Page 101 of This Heart
“In that blue bag over there. I was thinking since it is so hot, how about we change and head on down to the lake.”
A brilliant smile broke out over Aurora’s face. “I like the sound of that. I’ll change first while you get Winnie into her swimsuit.”
“Sounds like a plan. Winnie? Want to go swimming?”
Her little blue eyes lit up like the Fourth of July. “Yes!”
Once we were all dressed, we had our bags with water and snacks, and the other with towels, sunscreen, and toys. I also had a small beach tent strapped to my back so that we could keep Winnie out of the sun. We headed to the beach, which was just a two-minute walk away. Once there, we glanced around.
“Where is everyone?” Aurora asked.
I shrugged. “Not sure, but we have this place to ourselves.”
“There is a little table over there. Should we set up there?” Aurora asked. “I did pack a few little sandwiches in case we get the munchies.”
“Lead the way!” I said as Winnie reached up for Aurora’s hand and they walked ahead of me. The sight of the two of them made my chest fill with an abundance of happiness. I loved how Aurora was always up for anything. It was one of the things I liked about her.
We set up our small area, and we each took Winnie’s hand and made our way to the lake. It didn’t take Winnie long to fall in love with the water. She ran and jumped and laughed so much I swore I thought my heart would explode. I hadn’t seen her this happy in so long. This was what I wanted for my daughter. To grow up doing fun, adventurous things, and I would do everything in my power to make sure she had the best childhood imaginable.
I sat back on the shore and watched as Winnie lay over Aurora’s arms and learned to kick her feet. I knew in that moment that I was going to marry her and she would be the best thing that ever came into my life—and Winnie’s, besides her mother, of course.
“Daddy, look! I swimmin’!”
“Yes, you are, baby girl!”
The next four days were spent hiking, swimming, and renting bikes as we explored the area around Heart Lake. Winnie got to see so many different animals, and we even saw a moose, which Winnie immediately started calling Perry. With every passing moment, I fell more in love with Aurora. We of course stole kisses here and there, and when we put Winnie to bed each night to sleep, we snuck off into the other bedroom and explored one another’s bodies. I was quickly becoming addicted to Aurora’s touch and found myself daydreaming about how I would make her come that evening. I learned all the ways she liked to be touched, and we practiced the skill of being quiet when we fell apart.
I slipped out of bed after Winnie fell asleep during the last book I read. She was sleeping in the main king-sized bed with us, but there was another room in the back of the RV with a double bed. That was the playroom as Aurora had dubbed it. Winnie would play in there during the day if it was too hot outside, and we would play in there at night. Today, though, a cold front came through and we were able to build a fire and do s’mores before getting Winnie ready for bed.
I walked up behind Aurora, who was cleaning up some dishes in the sink, and wrapped my arms around her.
“She is finally asleep. I think she was so exhausted she couldn’t wind down.”
With a giggle, she turned and looked at me. “She’s had a busy few days. We’ve been on the go from dawn to dusk. The way she fell asleep in the little bike seat was adorable. I got a picture of her head resting on your back!”
I smiled. “I had no idea camping would be this fun.”
Turning in my arms, her eyes sparkled with delight. “Me either. I think we should do this more often. Winnie has taken to the outdoor way of living.”
Bending down, I kissed her neck. “I think you and I should take a camping trip just the two of us.”
She moaned and tilted her head for better access. “I like the sound of that.”
Drawing her shirt down some, I kissed down her collarbone as my hand palmed her breast.
“Liam,” she whispered.
“Tell me what you want from me.”
Exhaling, her body trembled as she answered, “You. I want you.”
Smiling against her skin, I said, “I can give you that easily, but I want to try something.”
When her eyes looked at me, they were dark and intoxicating. “What do you want to do?”
“Trust me?”
Her heated gaze searched my face before looking into my eyes. “Always.”
