BIG BEAR CHAPTER 3-2
664 Words
THEY ARRIVED AT THE bed and breakfast in Banff and discovered it was only a short drive to the hot springs, which was enough to make Vanessa happy. She'd booked two rooms, going with the bed and breakfast option for cost as well as coziness. It would have been crazy expensive at a hotel and they couldn't take a chance with Vanessa's health by sharing a room, not until they'd found whatever it was they were looking for, if it even existed.
"I was thinking we should go to bed early tonight," said Vanessa, systematically laying out a stack of pamphlets on the table in her room.
"That way, we'll be rested for the hike in the morning. Sunrise is around eight, so there’s no point going anywhere before that. The trails aren’t lit and will likely have snow covered sections, so we should try to explore them during broad daylight if we want to stay on the path. We can eat a big breakfast, then make sure we pack lots of food and water and dress in layers." Vanessa looked at Emma Jane and the excitement sparkling in her eyes made her laugh.
"You're enjoying this immensely, aren't you?" Emma Jane asked, amused by the childish glee she saw Vanessa displaying.
Vanessa shrugged, giving her a sheepish look. "I've never travelled before, unless you count Scotland, but my travel arrangements were sort of made by magic that time. This is the first trip I've ever planned anywhere. I've never been hiking in a place where I haven't lived and it seems like so much fun, especially with the beautiful scenery all around us. Then of course, having you with me for the first time adds another level of enjoyment for me." Vanessa smiled at Emma Jane.
Emma Jane gave her a slightly pitying look. "Well, I hope you enjoy tomorrow. I'm not expecting to like much about it, since I dislike being cold in general, but I’m as eager as you are to find the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. But yes, I’m happy that I’ll get to do this with you as well."
Vanessa looked at Emma Jane fondly, letting her gaze roam over her hair, her face, her hands, before finally making eye contact, her eyes shining with promise. "I can't wait to be able to hold you. Even if I hate every minute of the next few days hiking, it will be worth it. A pot of gold is nothing compared to the potential for happiness for us at the end of this quest."
Emma Jane closed her eyes at the words, leaning forward before catching herself, quickly drawing back just before reaching to touch Vanessa. Her words, and the way Vanessa was looking at her, stirred the now familiar, intense longing inside her heart and Emma Jane knew it was time to go.
"Good night, Vanessa. I think I should leave before one of us starts something you'll regret. Sleep well."
Emma Jane went to the door, then paused with one hand on the doorknob and glanced back at Vanessa over her shoulder. "I'll dream of you tonight."
With a final smoldering look, she pulled her gaze away and left Vanessa standing at the table alone, holding a stack of papers with the same look of longing reflected on her face.
Emma Jane closed the door behind her, wondering how she'd reached this place in life. Just as she'd mostly made peace with the long days of travel and solitude that were her destiny, a routine hunt had brought Vanessa into her life. The turmoil created by such a simple change still astounded her. One woman caused her to dream about things she'd never dreamed of before. In her entire life, not one person had caused such strong emotions of hope, happiness, and frustration. She could only pray to the Great Spirit that she'd be found worthy to have the talisman, because a life without Vanessa suddenly seemed to be one that wasn't worth living. As she climbed into bed, Emma Jane sent out her thoughts and prayed for answers.
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