Winter Warmers - Dec 2020 Writing Competition

Story Four

'First Snow at the Waterfall'

By Abby

"Remind me, why are we doing this?" The brunette called to the raven-haired man as he caught up with her, meeting her step.

"Because you asked for this, remember? We were chatting, and you told me that you wanted nothing more than to hike in the Pacific Northwest, and now, here we are," Owen replied, wry humor evident in his tone.

Taking a moment, he took in her appearance as she struggled to maintain her footing. She looked disheveled, frankly, like a fish out of water as they continued up the trail. It didn't help that the path was slick, and he did, in fact, find the situation amusing. She was

still convinced that she could make it to Tamanawas Falls, even in the current abysmal conditions. Typical Southerner.

The wind whipped around them, and he smiled. He knew that Elizabeth was a tenacious one, especially when someone challenged her, but that just made it all the more entertaining. He saw it time and time again when they sparred online. Now here she was, right in front of him, staying an extra day after her work trip to Seattle. "Oh come on, Elizabeth," the man teased, his low tone radiating warmth in the frosty air, "We've only been on the trail for twenty minutes."

Elizabeth sighed in exasperation as she leaned against a tree trunk, "You know if you had told me to pack the right shoes, we wouldn't be having this issue, but no -- you just told me to pack what I thought I would need," she replied sarcastically. She took a moment to tie her hair back and fix the scarf hidden beneath her jacket. "Also, how are you wearing shorts right now? It's thirty-five degrees. You looking to get sick?"

Owen rolled his eyes, a ghost of a smile dancing across his lips. "I can't help that I get sick easily."

"Because you wear shorts in the middle of winter," she retorted sassily. "Maybe, just maybe, if you wore pants, then you wouldn't get sick so often."

"Well, lucky for you, if I get sick, you'll already be on the next plane back to Birmingham. You wouldn't have to take care of me," he countered easily. Her laughter filled the chilled air around them. He smiled, beaming against the frosted wood around them. He loved nothing more than to make her laugh.

"All right, Rapunzel. If you do, though, I'm on the next flight back, just to come smack you upside the head."

"Oh, I have no doubt you will, love. Also, when will you stop calling me that?" "Never." She grinned. "I gotta keep reminding you that you used to have hair stretching down your back."

"Liz, I live in Oregon. It's practically a right of passage."

"Doesn't mean it looked good," she snorted. "You forget that you sent me pictures." He brought a finger to his chin, "Ah, yes, remind me never to do that again." She playfully slapped him on the arm, "Come on, Owen. You know I'm only kidding." Taking in her bright green eyes as she admired the forest around them, he smiled. "I know."

They were two peas in a pod, somehow bonding over common interests, even though they came from different backgrounds -- alternate lives. Owen was there to support Elizabeth whenever she needed it, and she was more than willing to do the same. Now here they were, so many hours of countless conversations later, hiking side by side toward one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Oregon.

She began to stride ahead, gliding along the trail. "Come on, Owen! Since when are you a slowpoke?" He watched her keep her footing on the path, a smirk playing on his lips as he realized that she was in her element. Come hell or high water, Owen was going to get her to that waterfall, even if he had to carry her over his shoulders.

"A slowpoke, huh?" He baited, sarcasm evident in his tone. "Don't you always tell me that I'm too cheeky? If you asked me, I think you secretly like it."

"Just keep telling yourself that, Rapunzel. Whatever helps you sleep at night." She looked up at him; the dimple in her right cheek visible as a light flush brushed across both of them. "In all seriousness, I do like your cheekiness. It makes you...you, but there is so much more depth to you than that. I don't think we would've clicked the way we did otherwise. That's all I will say; I don't want to make you uncomfortable."

"I know, Lizzy. Thank you," He smiled; the words of what he really wanted to say hung heavily in his throat. Elizabeth had a knack for making sure he felt valued, and he always knew that she would be there for him, no matter what. He wanted nothing more than to be the same for her. And then some.

He reached a spot ahead, stopping to rest, waiting for her to catch up, admiring her appearance as she approached. Her nose was bright pink as she took in nature's wonder around them. He smiled to himself in satisfaction. No matter what, he planned to enjoy what little time he had with her before she returned to Alabama. It was absolute idiocy on their part to be out here in early December, but neither of them wanted to pass up an opportunity to see the wilderness together. He was chilled to the bone, but he didn't care. He was here with her. He wanted to show her everything, proving that the pictures he sent her were real and even more beautiful in the flesh.

Brushing the hair out of her face, she looked up, beaming as it suddenly began to flurry. Owen watched her eyes widen in wonder, practically giddy that the weather had turned like this. The white flakes settled firmly on their hats and the shoulders of their coats. "Are you going to be okay?" she murmured to him.

He was cold, but he didn't want her to worry. "I'm fine, Elizabeth. We're almost there anyway. Can't you hear the waterfall?"

She stilled, listening to the woods around her, before meeting his gaze, "I can. However, I'm not sure if I will make it. My thighs are already burning as is." Owen quirked an eyebrow, opening his mouth before Elizabeth stopped him, leveling a finger in his direction. "Don't you dare."

"I wasn't going to say anything," he protested.

"Bullshit," she laughed. "You forget that I know you, and I have to stay focused." "Do I make you lose focus?" He teased, hope secretly blooming in his chest. She giggled, "You know that I'm clumsy enough as is. I don't need you throwing me off my game, and I sure as hell don't need to roll my ankle out here."

Owen's eyes flickered with concern as he watched her intently, "Do you need me to carry you?"

"No, Owen, I'm fine," she murmured, that beautiful blush blooming across her cheeks again.

"At least let me help you over this log." He extended a hand to her, electricity flowing through his veins at her touch. They continued down the footpath, engaging in their signature good-natured banter. "So, I have a question," Owen murmured as they walked side by side along the trail.

"Shoot."

"How are you so comfortable with me already? I literally just picked you up from your hotel a few hours ago." More nervous than he could remember ever being, he awaited her answer.

"That's easy. You're you. We connected so quickly, like jigsaw pieces. You look at us separately, and no one would think we make sense. But somehow, someway, we just fit. It also didn't hurt that you practically tackled me the minute I stepped outside."

Owen smiled, happy with her answer. Excitement thrummed through him; he couldn't wait to show her all that he had planned.

Stepping onto the wooden bridge, they finally reached Tamanawas Falls, the snow falling heavier around them. They stood close to each other as they took in the waterfall. "Thank you for bringing me here."

"I'll never admit it again, but I had fun, even including all your complaining." "You know I wasn't really complaining. I love this. I just can't believe it's snowing. It's the most amazing sight I've seen." She smiled, resting her head on his shoulder. "Seriously though, thank you for everything. I don't know if I could get through life without you." They stood there in comfortable silence, taking in the sights as the snow fell around them. Owen turned, meeting her gaze, finally gaining the courage to tell her how he felt through action. He took a chance, and it was as if time stopped the minute their lips met. Breaking apart, she smiled, "Took you long enough."

Cupping the back of her neck, he tugged her closer. "There's no way I'm letting you go now."

Only the snow heard her reply.