her purse.”

“Oh I need to go too. Be right back.” Eden excused herself and left the private party room to cross the main dining room toward the restrooms.

She could hear the old Caruso song “Dreams of Long Ago” playing softly down the hallway, but over the din of the patrons and the strain of the old-timey music she heard a laugh. A very familiar laugh. So familiar it stopped her in her tracks and she followed it with her ears then her eyes up to the bar. It was Gage, and he was laughing with a girl next to him. A beautiful brunette in tight black jeans and a low cut blouse. Eden’s heart was in her throat and she could hardly breathe.

“Hey Eden,” Evelyn walked up to greet her with a hug. Then she saw the look on her face. “What’s wrong honey are you okay?”

“No. No I am not.” Eden went on to quickly catch Evelyn up to speed. She had already confided in her about her crush and subsequent date, so there was not much she had to add but the findings before them both at this moment.

“Oh hell no.” Evelyn trumpeted, “I am so sorry honey. Damn men. It’s like Ann Margaret use to say, ‘Treat a woman like a Queen, she will treat you like a King. Treat her like a game..she will show you how it’s played.”

Evelyn grabbed Eden’s hand and drug her back into the private dinning room up to the table where the single truck drivers were eating. “Mickey come here a second hon.”

Mickey was half way into his pastrami sandwich but stood up immediately to oblige the boss’s girlfriend. Mickey was definitely the stunner of the group. Six feet four inches tall and built like a linebacker.

“Do not ask me any questions, take this girl to the bar and buy her a drink like you mean it.”

Eden was so hurt and angry she went right along with Evelyn’s plan. She marched up to the bar with Mickey in the lead.

“Excuse me Sir? Can I get a drink for this beautiful lady?”

Immediately Gage and the brunette had their eyes on Eden.

“Eden? Oh my God….hey.” Gage stepped down from his chair and came over to give Eden a hug. “Girl I have been trying to get a hold of you. That number you gave me belongs to a Hair Salon.”

“What?” Eden’s face went from flushed to white.

Gage pulled out his phone and held up the number. 650-555-3611

“It’s off by one digit. I am an idiot.”

“You are also one super private, unlisted idiot. I almost left a message on your Instagram, but then I thought maybe you meant to give me the wrong number.” Gage looked over to Mickey and sized him up.

“No, I would never do that.” Eden gushed. “I am so sorry.”

Gage smiled and the brunette nudged him, “Oh, this is my sister Roz.”

Roz smiled and offered her hand, “Eden, thank God he found you. He’s been driving us all crazy. He’s been so bummed I took him here to drown his sorrows.”

Gage shook his head and put his finger to his lips to shush his sister.

Eden giggled and turned to Mickey. “It’s okay Mickey you can go back and eat now.”

“Okay thanks. I’m so hungry.” Mickey turned to go and then nodded to Gage, “Take care man.”

“Listen I have this thing for work going on, so I kind of have to get back in there, but can I please give you my real phone number.” Eden smiled, then whispered in Gage’s ear, “I need that rain check.”

Gage hugged Eden tight, “That’s a deal.”

*******

~GAGE~ (the seven days apart from Eden, a parallel episode)

The large wrought iron gates were locked so Gage leaned out and punched the code onto the keypad. He then drove down the long drive to the garage at the back of the looming English Tudor House. Thankfully the garage door was up. He parked his truck in the open space between his Mom’s silver Mercedes and his Dad’s old Jaguar. Taking Smokey’s leash in one hand and the Banana Caramel pie in the other, he headed inside through the laundry room to the kitchen.

“Mom!?” he called setting the pie on the white marble countertop. “Mom!?” his voice echoed into the breakfast room.

“Gage, what are you doing here? I thought you were coming tonight?”

Gage dropped Smokey’s leash as he ran excitedly toward her voice. Patricia came around the corner in her lavender bathrobe, hair up in a neat silver bun. She knelt down to give the dog some love. “Aww Smokey…hello. Hello my good boy”, her eye caught the familiar pink pastry box. “Is that what I think it is?”

Patricia glided over to the counter and slid the white string off the box to take a peek. “Honey, you are the best.” she gave her son a peck on the cheek and an extra tight hug.

