Page 120 of Redemption
He kisses the tip of my nose, steps back, and shuts the door, effectively shutting off any response I might have had.
When he climbs into his side of the truck, I’m still an emotional mess, tears burning my eyes while he looks as cool as a cucumber.
I hate him—not really, but still.
“Driver,” I say, sniffing away the tears, “Take me to the waterfall.”
He smiles—a heart-stopping smile—and I wonder if he will have to resuscitate me by the end of this date. “Yes, ma’am.”
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The waterfall is a staple in our town, hence the name Benton Falls.
It’s the landing spot for almost everyone, so I expect it to be teeming with people, especially on a beautiful day like this. But when we pull into the parking lot, only two other cars are there.
The waterfall sits inside a state park with several hiking trails surrounding it. It’s probably the best thing about the town. I used to follow Langston and Hayes here every summer when we were younger.
Turning in my seat, I look at Hayes. “Are we hiking one of the trails first or going straight to the waterfall?”
“Waterfall. If you want to hike the trails later, we can, but I need to cool off. I don’t think summer is ever going to end this year.”
“Agreed.”
He opens his door, and I slide across the bench seat to jump out on his side. He catches me by the waist, sliding me down the front of his body until my feet are on the ground.
“Do you ever do anything the easy way?” he asks, tucking a strand of my loose ponytail behind my ear.
I grin, “Not if I can help it.”
The sigh he lets out is dramatic. “I guess I wouldn’t want you any other way.”
“Good thing because I’m too stubborn to change.”
Hayes chuckles, lacing his fingers with mine and grabbing a small cooler from the back of the truck. We walk hand in hand to the wooden trail that leads to the waterfall. The fall itself is about half a mile down the trail. Hikers have to be careful because the trail is lined with tree roots running throughout. Even though it would be easier to let go, Hayes holds my hand as we walk to the base of the waterfall.
It’s nice being here with him. Birds sing in the trees as we walk, and the smell of the Earth fills my nose. It’s a mixture of honeysuckles and dirt floating on the breeze through the trees.
I hear it before I see it. The water falls steady into the pool below, and when we clear the last of the trees, my breath whooshes out of my lungs. The last time I was here was one of the last times I saw my brother happy.
“Do you remember the last time we were here?” I ask Hayes, taking in the beauty of what God created.
“Yeah,” he says, his voice a rasp in his throat.
“He was happy at least for a little while that day, wasn’t he.”
There weren’t many days Langston was happy, but that day he was. We swam and ate and laughed all day long. I wish Iwould have known it was the last time I would see my brother like that. I would have told myself to take it in more. I would have memorized the sound of his laugh and the dip of his smile.
Hayes runs his hand through his hair. “He was. I’m glad he got one more day like that.”
“Me too.” Even if the memory sits bittersweet inside my chest.
“Come on,” Hayes says, tugging my hand and pulling me with him.
I shake my head, clearing all the memories of years past.
At the water’s edge, Hayes sits down the cooler and strips off his shirt.
My mouth goes dry, staring at his toned skin with my name written on it. I never had a chance. He staked a claim on my heart a long time ago, and he never really gave it up.
