Page 43 of The Cannon
I kiss her hand. Her soft palm, the delicate fingers. “Let’s find our spot.”
The road winding through the trees is a great introduction to the site. Trees line the edges and reach back as deep as you can see. The fading light of day makes a beautiful picture. The shadow of trees, the last of filtered rays touching the ground. It’s romantic.
“This is so gorgeous,” Bristol says.
“It is,” I say handing her the directions. “Tell me where to turn. Think it’s pretty close.”
She gives it a read. “We’re on this road for a mile. Then turn left on Sunset Road.”
“Keep an eye out.”
We almost pass it as it appears around the next curve.
“Here! Here!” she says pointing to the sign.
“This says there’s a signpost for Field Three. Is that the one you reserved?”
I see it ahead. “Yeah. There it is.”
The gravel under the tires reminds me of Texas. But nothing else does. This is unique in every other way. She makes it that way.
Slowly, I drive Ruby onto the field. A wide dirt path leads in so you don’t put tires to grass before you need to.
“This is spectacular,” Bristol says surveying the open land. “We have this whole space for us alone?”
“Just us. I’m going to turn in here. Think we can park on top of that rise.”
Ahead an incline lifts gently from the rolling grasses and open spaces of the field. It looks fairly flat and definitely wide enough for Ruby to rest atop.
“Up there. That’s just right.”
I turn the wheels and climb the gradual grade. It gives us a wider view. I put her in Park and shut off the engine.
“Come on,” I say opening the door. “Let’s set up.”
Once out, I come around the back and open the tailgate. Bristol looks over the side.
“Whatcha got in there, cowboy?”
The telescope is lifted out and set in front of the open tailgate. That way we can sit on the gate and gaze at the constellations.
“Everything we need to make it a memorable night.”
She rests her forearms on the side of the bed.
“I’m thinking you’re all I need to make tonight memorable.”
I climb into the bed and grab the foam roll.
“I’ve been waiting all my life to sit under the stars with you and I didn’t even know it,” I say.
I unroll the pad with a whip of my hands and lie it smooth, giving her a wink, just to put an exclamation on it. She rests her head on crossed arms and looks up at me.
“How come you’re so cute?” she says.
“I’m glad you think so,” I say grabbing the big soft blanket.
A little chuckle escapes her lips.
