Page 87 of Just A Little Magic

“Man, rich people are wild,” Jakob said with a snort, and Rory emphatically nodded.

“Well, yes, they are, but I know Barrett plans on the lodge being more an adult getaway and less a family option than some of the other properties in the company.”

“We can already confirm the mixologist on staff is on point.”

We all pulled out our phones and agreed that the petting zoo was an absolute must. We signed up for the trail ride on Friday since they had no openings for today, and none of us were sure what the protocol was for drinking before horseback riding anyway. After the petting zoo, we decided to take one of the walking trails rated as easy through the meadow and forest areas. According to the website, the halfway point had a waterfall.

The petting zoo was as adorable as expected. Rory and Jakob struggled to stay big, but they managed to do it. We all gave each other high-fives for making it happen. Even though I’d become more comfortable in the mindset between big and little, I wasn’t drawn to it here. I just wanted to take selfies with baby goats and pet alpacas. The stables had drafthorses for pulling sleighs and wagons, but they were off working, so we didn’t get to see them.

Our hiking excursion was not as fun as we’d hoped. The trail was muddy, unmaintained, and uneven. It was advertised as easy, but the lack of maintenance made it a challenge. It was in a relatively flat part of the property, but I wasn’t sure how difficult it would be to maintain it during the non-snowy months. The brochure advertised it as wheelchair accessible, but the ruts and roots would make that impossible. I have no idea if something like a paved trail was possible or feasible, but it would have made the hike navigable.

Still, we all wanted to see the waterfall, so we pressed on. It was as pretty as advertised. Rory and Jakob were splashing each other with freezing water and generally being silly, but I perched on a boulder. I snapped a quick picture of the waterfall and sent it to Barrett. To my surprise, it went through.

Barrett

Babe, that looks amazing.

Owen

Yeah, it’s really pretty. I don’t know if it’d be warm enough to go swimming in the summer.

Barrett

Up in the mountains? I know you call me Bear, but I’m not a polar bear.

Owen

Me neither, but the boys are having fun.

Barrett

It looks like they are having fun. I’ll send it to their Daddies.

Owen

How’s Elizabeth?

Barrett

Missing you, I think, but she’s all right. She’s keeping me company in the office.

Owen

Oh. Em. Gee. She’s so cute. I miss her too.

Barrett

I miss you. The house is too quiet without you here.

Owen

You lived alone for years.

Barrett

Yeah, I know, but that was before I knew what it’d be like to live with you.

Owen

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