We had the perfect day. The three of us took a two-hour drive into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. I was so excited to leave the apartment and get some fresh air that the long drive hadn’t bothered me. The three of us talked and joked, making the time fly.
Alex asked how Liz was doing, and I had to admit I wasn’t sure. Selfishly, I had so much on my mind with the two men that I hadn’t spoken with her much.
We talked a few times on the phone, and she was having a great time, yet I could tell she was a little tense. When I asked her if everything was all right, she had said it was. She was just a little tired from all the work she had to do, on top of wanting to see everything on her days off.
I didn’t believe her, but I let it be. I hadn’t told her what was happening with Jordan and Alex either. When she got home, we would definitely be having a girl’s night.
I wasn’t sure what would happen once the men were done with their mysterious mission and Liz came home. Jordan and Alex had assured me that they wanted us to stay together, but I was worried about Liz.
We just bought that house, and the nursery was ready. I knew she didn’t need the rent I paid her every month. Her salary could more than cover it, but I also didn’t like the idea of leaving her in a crunch. I wouldn’t want to live in a big house all alone, so I assumed she might not want to either.
I sighed, not knowing what I should do. Alex quickly reassured me that everything would work out, and I sincerely hoped he was right.
Once we got to the city, we turned off onto a quiet road. I’d been there before. It was where tourists came to see the scenery. I was pleasantly surprised to see that traffic was sparse and we were able to drive slow around the tight curves and look around.
A short time later, Jordan pulled over to park. There was a trail with a sign that read Grotto Falls. I smiled brightly. Waterfalls were one of my favorite things to see in the mountains.
Alex opened the back of the car and pulled out a picnic basket and two large blankets while Jordan helped me out. My feet never got to touch the ground. Jordan swept me up and carried me like a bride behind Alex, as we started up the trail.
Both of them had picked me up or carried me multiple times, and I always thought they were just exceptionally strong. That was an understatement.
The trail was over a mile long, yet Jordan never broke a sweat as he hefted my pregnant body. Now, I knew how they did it so easily. I was positive being a shifter came with extraordinary abilities, including strength. I thought it was sexy as hell.
Jordan grinned down at me with a questioning look. I blushed hotly at my thoughts and turned to take in the world around me. The sun peeked through the canopy of the diverse species of trees and plants. As it was already spring, the leaves were a bright green, and the birds chirped loudly to their mates.
I looked in awe at what Mother Nature had to offer us, the sounds, the sights, and the fresh air. I breathed deep and closed my eyes, letting the wonder of it all enfold me. I smiled as Jordan kissed my forehead, but I didn’t open my eyes. Peace and contentment had coursed through me as I drank in the splendor of it all.
It wasn’t long before I began to hear the roaring sound of water. I looked around as we came closer, and I gasped. It was beautiful. The waterfall wasn’t huge, but it looked powerful as it plunged into the waiting pool. Rocks and greenery surrounded the area, giving it a private feel. I saw a path that lead behind the falls, and I could not wait to check it out.
Alex found a semi-dry spot and laid one of the large blankets on the ground. Jordan sat down with me between his legs and my back against his chest, as Alex placed the other blanket across my lap. In the higher elevation, the air was cool, and I was thankful for the extra warmth.
We ate lunch in full view of the waterfall. The food was not fancy, just ham sandwiches with fruit on the side and bottled water, but it was the best tasting meal I’d ever had. Who wouldn’t think so, when you added the excellent company and beautiful scenery?
Once more people started filtering down the trail, we packed up and headed back to the car. It had been the best day of my life, but I was ready to go home and snuggle with my men. They were leaving the next day, and even though they had reassured me that they would be back in only a couple of days, I felt like I already missed them.
I was a little nervous about the man who was supposed to watch over me. The name Bear had all kinds of thoughts running through my head, but if Jordan and Alex both trusted him, then so would I.
I sighed in contentment, as we drove the long drive back. Alex had climbed into the back seat of the Land Rover with me, and I curled up against him. Wrapped in his love and warmth, I slept soundly the whole way home.
24
Sam