8Bryan handed Megan a cup of coffee as she sat cross-legged on top of a rocky abutment protruding from one side of the cave’s entrance. The early morning light filtered through the thick canopy of the surrounding cottonwoods and oak trees.
Her newly washed hair glistened in the sunlight, the straight black tresses pulled over one shoulder to dry. Her honey-colored skin looked so soft. He fought the urge to reach out and find out for himself, stuffing his hand inside his pants pocket instead.
“I never thought anywhere else could be as beautiful as home. I woke up every morning with the mountains as a backdrop, but here…” She shook her head and smiled. “This country is different but every bit as beautiful, isn’t it?” she asked, her gaze never straying from the forest depths.
“I’ve always
