Peaceful

I close my eyes again, letting the sounds of the forest wash over me.The constant rush of the waterfall blends with the chirping birds and the steady hum of insects hidden among the trees. Every now and then, a breeze stirs the leaves overhead, carrying the earthy scent of pine and damp soil.For the first time in what feels like forever, my mind goes completely quiet.No worrying about the baby.No wondering if someone is looking for me.No fear of what tomorrow might bring.Just... peace.I don't remember falling asleep.One moment I'm listening to the forest, and the next I'm blinking awake to warmth against my cheek.For a split second, panic shoots through me.Then I realize my head is resting against Mark's shoulder.Heat rushes to my face.I straighten so quickly that I nearly lose my balance, silently thanking every goddess I can think of when I see his eyes still closed.He didn't notice...At least, I don't think he did.Trying to act as though nothing happened, I quietly s

Camp Plans

After Mark drops me back off at my house, Raven immediately zeroes in on me. I know that she thinks that there is something going on between Mark and I but he really is just a friend. A really good friend, but a friend nonetheless."So, how'd it go?" She asks me."It went okay...." I say."Really? Because, you were gone like all day. I expected you to be back a couple of hours ago." She says."Oh. I, uh, I fell asleep." I tell her.She snorts as I walk towards the kitchen. We really were gone most of the day and I feel like I have not eaten for days after it being only a few hours."You do not normally just fall asleep. So, what happened?" She asks me."Well, I got comfortable, closed my eyes, and fell asleep. Then we woke up and came right back." I tell her.I wince at the use of the word 'we'. I had not meant to let her know that he was sleeping as well. It was my original plan to just allow her to think that I took a short nap on my own and play it off like nothing odd happened. Of

Camp Rumors

"Are you really going camping with Mark?" Scarlett asks as soon as I walk through the door.I nearly drop my purse."How do you know about that?"Scarlett just grins."Stacey.""Of course.""Apparently the whole town knows by now."I groan."I haven't even gone yet.""Doesn't matter," she laughs. "Small towns celebrate plans almost as much as they celebrate weddings.""Um, yeah. I am. I love camping but I do not know the area well yet so Mark offered to show me some camping spots." I offer."Sure. Whatever. An entire weekend just to show some camping spots." She says with a playful smirk.I grin back at her as I walk over to get ready for my shift. I knew that the staff would end up saying something about the fact that we were both going camping at the same time. I just did not expect any of them to know already. The speed at which Stacey can learn and spread gossip is truly amazing. As I walked through the restaurant, I noticed more smiles than whispers.Nobody looked judgmental.No

Packing

It is finally time for us to go camping. As I pack the last of my things up, I find my nerves kicking up. Spending the entire weekend in the woods with Mark, seems like I am doing something just a little too crazy for me. "Oh, come on. You already packed up a couple of outfits and moved all of the way across the country. You cannot tell me that you are nervous about camping." Raven says entering my room.I cannot help but shoot her a dirty look as I start making sure that I have everything packed. Luckily, she made me a list to double check after we went shopping."I am not nervous about camping. I am nervous to be spending the entire weekend with Mark." I tell her."Ha! I knew it! You think something is going to happen between you two. In the woods. All alone. All weekend long...." She trails off.My face falls into my hands as I fight a blush. This was not even something that I was nervous about until she pointed it out. Instead, I was nervous about being in the woods, in my natura

Tent Set Ups

As Mark drives us to the camping site, a large smile grows on my face. I cannot stop it or slow it down. Not only am I excited to be able to relax for a couple of days, but I cannot wait to be able to spend more time outside. Sitting out there long enough to take a short nap when we visited last did wonders for me."Are you sure that you wanted to leave Raven in charge? We just started." I say."Of course. She might be the newest employee there but she shows extraordinary leadership skills. She has already got the kitchen working better than it ever has in the past and knows when to rely on the waitresses." He tells me.He does have a point when he talks about her like that. From the day she started, she has shown the ability to be able to run the kitchen. Now that she has been there for a couple of months, she definitely has the skills to run the entire place. She also have the skill to be able to know when to ask for help from others. Most people do not like to admit when they need

All Chapters of The Heir's Child: Chapter 81 - Chapter 85

Peaceful

Camp Plans

Camp Rumors

Packing

Tent Set Ups