“Well I didn’t want you to be alone today, so we came down to keep you company until Roz and Drea get here.”

“You are so sweet.” Patricia hugged him again. Then she stood back and looked at him with a motherly stare. “You look different. You met someone didn’t you?”

“What are you psychic?” Gage teased.

“Well am I right?”

Gage clearly couldn’t keep anything from his Mother, “Actually, I did meet a nice girl. One you just might approve of for once.”

Patricia excitedly took hold of Gage’s hand and squeezed it, “Oh my God.”

“This is thrilling Gage. It’s been years since I’ve met one of your girlfriends. Why don’t you invite her to dinner tomorrow night?”

“That might be a little too soon, I just dropped her off.” Gage laughed.

“Well ask her for any night this week, we’ll all be around.”

Gage grinned wide and pulled out his phone. “Anything to make you happy Mama.”

He texted the following to Eden:

Hey Beautiful…

Hoping to see you sooner than later.

Have a great rest of the day.

Smokey misses you already!

xo ~G

“Did you invite her?” his Mother was cutting into the pie.

“Easy Mama, I am planting seeds here, don’t want to pull anything up by the roots too quick now.”

*********************************************************

Drea was the first to arrive. She was a few years younger than Gage and owned the popular “Lucky Dog” bar in the Haight where she also shared a beautiful Victorian with her girlfriend Traci.

“Andrea” as her mother still called her, “Did you bring back my Tiffany Vase? I need it for the staging on Saturday.”

Patricia Sutherland Designs were known for the best staging on the Peninsula. However the next staging Patricia would be doing would be for her own beloved mansion, now on the market and hosting it’s first showing this weekend.

“Damn, sorry Mom. I forgot. I can have Traci bring it when she comes for the service on Saturday.”

“That will be fine,” Patricia kissed Drea on the cheek. “How are you dear? Is Traci going to be alright running things while you’re here with us.”

“Yeah it’s all good, we have some new hires so there is plenty of help. I brought you some of Traci’s Meatball soup.” Drea placed her girlfriend’s specialty in the fridge and turned to see Gage coming in.

“Hey Bro, what’s up?”

“He has a new girlfriend,” Patricia announced “ We might even get to meet her this week.”

“Wow, been a long time. This girl must be something if she’s willing to meet your crazy family.”

“Well we aren’t quite there yet, let’s all just simmer down. She hasn’t even texted me back and it’s been six hours.”

“That’s not good.” Drea laughed.

Gage pulled his phone out again and took a look. Still nothing. “Yeah well maybe she let her battery die or something.”

Smokey sidled up to Gage’s leg and looked up pleadingly. “Oh sorry bud, did I forget to feed you?” Gage kept extra kibble and a few cans of food in his Mom’s pantry. He immediately began to set him up with some dinner.

“I want to make reservations for Rosewood tomorrow night.” Patricia informed them, “Can one of you please call Roslyn and find out what time she gets off work?”

“I will call Roz.” Andrea went into action.

Gage wandered off to his Mother’s office to use the computer. He wanted to double check Eden’s information. When he had googled her name before he knew nothing specific came up, only her Instagram, but he thought he’d try the white pages again to be sure. There was nothing. Eden Grove had a very limited online existence. Gage decided to wait until tomorrow and then try texting again.

*******************************************

Three days had passed and still no text from Eden. Gage sent two follow up messages, including the selfie they took in the parking lot. He was beginning to worry she had purposely given him the wrong number. Between the busyness and worries of his Uncle’s service and his Aunt Libby’s scornful encounters all he could think about was what went wrong. Why would Eden blow him off like this? It all felt so right between them. Was he really this bad at reading a woman?

“What’s wrong with you? You look a million miles away.” Roz walked into the breakfast room in her pajamas and ponytail to find Gage staring into his coffee.

“Not sure what happened but I still haven’t heard from Eden.”

“Just call her, maybe her storage capacity is full.”

“Seriously?”

“Well don’t jump to conclusions until you’ve exhausted every possibility.”

Gage was already dialing. 650-555-3611

Ring..Ring..Ring, “Shear Pleasure, may I help you?”

“Eden?” Gage was alarmed by the greeting.

“No Eden here, this is Hair Salon, you need appointment?”

