My mother stopped rolling out the pie crust. She smiled and leaned against the counter. “Come again?”
I stood and held out my hand as I looked around the kitchen. “This, Mom. I want this. I want to be a wife and mother. I don’t want a career where I go in and sit in a drab office.”
She pinched her eyebrows together. “You need an education, Libby.”
My shoulders dropped. “I know that, Mom, and I’ll get one, but can’t I just get a business degree or something. Maybe accounting. I love numbers and I was actually helping Ellie do the books last summer for the ranch.
Raising her eyebrow, she pursed her lips out. “Ellie did say you helped her a ton and actually organized her books better than she ever had.” Smiling, I felt a spark of hope for the first time in a few years.
I jumped. “Oh Mom, do you think Ellie would teach me? I mean, I could even help Daddy with his books. I know how much you hate doing it.”
She laughed and nodded her head. “I certainly wouldn’t argue if you took that job over.” I walked over and hugged her. “Talk to Ellie. See what she recommends as far as classes go.”
Jumping up and down I fist pumped. “I love you, Mom!”
“WHAT ARE YOU thinking about, baby?” Luke asked as he placed his hand on my stomach. Everything fluttered in my stomach and I smiled. Turning my head, I peeked at him through my hand that was shielding the bright sun.
“Our future.”
Luke smiled so bright my breath caught. “Do you feel like going for a hike after lunch?”
Nodding my head, I sat up. Our site was pretty secluded, even though we were just off the trail. Looking around I noticed for the first time there was hardly anyone camping. “I can’t believe how hardly anyone is here. It’s spring break. Where is everyone?”
Luke stood. “I know it’s weird. It’s dead here. Should make our hike later more romantic.” Wiggling his eyebrows, I scrunched my nose and held my hand out for him to help me up.
“I’m starved. Let’s go make some lunch.”
LUKE AND I sat at the picnic table eating a sandwich when an older couple came walking up. We both smiled as we stood up and made our way to them. I held out my hand.
“Hello, how are y’all today?” I asked as the older gentleman shook my hand. He had the bluest of blue eyes. I turned to the older lady and was taken aback. She looked familiar to me.
“Hello, how are you young wipper snappers doing this afternoon?” she asked as she looked at me and then at Luke.
Luke reached his hand out and shook the older gentleman’s hand first, followed by his wife’s.
“We are doing wonderful. It’s crazy how hardly anyone is here,” Luke said.
The older gentleman looked around. “Indeed, it is rather quiet. Make sure to stay on the trails. Don’t wander off. Bring those silly phones as well.”
“I hear you can take pictures with them,” the older lady said with a giggle. Luke and I chuckled.
“Yes, you can take really good pictures with them. I’m Libby Hayes, this is Luke Johnson.”
Smiling, the older couple looked at both of us. “Mr. and Mrs. Lambert.”
I pulled my head back in surprise.
Mrs. Lambert sucked in a breath and quickly let it out as she clapped her hands together gently. “Well, we should be moving along. The fresh air is wonderful. Keeps you young and healthy, but gets Mr. Lambert sleepy.”
Luke extended his hand again, “Mr. Lambert, Mrs. Lambert, it was a pleasure. Enjoy the rest of your afternoon.”
I shook my head and smiled. “It was a pleasure. Have a wonderful day.”
Mrs. Lambert grinned and nodded her head while Mr. Lambert stepped up to Luke. “Watch your step hiking son and keep an eye out.”
They turned and began walking away.
Luke and I stood there and watched them.
Finally, Luke broke the silence. “That was weird. We didn’t mention going for hike.”
Wrapping my arms around myself, I nodded. “What‘s even more weird is their last name. My mother’s maiden name is Lambert.”
Luke glanced over at me. “Really? That is weird.” Turning back, he shrugged his shoulders. “Let’s hit that trail. I want to make it to the falls with plenty of time to get back before it gets dark.”
Walking back over to the tent, Luke ducked inside as I stood there and watched the Lamberts until I couldn’t see them anymore. A strange feeling washed over my body.
Making my way back to the campsite, I grabbed my phone from the picnic table. It was at eighty percent. I shoved it into my back pocket. Luke came out of the tent and smiled. He handed me a sweatshirt. “In case it gets chilly by the falls.” I took the sweatshirt and wrapped it around my waist tying it.
“I don’t think I’ll need it, but just in case,” I said. Grabbing two bottles of water, Luke and I began walking. Peeking over at him, he seemed nervous as hell. “Is everything okay? You seem nervous?”
Giving me a nervous chuckle, Luke pushed his hand into his pocket. He pulled it out and ran his hand through his hair. “Nah, it’s all good here.”
Looking ahead I smiled.
My heart began racing. I couldn’t wait to tell him. I almost told him when we were laying on the blanket, but I decided I would tell him when we got to the falls.
Grinning like a fool, I held onto Luke’s hand as we made our way to the trailhead.
LIBBY AND I walked along the Gorman Falls trail hand in hand. I must have checked six times to make sure I had the ring in my pocket. I attempted to calm my nerves. I had no idea why I was nervous. I’d already asked her once and she said yes, so I was pretty sure her answer would be the same.
Libby sucked in a breath and pointed. “Luke, oh my gosh, there it is!” I looked straight ahead. I heard the water before I saw it. Then the falls came into view. It was perfect.
“It’s beautiful,” Libby whispered as we drew closer to it. We walked to a clearing that had a perfect view of the falls. The rocks surrounding the falls were covered in moss. The green was bright against the clear water falling all around it. Spring flowers were beginning to pop up everywhere and the smell was amazing. Peeking over, I watched as Libby took the scene in.
Libby smiled and shook her head. “I’ve never seen anything so beautiful. I don’t think this day could get any better. This is the perfect spot to share—”
Reaching into my pocket, I pulled out the ring box and fell to one knee. I took Libby’s hand in mine and cleared my throat. Libby turned and the moment she saw me on my knee she stopped talking. Her left hand came up and covered her mouth.