Chapter 29: With You by the River Pt. 1

"So come here," he said with a smile, patting the space in between his legs. "I want to hold you."

I stood up but instead of doing as I was told, I loomed over him with my hands on my waist. Tilting my head, I remarked, "Rather than that, don't you want to take a dip in the river?"

"Do I smell that bad?"

Frowning, he pushed himself to his feet while raising an arm to smell his armpits. I laughed at him before walking over back to our baggage, grabbing some towels, and then walking out of the cottage with my arm linked with his. It was warm and sunny enough for a swim so I thought it would be a good idea.

We walked side by side. Excited, I would often gleefully jump over exposed tree roots or kick a bunch of dried leaves on the forest floor, sending them flying over us like confetti. Dylan repeatedly reminded me to be more careful so that I wouldn't slip. I would feel like a child being reprimanded by a parent each time. I didn't think that children would listen so I pretty much pla