“Is this 555-3611?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

“Sorry I have the wrong number.” Gage hung up with a gutted empty hollow feeling in the pit of his stomach.

Roz saw the broken look in his eyes, a look she had not seen since the last time he came home from Iraq.

“I’m sure there is an explanation. No girl would give you a fake number, unless she is seriously fucked up.”

Gage laughed through the hurt and then called to Smokey, “Come on boy let’s take a walk.”

“Do you want me to go with you?” Roz was worried.

“Nah, I just wanna take a walk.” Gage was beyond upset.

**********************************************************

Gage’s sisters spent the next few days taking turns checking in on their Mom. While Gage returned to his Forest and went into hiding until the Funeral on Saturday. It was also the day Patricia’s Realtor was showing the house. Patricia asked Gage if she and Roz could come up and stay the night at his place after the wake. Gage was happy to have them, hoping the chaos would block out his misery.

Gage busied himself in the garden and kitchen prepping their visit, then carefully put on his only suit and set off for the church.

Libby had filled the church with her own friends and family leaving a pew at the back for The Sutherlands. When Patricia went up to speak, Libby stopped her in her tracks and announced there would be no eulogies, only Holy readings from the Bible and silent intentions.

Patricia had no fight left in her and knew if she let that woman get to her it would take her down a very dark path. Gage held his Mothers shaking hand and whispered to her, “Do we really want to go to the wake? I’d rather not set foot in that bitch’s house.”

“Shh” Patricia hushed Gage, “Don’t swear in church.” but then she smiled and whispered back, “I don’t think Uncle Mike would mind if we went to the beach instead?”

Gage squeezed her hand and nodded.

Drea and Traci said their goodbyes and headed back to the city. Roz and Patricia piled into Gage’s front seat, and wound their way over highway 92 toward Half Moon Bay.

“Well we all look so nice and I can never get your brother to wear a suit. How about if I treat us to the Ritz for lunch and cocktails?”

“Cocktails sound good to me.” smiled Gage.

“Yeah I’m not wearing the right shoes for the beach. This way we can see the ocean and not get messy.” Roz grinned.

The three of them settled in for a liesurely lunch at the best table with a full view of the golf course and the ocean.

“Such a good idea to skip Libby’s. Thank you Gage.” Patricia raised her Passion Martini and clinked with her son’s House infused Manhattan, then she clinked Roz’s Spiced Cherry Margarita.

“Great idea.” Roz guzzled a huge first sip.

“Look you two, I just want to let you in on a few things. Andrea already knows my plans and I think it’s time I filled you in.”

Gage and Roz perked up.

“I just want to Thank you both for being so supportive and good to me through everything, first your Dad and then letting the house go and now this. I just think with all that is happening the universe is trying to tell me it is time for something new. I am only 65 years old. I still have a lot of good years left, so I am not going to fight Libby on Mike’s will. I don’t need that kind of stress. That woman is so crazy she might put a hit out on me and I don’t want the Sutherlands ending up on Dateline.”

Gage cracked his first smile of the day.

“So, with the money from the house, the furniture, the cars, I am going to start renting myself a simple and safe condo in that gated community on Sand Hill road. I am going to close my Interior Design studio, and use my nest egg to travel to all those time shares I’ve never had time to visit. I’m finally going to Italy to paint this Summer.”

“That is great Mom.” Roz beamed. “I am so happy for you.”

“Oh and I am also giving all of you your inheritance early. I want you to put it to good use while you are young and vibrant. I want Andrea and Traci to finally feel secure enough to start a family, and Roslyn I know you have a great job at Google, but you work too hard. Buy some property and take some time off. Gage you have turned Dad’s Fishing Cabin in to a wonderful Oasis. I want you to live your dream, but you are such a loner son, and I want to see you find a girl who truly makes you happy. The forest is such a lonely place.”

“Yes, I guess you could say I am a loner, but I feel more lonely in a crowded room with boring people than I feel on my own.” Gage looked down into his drink and went deep, “Honestly Mom I am just fine up there with my Library and my Garden and Smokey. I’m pretty damn content. Women just seem to screw things up. Mess with my head. So don’t worry about me.” he took a breath and sighed. “Loneliness adds beauty to life. It puts a special burn on sunsets and makes the night air smell better.”

