CHAPTER THIRTY NINE

When I saw a group of tiny white blossoms trying to break through the thick pine needles covering the ground, I bent down and brushed the pungent needles aside.

After selecting a couple, I rubbed my hands together to release the flower's delicious, spicy aroma.

I held out my cupped palms to Aric and said, "Here, sniff."

He bent forward and took a smell, seeming doubtful.

He then stood back up and added, "Spicy."

I sniffed my hands again and told him, "It's phlox." "Once upon a time, my father owned a book about wildflowers. I read it about twenty times before he finally agreed to swap it."

I wiped my hands on my knees, got to my feet, and continued my investigation.

If I didn't find anything interesting, I'd glance to Aric for approval to continue exploring.

Seeing his approval, I descended the steep hill toward the running stream. The road was in terrible shape as I emerged from the woods.

To get a better look at the river, I sprinted over the cracked asphalt, enjoying the roar of th