Over the past two days and multiple text messages, they deliberated over the perfect hiking destination. Among the plethora of trails to choose from, they settled on the one leading to Huckleberry Hot Springs—a modest mile-and-a-half trek to a secluded spot only miles south of the border between Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone where they could enjoy a soak.
The parking area was empty except for Kellen’s vintage pickup. Despite a few minor dents adorning the wheel wells, the blue paint gleamed clean and buffed, the chrome meticulously shined.
Kellen casually leaned against the tailgate and watched as she shut off her motor and climbed from the car.
She waved, and he returned the wave, then headed her way.
“You’re right on time,” he noted, a comment that pleased her.
“Yes, I thought Lucan would fuss a little when I was leaving, but Dorothy distracted him with some hand puppets she crocheted for him. He dumped me and gave his full attention to Mr. Giraffe.”
Kellen chuckled. “Kids are fickle.”
She retrieved her cap from the front passenger seat and positioned it on her head, letting her long braid hang down the middle of her back. “So, looks like we’re not going to run into much of a crowd today,” she said, grabbing her backpack and sliding the straps over her shoulders.
“The crowds won’t show up until after school is out.” He motioned for her to follow him to the trailhead.
The trail to Huckleberry Hot Springs was alive with the vibrant pulse of late spring, the packed dirt path bordered by lush, green meadow grass that swayed gently in the warm yet crisp air. Reva and Kellen moved in comfortable silence, their steps in sync as they navigated the path beneath the vast expanse of blue skies adorned with fluffy, aimless clouds.
“So, Mayor of Thunder Mountain,” Kellen began, his tone light and teasing. “Tell me about this job of yours. Are your days spent balancing budgets, or just wild city council members?”
Reva laughed, the sound blending with the soft rustle of the tall pines surrounding them. “Mostly the latter, and I’ve been known to judge a pie cookoff or two. I’ve also had the privilege of serving as grand marshal for the annual Zucchini Parade. How about you?”
“A car mechanic’s job,” he began, playing along with her light-hearted approach, “is a mix between being Indiana Jones and Sherlock Holmes. It turns into quite the adventure, trying to unravel the mysteries of a perpetually clogging oil filter or the curious case of the disappearing brake fluid.” His grin widened. “And honestly, I cherish the solitude of what I do. The thought of navigating a sea of conflicting opinions about a TV production some believe is disrupting your peaceful town? That sounds more challenging than any stubborn engine.”
“You caught wind of that, did you?” She paused to watch a chipmunk dart across the trail, its tiny brown and white body a flicker of movement before darting into the vibrant green grass.
Kellen nodded, his amusement evident. “Oh, absolutely. The news of that lively debate has traveled far and wide across the county.”
The scent of pine mixed with sagebrush filled their nostrils, a natural perfume that invigorated the senses as they continued their hike. The path led them to a rickety wooden bridge, the boards creaking under their weight as they crossed over a babbling creek.
“I’ll never get over this beauty,” Kellen remarked, gesturing towards the panoramic view offered by their higher vantage point. “Makes you appreciate the little things, doesn’t it?”
“It does,” Reva agreed, her voice soft, reflective. “Out here, it’s easy to forget about council meetings and budget disputes. Nature has a way of putting everything into perspective.”
They shared a smile, an unspoken acknowledgment of the serenity surrounding them, the simplicity of the moment, and the promise of their budding friendship.
As they approached the hot springs, the air grew warmer, the sulfur scent of mineral water mingling with the natural aromas of the forest. The sight of the steaming water, nestled like a hidden gem among the trees, was a reward for the hiking journey they had undertaken.
Kellen looked at Reva, a question in his eyes. “Ready for a soak in nature’s spa?”
Reva laughed, the sound echoing lightly through the trees. “After navigating the wilds of raising a toddler, this is exactly what I need.”
Kellen stripped the backpack from his shoulders and let it rest on a nearby boulder. “How’s that going?”
Reva sat on a fallen log and removed her hiking boots. “It’s such a gift. I tease about what it’s like to chase a rambunctious little boy around all day, but the truth is? I adore him. I savor every moment, knowing the future is unsure.” She hesitated, weighing the wisdom of sharing her deepest fear when it came to Lucan. “I know I may have to give him up.” She bit the tender flesh inside her mouth before admitting, “I hope to adopt him.”
“Wow, that’s big,” he said with a smile, a genuine expression that reached his eyes. “I find these things have a way of working out the way they’re supposed to.”
“Yeah, that’s what I keep reminding myself,” she said, stripping down to her swimsuit.
Kellen offered his hand to steady her as they eased into the edge of the hot springs, dipping their toes into the soothing, warm water.
She could sense Kellen’s body right next to her, could feel his arm as it grazed her own.
Kellen looked at her. “Lucan would be lucky to have you.”
His words resonated deeply with her as she settled into the steaming water, a warmth spreading through her that wasn’t just from the hot springs. “I’d be the lucky one.”