Roz and Patricia shot eachother a worried look. They could sense Gage’s sadness and they knew it could send him into a relapse. They never wanted to see him that way again.

“I’m not worried.” Patricia lied. “I’m just your Mother honey and well you know…”

Gage forced a smile. “I know, I know.”

“You really need to forget about that girl.” Roz added. “I’m meeting Sandy and Nyx at McArthur Park tomorrow night for drinks. Come with me. I have been wanting to introduce you to Nyx for like a year.”

“Ehh no Thanks Sis, I am not into meeting anyone right now.”

“Gage go with your sister. No reason to mope around. It will be good to keep busy.”

“Fine. Fine, I’ll go. But no set ups. Just drinks okay?”

“Whatever you say.” Roz flashed an innocent smile.

Roz

Sunday afternoon Gage drove his sister and Mother back down to Atherton. They both planned on spending the night at the house and then they were going back to their usual routines.

Gage tried everything to get out of joining Roz on her girls night out, but it was no use. Her only compromise was that they could take separate cars if he wanted to go home early. Roz was dressed to kill in tight jeans and a low cut blouse. Gage wore what he always wore a lumberjack plaid over his Spiritual Gangster t-shirt and dark jeans. Gage parked his truck in the last spot next to the train station. Roz valeted her car and walked straight up to the bar. Lining up two Jaeger shots each to shut her brother up and get the party started. Gage silently sat down next to her grumbling a half greeting, “Hey.”

Roz handed him the shot, tapped his glass with hers, then downed the first one in a flash. Gage winced as he drank and then hurriedly went in for the next shot.

“Okay,” Roz announced to the bartender, “We are ready for some real drinks now.”

Gage laughed heartily, and made his request for a Manhattan.

“That’s more like it,” Roz patted him on the back. “Love to hear that laugh again.”

“Well, I guess I’ve always been a happy drunk.” Gage teased.

“Trust me you will be happy again, big brother. I know the right girl is just around the corner.”

Just then a tall ruggedly handsome bald guy swept up to the bar bellowing,

“Excuse me Sir? Can I get a drink for this beautiful lady?”

Immediately Gage and Roz had their eyes on the stunning brunette in a black lace cocktail dress.

“Eden? Oh my God….hey.” Gage stepped down from his chair and went over to give Eden a hug. He was in shock. “Girl I have been trying to get a hold of you. That number you gave me belongs to a Hair Salon.”

“What?” Eden’s face went from flushed to white.

Gage pulled out his phone and held up the number. 650-555-3611

“It’s off by one digit. I am an idiot.”

“You are also one super private, unlisted idiot. I almost left a message on your Instagram, but then I thought maybe you meant to give me the wrong number.” Gage looked over to Mickey and sized him up, jeez she was already on a date. He wished he never got out of his chair.

“No, I would never do that.” Eden gushed. “I am so sorry.”

Roz was reading Eden’s face and sensed her sincerity. Infact she sensed some nervousness as well. She then nudged Gage, as a hint to introduce her.

“Oh, this is my sister Roz.” Gage’s nerves were showing too.

Roz smiled and offered her hand, “Eden, thank God he found you. He’s been driving us all crazy. He’s been so bummed I took him here to drown his sorrows.”

Gage shook his head and put his finger to his lips to shush his sister.

Eden giggled and turned to Mickey. “It’s okay Mickey you can go back and eat now.”

“Okay thanks. I’m so hungry.” Mickey turned to go and then nodded to Gage, “Take care man.”

“Listen I have this thing for work going on, so I kind of have to get back in there, but can I please give you my real phone number.” Eden smiled, then whispered in Gage’s ear, “I need that rain check.”

Gage hugged Eden tight, “That’s a deal.”

Gage watched Eden walk away, then sat back down next to his sister.

“You better check that new number.” she teased.

Gage laughed, and glanced the number. 650-555-3612

“I think this one’s good.” he was beaming.

********

The Rain Check

Eden and Gage had been text happy all week, since they got their star crossed numbers straight and Eden was standing in the kitchen giddily reading Gage’s instructions for their rain check this weekend, when India grabbed the phone away and scolded her sister.

