Page 14 of Fire in Cabin 27
“Ha-ha, true. Or an invitation to our wedding. Wait, do dragons get married?” Did I want a big, lavish wedding like the one my mother envisioned me having? No, no I didn’t, though I would rock the shit out of a white pantsuit. That was her dream, not mine, and it was high time I lived my own.
“Not usually. Is that something you’d wish for us to do?”
“Um, I don’t know. But one thing I do know is that I do not want a huge, ostentatious wedding. Maybe one day down the line we could marry legally, but for now, I’m good.” The fire crackled and my thoughts trailed off as I stared blankly into it. Content, comfortable in my lover’s arms. What a wonderful way to end this day.
“Juni, wake up,” Kyson sweetly stroked my hair. “It’s Christmas.”
I felt terrible not having any gifts for him, but neither of us came on this adventure with the mindset of having to worry about others. This was about finding ourselves and enjoying our downtime. Never had I been more thankful for a vacation to have gone awry.
“What?” How’d I get in bed?
Kyson turned and wrapped his arms around me. “Merry Christmas, sweetheart.”
“Merry Christmas to the present I never thought to ask for.”
“Hmm, I’m not quite sure how to take that but I think it’s a good thing?”
“The best,” I kissed him. “Think anything in town is open today?”
“Given the fresh powder and the fact it’s a holiday, I’d say no. But I was thinking, how about a Christmas fly with your dragon after breakfast?”
My stomach chose that moment to add it’s two cents. “That would be a firm yes to both. I’m so excited!”
“We are too. Why don’t you do your thing while I whip us up a Christmas breakfast feast.”
“Mmm,” I moaned and stretched as I rolled over. “You know, all this spoiling is gonna go to my head.” Kyson nipped my butt. “Ouch! Kiss it and make it better.”
“Later. Then I’ll unwrap my present and make all of you feel really good.”
“Yes, please!” His laughter followed him from the room. The thought of going back to sleep crossed my mind until our dragon spoke.
If you fall asleep, we’ll go without you.
Snarky dragon.
Snarky mate.
“Guess I should’ve asked first if you’re afraid of heights.” Breakfast was over and I was bundled up for the Arctic trip.
“I’m not at all, though I’ve usually been secured inside an airplane while experiencing them.”
“I can assure you that you’re safer with us than cooped up in one of those tin cans.” I wonder how much we could potentially save flying by way of dragon versus airlines. “The plan is I’ll shift then I’ll take off at a run and scoop you up along the way. I’ll cradle you in one of my claws and hold you close to my chest. That way you have a clear view, and the heat of my scales will keep you warm.”
“Sounds wonderful to me.”
“Alright,” I could never get enough of his kisses. “Stand close to the edge in the same line as I ran last time.”
I wandered toward the cliff’s edge and right before I turned to see where he was at, Kyson scooped me up and I screamed.
Are you okay, mate?
Yes, sorry, you caught me by surprise.
I opened my eyes to the most wonderous sight. The mountains and pines beneath us were covered in glistening snow. It was a series of shimmers from this height. The wind was insanely cold but snuggling up against my dragon was perfect. Most would be terrified, but not me. I knew they’d keep me safe, which allowed me to appreciate this wonderful gift they were giving me.
Next time I should wear ski goggles.
Not a bad idea and what’s even better is you’re thinking of a next time.
