“There are a few different trails we could take, so I figured we’d incorporate a few. We’ll go along the river first, then up the mountain, and back down again, before heading out to Lake Michigan, where we’ll camp for the night. There are park rangers who offer guided tours here as well, so we’ll probably run into some other hikers, but they know me and are cool with me bringing out tours of my own. I told them we’d be coming.”

I nodded, excited about seeing the National Forest, which was sure to be very different than the hikes I took in Florida.

“There are public camping sites, but we’ll go a little further off the beaten path. I know being out is going to make my wolf eager for some freedom, so I need to be someplace I can let him roam tonight. It’ll be a good chance for you to meet him, too, if you’re comfortable with that.”

My stomach dipped at the thought of meeting Bane’s wolf. I was a little nervous, but knew if I was going to be with Bane and Sloane, I needed to be comfortable with that side of him as well.

“Okay, yeah, sounds good,” I replied, not sounding very convincing, even to my own ears.

Bane chuckled.

“It’ll be fine, really,” he assured me. “You have nothing to be worried about from me, or my wolf. He already likes you.”

I turned to look at him.

“Really? You can tell that?” I asked, curious.

“Yeah, I mean, he’s a part of me... is me… and even though I’m a man, I can still feel and understand the wolf, and vice versa.”

“Oh, that’s cool,” I said, even though I couldn’t even imagine what that must feel like.

We pulled into the National Park, Bane paid the entrance fee, then drove in and parked in the lot.

“Make sure to grab everything, because we won’t come back to the car until tomorrow,” Bane said as we got out of the Jeep.

I made sure my hiking boots were tied tight, my backpack was secure, and sprayed sunscreen on my exposed flesh.

Once I was done, we started off.

I followed behind Bane, who pointed out different things as we walked.

“That’s a blue heron, they are abundant in these woods, along with woodpeckers and kingfishers, so keep your eyes and ears peeled.”

“Up ahead, if we’re lucky, the wildflowers will be in bloom. It’s a truly magnificent sight.”

He wasn’t kidding.

As I stood there looking at the gorgeous array of flowers, coupled with the sounds of the birds, and the river running nearby, I thought I’d stumbled into a little slice of heaven.

“Wow,” I breathed. “I wish I had a camera.”

“Next time,” Bane promised, and I hoped he was right. That there’d be a next time.

We hiked alongside the river, which was surrounded by tall gorgeous trees, and so clear we could see the fish swimming alongside us.

It was a moderate trail, which took about two hours, but was totally worth every step.

“This one’s more difficult. Shorter, but a steep climb,” Bane said as we made our way to the next trail. “Nothing beats the view from the top, though.”

When we got to the base, I looked up at all of the sand.

“It’s called Mount, but is actually a large sand dune, which makes it difficult. You have to be careful of loose sand and always remain alert. Your calves will be burning, but I promise, you’ll be glad we did it. Ready?”

“As I’ll ever be,” I replied with a small laugh.

About an hour and a couple slips later, we made it to the top.

I looked out over Lake Michigan and smiled.

“Have a seat,” Bane said, and I looked to see him crouching down in the sand as he pulled snacks and water out of his bag. “You need?” he asked, holding a water out to me.

I’d finished mine on the last trail, so said, “Yes, thanks,” and dropped to sit down and take in the expanse of glorious beauty before me.

“Here,” he said, handing me a bag of trail mix.

I took it and thanked him, then we sat in silence and enjoyed the moment.

I could get used to this, I thought happily. I didn’t just mean the hiking for the views, which I loved, but being in Bane’s company.

I’d never been with someone who shared my passions, who listened when I spoke, and shared his thoughts and feelings with me. Sure, I knew we were on an accelerated version of getting to know each other, due to the trials, but so far everything about Bane really worked for me.

I really hoped that Sloane and I were able to share a connection as good as the one I felt with her father.

We finished out snacks and water, then stood and brushed off the sand.

“We’ll take the trail back down the way we came, don’t worry, it’s easier going down, although you have to be extra careful about slipping. Once we’re back on level ground, we’ll stop by the picnic area for lunch… sandwiches, then start on our final trail of the day. This will take us through the forest and down to the beach. I’ll take you to where we’ll be camping so we can get set up, then enjoy swimming, dinner, and if you’re good, roasting marshmallows.”

The last he said with a flirty grin, and my heart stuttered.

I liked flirty Bane.

“Then I guess I’d better be on my best behavior,” I said, flirting back.

He chuckled, then led the way down the dune.