Eden

“Earth to Eden! I need you to look up from this thing for one second and give me your opinion of my outfit.” India had a date of her own and was missing the usual sisterly attention given to such an occasion.

“Okay, okay…” Eden glanced her sister’s outfit, “You look gorgeous. Can I have my phone back now please?”

“Not until you take a photo of me for the blog,” insisted India.

Eden willingly posed her sister against their entry wall and shot a fabulous capture for their shared blog. “There you go, done and done.”

“Thank you.” India approved the shot and posted it.

India

“So who is this guy anyway?” Eden truly was interested and realized her own preoccupation could wait at least a minute.

“Well,” India was happy to have the stage, “It all started when I saw you and Mickey walk up to the bar together. I suddenly had a huge pang of jealousy and realized I have kind of had a thing for him at work and never acted on it. So thankfully when I found out you two were just faking it. I got the nerve to ask him out for coffee. And… today’s the day, I am meeting him at Philz in like twenty minutes.”

“Oh my God, that is great, I love Mickey, he’s a sweetheart. I cannot believe you did not tell me before now.” Eden hugged her little sister.

“Um, well you have been obsessed with Gage, so there was no way my little epiphany had a chance.” India laughed.

“Well good luck, I hope it goes great.” Eden then glanced her phone. “Oh no, before you go, can I borrow your hiking boots?”

“He’s taking you hiking?” India laughed, “You hate hiking.”

“No I don’t,” Eden lied, “I’m pretty sure I love it.”

****************************************************************************

Gage had planned a truly mysterious adventure. His texts regarding the rain check were cryptic at best. The last one read as follows:

Dear Wayfarer,

I will meet you on the Highway just before it splits, then I will guide you to the start of a perfectly forest filled weekend.

ps. Dress in layers

pps. Pack light

ppps. Wear hiking boots

Eden agreed to drive up to Gage’s place on her own, since the driving was going to be all daylight. Gage knew it would be hard for her to find his place so he hiked down from his enclave to the main road to meet up with her and guide her past the landmarks to the house. They synchronized their meeting time to 9 am. Eden pulled her SUV over to the side of the road and picked up her very handsome hitchhiker.

Gage

“Not bad, only ten minutes off.” Gage leaned in and kissed Eden hello. “Now drive around this bend and make a sharp right turn onto the dirt road.”

“It is so pretty up in these misty mountains of yours.” Eden gushed.

“Well honey you ain’t seen nothing yet.” Gage was pleased she was impressed. “This part is just the valley of the Gods…I plan on taking Muhammad to the Mountain, we are going all the way to the top today baby, the peak of all peaks.”

“Oh boy,” Eden was worried, but excited too. “Where’s Smokey?”

“Oh I left him with my Mom this weekend, where we are going can get a little tricky for him.”

Now Eden was really worried. She turned down the dirt road and followed Gage’s directions to the house. He told her to park her car behind his truck and then waved her on to follow him into the house where he had a tray of delicious cinnamon rolls and hot cider waiting.

“Smells really good in here.” she smiled.

“A little snack before we head out. I also packed us a picnic for later, so you won’t starve I promise.”

“You thought of everything.” she kissed him on the cheek, “I love it.”

Eden

Gage stepped back and took in the sight of Eden in her adventuring outfit. She had the shoes, jeans and down vest right, but her accessories were quite a bit of bling.

“Honey I have to say you look beautiful. But for what I have in mind today, you might have to leave the jewelry here.”

“Okay now I am starting to panic. Are we going for a nice little hike, or a Military training session?”

Gage laughed, “No I wouldn’t do that to you. It is about an hour hike to the place I want to show you and then there is a little bit more to get to the other place I want to show you. I’ve seen you at Soulcycle, I think you can handle it.”

Now Eden laughed, “Okay, then let’s get this adventure on the road.” Eden removed her jewelry and her gold watch and placed them on the kitchen table.

Gage picked up a back pack and placed a thermos into the side of it. “Ready. Let’s go.”

Eden followed Gage off the back deck, down a steep hill past his Garden and into the woods.

They hiked silently for the first ten minutes, everything was moist and fragrant around them the only sound, birds and wild foragers. The atmosphere was intoxicating. When they came to a tiny spring Gage stopped and retrieved the thermos.

