Chapter 20
The trip from McKenzie Ridge to Portland was beautiful. The highway was lined with gorgeous forests reflecting every shade of green, rocky mountainsides carved out by flowing waterfalls nestled in niches, and the most gorgeous valleys as far as the eye could see. Their descent from the mountain was breathtaking at every curve. Its only downfall was that it was roughly four hours long. Four hours of forest, waterfalls, deer in the distance, a few random lakes, and a very bored toddler.
Fortunately, Megan and Sam planned their departure around nap time and brought tablets loaded with favorite movies and shows. They would have to execute the same plan on the return home…break up that drive. Deer are only interesting the first ten times when you are five and under, come to find out.
“You’ve been quiet, Colton. Is everything okay?” Megan asked with concern.
“Huh? Oh, yeah. Everything’s fine, babe.” He reached for her hand and held it tight before leading it to his soft lips for a kiss. Colton took in the smile she repaid him with, and his heart stung a little. He reminded himself that he was protecting her. He wasn’t intentionally keeping a secret for any reason other than her safety.
“I’m just watching the road. People get impatient, and that doesn’t mix with a winding mountain highway,” he offered with a smile of his own, hoping he was selling his somber mood as being a cautious driver.
“Okay, if you’re sure there isn’t anything else?” She asked.
“Well, there is one thing,” he said in all seriousness as he gave her a quick concerned glance. “I’m trying to decide where I’m taking you on our date,” he admitted.
Meg’s eyes grew wide, and her smile brightened, excitement radiating from her like a ray of sunshine.
“Date? You didn’t tell me about a date!” She clapped her hands and squealed, quickly covering her mouth and looking to Jax, hoping she hadn’t disturbed him.
“Dawson and I worked it out earlier. We will be in town for three nights. Tonight, we’ll get everyone settled and just eat at the hotel, maybe take the kids to the pool. Then the next two nights, we’ll take turns with the kids, so each of us gets a date night in the city,” he said, tossing her a quick dimple bearing grin and a wink.
“This is so exciting! I can’t wait to see where Sam and I end up. I mean the possibilities are endless for a couple girls in the city!” She exclaimed.
“Sam? What? You want to go out with Sam? I thought we…” He was cut off by a boastful laugh, the best sound in the world.
It was carefree and light today. He loved seeing this side of her. He hoped by the time they returned to McKenzie Ridge, he could take every worry away and give her endless amounts of days like today.
“Oh, you think you’re funny, huh? You just wait until tonight!” He warned while reaching over and tickling her ribs, prompting her to laugh again.
He couldn’t wait until tonight when he would hear all the other joyful sounds he could get her to make.
Portland was nothing like anything Megan had experienced—big city amenities at every turn, but without losing its small-town atmosphere emanating everywhere. There were charming small boutiques, restaurants, and businesses nestled between the various high-rise buildings.
There was a fair mix of modern and eclectic, boasting both swanky vibes and those of comfort. The diversity of its buildings, people, and ambiance were exhilarating. West coast living was something she could really get used to.
They landed at a hotel that faced a stunning waterfront which divided the city’s east and west sides, lining as far north and south as the eye could see. Boardwalk-like paths traced the water with various fountains and park-like areas all along the way.
It appeared to be the epicenter of the city as the many joggers, walkers, and families told a story of its relevance. Even in the cooler fall weather, the stunning array of vibrant reds, yellows, and oranges topped the trees that likely contributed to the draw of the crowds it hosted.
Valet took their keys while bell hops took their bags as the couples made their way into the posh establishment that would be home for the next few days. As the others ooh’d and ahh’d, Megan simply felt at home in response to an element of her former life. She had been accustomed to a lifestyle that delivered such privileges. It was like riding a bike. She fell right back into the comfort of such as soon as she walked through the revolving door.
With a deep relaxing breath in, she felt the weight of her world fall from her shoulders. It offered a chance at familiarity, like a teaser from her past. Even if only for a few days.
The now joyful group made their way to the top floor where their bags already awaited them in their adjoining, yet separate, rooms. This was the life.
“Wow, you guys really went all out!” Sam said. “If I didn’t know better, I’d think this was more of a romantic getaway than a business trip.”
“Why can’t it be both? A little mix of business and pleasure!” Dawson asked while wrapping his arms around his wife, giving her a toe curling kiss.
“Ewww!” Ellie shouted, reminding everyone of the tots in tow and that the romance was limited to the scheduled trading of children.
“Yeah, what she said! Get a room!” Colton said sarcastically, high fiving little Ellie.
“I have a room, you’re standing in it, asshole!” Dawson shot back with an ornery grin and wink for his friend.
“Ummmmm…twenty-five cents to the swear jar!” Ellie scolded for language.
“Dude! Ellie…really?” Dawson questioned, shocked by his daughter’s scolding.
Hands on her hips and a sassy cocked head, she replied in all seriousness, “I’m not a dude…I’m a princess!”
“Yeah, twenty-five cents to the swear jar you big jerk. Princess Ellie Lou said so!” Colton agreed with his own ornery flare. “Wait, is jerk a bad word, squirt?” he asked and swooped her off the ground, tickling her belly.
“Stop, stop, Uncle Colton! You’re gonna make me wet my drawers!” Ellie pleaded between giggles. “It’s a not nice word but not a bad word, so you get it for free and a warning. If you say it too many times though, you’ll get in trouble and hafta put a money in a jar. Do you have a jar Miss Megan?” She asked.
“I’m afraid we don’t. We better get one!” Megan said while elbowing Colton.
“No bad word jar?” Ellie asked, eyes alight with shock. “Can I come to your house?”
The group laughed and laid out their plan for the evening as well as the rest of their trip. Meg was looking forward to the next several days. Tonight, would be all about family at the hotel. They would eat in and let the littles swim to get their pent-up energy out after such a long car ride.
The next two nights, the couples planned to swap children, each taking a nice romantic evening sans the littles. Megan couldn’t wait for her night out with Colton. They were beginning to feel more and more like a family, and it scared her less and less.
Despite the many highs and lows over the past few months, it felt right. She wanted to be there with him, no longer prepared to run. She was ready to tell him everything. She knew he would understand, help her even. Maybe, just maybe, they could find a way to forever.