Total pages in book: 91
Estimated words: 88060 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 440(@200wpm)___ 352(@250wpm)___ 294(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 88060 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 440(@200wpm)___ 352(@250wpm)___ 294(@300wpm)
Adirondack Mountain Resort featured a large resort building, cabins, and RV spots, all situated on a lake called Heart Lake. My father had suggested it, and I thought it was the perfect place.
“Oh, this is beautiful,” Aurora said as we drove down the perfectly manicured and tree-lined driveway.
“There are cabins as well as a few RV spots. My father rents a spot up here all year long, so it wasn’t a problem getting in last minute like this.”
“Does he camp a lot?” Aurora asked.
“Yeah, he’ll pack up the fifth wheel and spend a couple of nights at one of his favorite spots. I think he pays for like five different spots around the area. He likes to get away and spend time in nature.”
“We’re surrounded by nature in Moose Village.”
I turned and looked at her. “It’s not the same thing.”
She nodded. “I guess I could see that.”
“The large resort has space for twenty-eight guests, and from what my dad tells me, it’s booked all year long. There are private rooms, bunk rooms, and a loft in the main public area of the resort where you can just chill and read a book. I guess it’s kind of their quiet space. I think it’s still warm enough for us to swim in Heart Lake. You did bring a suit, didn’t you?”
She nodded as she took in the scenery. We were surrounded by spruce, pine, hemlock, and beech trees. The colors of fall were just starting to dip their toes in oranges, yellows, and reds.
“Liam, we have to come back up here in the fall. I bet it is beautiful.”
I smiled. “We can totally do that. I think Winnie is old enough to collect leaves, and we can press them. I think she would enjoy that.”
Once we parked at the office, I went to check in while Aurora and Winnie waited in the truck. An hour later, we were almost done getting everything set up.
“This is so fun!” Aurora said, spreading out the rug that lay at the bottom of the RV’s steps. Winnie was sitting at the picnic table, eating a bowl of fruit.
I wiped the sweat from my brow and surveyed our little campsite. The stove and portable table, and sink were set up on one side of the table, near the water. The other side had a small, screened-in area with chairs and a space for Winnie to play. I was silently thanking my father for having all of this stuff and for thinking ahead when it came time to buy a portable, screened-in area for Winnie.
“Gosh, we are having a heat wave for September, I swear!” Aurora said, wiping the sweat from her own face. “It looks so cute!”
I laughed. “It does look pretty good, doesn’t it?”
“I like the little area for Winnie to play, and we don’t have to worry about any bugs. Speaking of, does she have bug spray and sunscreen?”
“In that blue bag over there. I was thinking since it is so hot, how about we change and head on down to the lake.”
A brilliant smile broke out over Aurora’s face. “I like the sound of that. I’ll change first while you get Winnie into her swimsuit.”
“Sounds like a plan. Winnie? Want to go swimming?”
Her little blue eyes lit up like the Fourth of July. “Yes!”
Once we were all dressed, we had our bags with water and snacks, and the other with towels, sunscreen, and toys. I also had a small beach tent strapped to my back so that we could keep Winnie out of the sun. We headed to the beach, which was just a two-minute walk away. Once there, we glanced around.
“Where is everyone?” Aurora asked.
I shrugged. “Not sure, but we have this place to ourselves.”
“There is a little table over there. Should we set up there?” Aurora asked. “I did pack a few little sandwiches in case we get the munchies.”
“Lead the way!” I said as Winnie reached up for Aurora’s hand and they walked ahead of me. The sight of the two of them made my chest fill with an abundance of happiness. I loved how Aurora was always up for anything. It was one of the things I liked about her.
We set up our small area, and we each took Winnie’s hand and made our way to the lake. It didn’t take Winnie long to fall in love with the water. She ran and jumped and laughed so much I swore I thought my heart would explode. I hadn’t seen her this happy in so long. This was what I wanted for my daughter. To grow up doing fun, adventurous things, and I would do everything in my power to make sure she had the best childhood imaginable.
I sat back on the shore and watched as Winnie lay over Aurora’s arms and learned to kick her feet. I knew in that moment that I was going to marry her and she would be the best thing that ever came into my life—and Winnie’s, besides her mother, of course.