“This is the best thing you will ever taste.” he filled the thermos then the cup and handed it to Eden.

Taking a huge sip, she agreed. “Mmm yes. Tastes like heaven.”

Gage replaced the thermos and took Eden’s hand pulling her up the steep parts and helping her keep her balance on the switchbacks. They climbed and climbed the twisting path up and up until the thickness of the forest gave way to a view.

“It’s like lord of the rings up here.” Eden was breathless.

“Look down now,” Gage guided Eden over to the perfect pinnacle to view the vale.

“Wow and wow…” for as far as her eyes could see were beautiful mist filled trees and at the center a glassy smooth lake, leading off into a twisting river.

Forest Lake

Gage was beaming. It had been so long since he had shared this place with anyone but his father. This was their hike. Their special place since he was a kid. He never really thought he would have anyone else to enjoy it with. Smokey hiked it with him many times, but to have Eden here and loving it, was a real experience for him.

“And now, it’s all down hill I promise.” Gage hugged Eden and kissed her forehead.

“Are we going down to that lake?” Eden was excited.

Gage just smiled.

The trail was well tended and Eden knew Gage was most likely the one keeping it up, he told her this was his Father’s property since before he was born and that no one but his family had access to it. Well except for nature, nature was thriving here. They stood still at the sight of a doe and her fawn lying in the ferns.

They could also hear the not so far off howls of coyotes calling out for each other. The crunching of new fallen leaves under their boots became a calming rhythm as they easily glided down the path to the lake.

Forest Mist

Sparkling rays of sun beamed in and out of the darkness keeping the chill off as they descended. Once they were at the base of the mountain there was a crisp wetness in the air.

“Do you think it’s going to rain?” Eden worried.

“Nah, it never rains bad this time of year.” Gage reassured her.

They came closer to the lake and Eden saw the best surprise ever. Gage had definitely prepared the trail ahead of time. At the edge of the lake was a perfectly staged canoe, with blankets, oars and more supplies, possibly the picnic he had promised.

Canoe

“So is this why Smokey couldn’t come with us?” Eden loved the idea of just the two of them in that little boat.

“Yeah, he has almost turned me over in it a few times, I did not want to take that chance.”

Gage carefully helped Eden into the canoe and situated his back pack with the other items. He laid the cashmere blanket across Eden’s lap, took up the oars and pushed them off from the edge into the water.

Eden was giddy again, “This is like a fairytale. Seriously is this real, right now?”

Gage grinned, “Open that bag, there is a journal inside and I want you to read the first page.”

Eden did as he asked, she found a leather bound journal inside and opened to a poem on the first page.

“Read it out loud please.” Gage was still grinning.

Eden began, “Forests will always hold your secrets, for that’s what forests are for. To separate and hide things. To protect, to comfort, to hold, to envelop, to demonstrate, to slow down, to hold, to teach. Go to the trees to explore your questions and dreams. Go to the trees to desire and seek. The world will listen as you walk, watch, soften, and breathe.” by Victoria Erickson.

Poem

“That is so beautiful.” Eden smiled and then sighed. Taking in the beauty of the moment and all of the perfection surrounding her. She was speechless.

“Welcome to my world,” Gage said softly.

They rowed for at least fifteen minutes before coming to the narrowest part of the river and once they hit the flow of moving water, Eden had to really balance herself to keep from getting wet.

“We will only be on the water a few more minutes,” Gage announced.

Eden was so curious as to where he was taking her, but she stayed silent, enjoying the anticipation of another surprise.

Just then a loud roar of thunder shook the sky, and a tiny flash of lightning followed.

“Oh no.” Eden was afraid of what was coming next.

Gage laughed. “Well another once in a lifetime event with you Grove.”

They were doused in a down pour of not light, not misty, but very heavy drops of rain.

The rain lasted all of the few more minutes Gage had promised to the destination. Technically eight minutes of hard cold saturating rain. They were both drenched as the canoe hit shore in front of a charmingly rustic one room cabin. Eden was relieved to see shelter in their future. Strangely enough the dark clouds floated over and the sun returned lighting the path to their destination.

