Willow glanced over at Bruin as she eased the truck along the country road. She had never been out here, but Mac had given her a few more details about the perfect picnic spot, full of soft grass and wildflowers and off the main hiking trails. She would have been skeptical, but since her mother had confirmed it she was trusting him. Maybe Mac really was just a big softy after all. She just had to be careful not to miss the turnoff.
Bruin was eating a slice of apple pie, the sticky sweet filling sliding down his fingers as he ate. He had his eyes closed and was savoring every bite. She smiled as she watched him devour it. She had known he wouldn’t be able to wait. Sweets were his weakness. And it was always good to be appreciated. She grinned to herself. She couldn’t wait to show him the new jar of summer honey. It was even better than last fall’s. It was going to blow his mind.
She pictured Bruin trying to describe it to Mac. It would be perfect payback. Bruin was going to torture his wolven friend telling him about this honey, wanting to let him know about every detail, and he would never even realize he was driving Mac crazy.
Bruin looked up from licking his fingers as he finished the pie. “Where are we going again?” She smiled at him and reached over to squeeze his arm. “I packed us a picnic lunch. I thought we could use some time for just the two of us. And your birthday is almost here. I wanted to give you a special surprise.” He smiled back at her, a broad grin illuminating his face. “A birthday picnic? I love it.” His smile lit up her heart. “Thank you.”
She turned her eyes back to the road. The trees were thick and green along the road, not showing any signs of a road, a trail or even a tiny gap. “Well, as long as I can find this turnoff…” Even watching carefully she barely spotted the marker for Mile 56 on the side of the road, tucked into the heavy underbrush. “That means the turnoff should be just ahead on the right, on the other side of this curve.”
She scanned the road as the truck eased through a long curve. There, just on the far side was a tiny break in the trees and a thin dirt road leading back into the woods. She frowned. This didn’t look like it led to a picnic spot. But she had asked for secluded and private. And she didn’t really have a choice. They were here now. Worst case they could just pop the tailgate, sit on the truck and eat. “Here we go,” she said as she slowed the truck almost to a stop and turned into the woods.
She eased the truck along the dirt road for about a quarter mile. The dirt road, and she would be generous and call it a road, widened into a small clearing and came to a stop right in the middle of the woods. She could see a narrow foot trail continue on to the edge of the treeline about 50 yards further. She saw Bruin squint out the window. Maybe he could see the end of the trail better than her. “Bruin, can you see a meadow out there?”
He pushed his face further forward, still squinting. “I think so. Is this it?”
She snorted. “This is it. Perfect picnic spot, apparently. Let’s go check it out.” She swung the truck around in a three-point turn, then backed up to the edge of the trees so the back was facing the small trail. She killed the engine and stepped out of the truck into the forest.
Bruin came around the back of the truck to meet her. The sounds of nature surrounded them, small birds chirping and a light breeze ruffling the leaves. This was a good sign. She already felt more relaxed. She pressed a button and popped open the back. She pointed at the cooler and two of the bags. “If you can grab those I can get the last one.”
Bruin nodded. He put the bags on top of the cooler and lifted it out of the truck, carrying it as if it was nothing. The muscles of his arms flexed as he turned back to the trail. She shivered. She loved watching him move, loved seeing how strong he was. She picked up the other bag and closed the truck. She smiled at her mate. “Let’s go.”
They walked along the small trail through the woods. Willow continued to admire Bruin’s broad shoulders and wide back. And especially his cute butt. She loved watching that.
Bruin slowed to a stop as the crossed the tree line and stepped out into a broad meadow. He whistled slowly as he turned to take in the view. Willow stepped up beside him and her jaw dropped. This was truly the perfect spot for Bruin. There was a ring of lush grass wrapping around the edge of the trees, then it gave way and transitioned into a huge field of golden sunflowers stretching toward the sun. Fat summer bees buzzed between the flowers and butterflies floated all around. It was like walking into a romantic painting. The field sloped down, giving a commanding view across the field from their spot. And the trees behind them separated them from the road, making them feel like the entire scene had been created just for them.
Willow set her bag down and took Bruin’s broad arm. “See, what did I tell you? Perfect picnic spot.” He set the cooler down next to the bag and smiled. “It’s perfect. Just like you. Thank you so much.” He wrapped his strong arms around her and squeezed her tight. Her heart raced at his touch, and the feel of his arms wrapped around her.
She kissed him on the cheek and whispered. “Happy early birthday.” He kissed her back and grinned. “It’s the best birthday present I could ever have asked for.” He set her down and looked around, marveling at the field of sunflowers in front of them. “Do you think these bees make good honey?’
She looked around, watching the bees more carefully. This was a great spot for bees, and Bruin was definitely an expert on bees and honey. She laughed. “Maybe we should think about expanding. I’m sure these bees make great honey.”