Old Cabin

“Come on, we can dry off in there.” Gage led Eden to the cabin and then brought in the packs and blankets. “I need to get this fire going, so we can get out of these wet things.”

Eden started laughing. “Okay now this is too much like a cheesy movie. Did you specially time that rain, just to see me naked again?”

“Well yes I did.” Gage said trying not to smile, now take off those clothes before I come over there and do it for you.

Eden laughed, as she began to do exactly as Gage instructed. Gage stoked the wood stove and started to heat the cabin. Eden looked around the bare bones of the place, one nicely made bed, two rocking chairs, a small refridgerator, a sink, and small cook top. A front door, a back door, and a few windows with views of the trees, that was it. Oh and an old timey radio in the corner. Gage emptied the packs of the perishable items and laid the wet blankets on the backs of the rockers in front of the fire.

“I have a few towels in the bathroom” he pointed toward the other door.

“Oh so there is a bathroom?” Eden was so relieved, it wasn’t a back door after all.

“Yeah, my Dad and I put in the plumbing and wiring ourselves. The electricity is iffy, but the plumbing is pretty damn good, if I do say so myself.”

“Ever thought of becoming a contractor,” Eden quipped.

“Yeah, I’ve thought about it a lot.” Gage revealed. “Now get out of those clothes young lady before you catch pneumonia.”

“Yes Sir.” Eden saluted and went into the tiny bathroom to replace her well thought out ensemble with a towel. At least it was a fluffy red towel. She knew she looked good in red.

When she came out of the bathroom, the fire was glowing and warm and Gage was stripped down to his boxer briefs, causing an unfortunate outward gasp from Eden. The well formed physique of that man truly took her breath away.

“Here give me those.” Gage very matter of factly took Eden’s drenched clothes from her hand and laid them out with his around the fire.

“Now come here,” Gage pulled Eden into an embrace, “You are shivering.”

“I don’t think it’s from the cold.” admitted Eden.

Gage kissed Eden, and it hit her like it did that first night, only warmer, sweeter, something less electric and more spiritual.

They continued over to the bed and gave in to the chemistry that had been building all day, all week, all month since they were last physcially together. So deeply consumed with eachother they did not notice that it was raining again outside, pouring in fact.

Late into the afternoon, they realized there was a storm going on all around them. Eden traced Gage’s side tattoo and his scar with the back of her hand and whispered. “I think we are trapped here for the night.”

“Is that a bad thing?” Gage whispered back.

“Not at all.” Eden shook her head “I don’t think I ever want to leave this spot.”

“Good,” Gage kissed her for the hundredth time, “Because I’m not letting you go.”

Eden smiled and kissed him back. Then she moved her hand across his chest,

“You have so many scars, I am so sorry.”

“Why are you sorry? I’ve got a story for each scar, and if you stick around long enough maybe I’ll tell you about them.”

“I want to hear all of your stories,” Eden rested her cheek on his shoulder.

“Okay, hang on,” Gage pried himself away from the cocoon they had made together and went to the waterproof pack, pulling out the leather journal he had Eden read from before. He returned to her side and flipped through the pages until a photograph fell out. “Here you want to see me before the scars.” he handed Eden the photo.

Before the scars

Eden held it in her hand for a long time. “You know what?”

“What?” Gage leaned up on his elbow.

“I think I like how you are now.”

Gage was silent.

“I see someone else in this photo. Your eyes are not you. There is no wisdom, no understanding, no life in the eyes here. Your eyes now, hold a place that is…”

“What?” Gage stared at Eden, so curious to see what she was trying to say.

“Well when I look in your eyes, I feel like I’m home.” Eden felt suddenly vulnerable, naked, and exposed.

Gage said nothing. He took the photo and the journal and put them back in the pack, he went to the dimly lit corner of the room and lit a candle. Then he turned the old radio on, which only picked up a local blues station and the sounds of Norah Jones filled the silence.

He then walked back to Eden’s side of the bed and held out his hand, “Would you care to dance?”

Eden let out a nervous laugh and took his hand, “You are killing me.”

“And that’s a good thing right?” he held her close as they moved to the music.

“Very good.” she sighed.

Forest Bed

****ALL PHOTOS ADDED TO STORY WERE TAKEN FROM PINTEREST****