11. New Quest
By the time Amy and I untangle, the boat is under a canopy of bushes and aground in the soft gravel along the water’s edge. It’s like nature is protecting us in the sanctity of this ancient spring. We watch each other as we dress. It feels like I need to keep checking to ensure a new reality. Amy blushes as she pulls on her top, then leans to kiss me tenderly.
“So, that happened.” Amy grins as her thumb sweeps across my bottom lip.
“Uh-huh,” I agree, unable to find words to speak.
“What I like about you, Kurt, is how expressive you are with words,” Amy smirks.
I grin, and everything snaps back to normal.
I laugh and slide back onto the bench to row us out of the spring. Amy pushes us away from our little branch grotto, and we drift into the slight current. Checking behind me, I align the prow with the stream exit, then row slowly back to the lake. Amy guides me with hand signals, and I’m struck by how naturally we communicate.
I look around as the boat accelerates into the rapids and slides into the lake. Under the rowboat hull, prehistoric tree trunks spring from the bottom. I recall the history of the lake I’d heard from my grandparents.
“Do you know how this lake formed?” I ask as I slowly stroke back to the docks.
“Mmmhm,” Amy grins as she looks past me to the dock, keeping us on course. “I want you to tell me, though.”
I grin and look around at the Douglas Fir forest surrounding the lake, taking in the beauty that has sprung up around the destruction that formed this natural lake.
“Three thousand years ago, this was all forest,” I start and nod to the submerged trunks. “Those stood when the mountain erupted, and lava flowed through the wilderness. When the molten rock met the river’s cold water flowing from the spring, it cooled rapidly, damming up the river with molten rock.”
Amy smiles and nods at me to continue.
“The valley below us is 120 feet below the surface, and the water backed up until it breached the volcanic rock dam. Then, the river continued as if nothing had happened. The natural flow of clear water supports the ecosystems of this part of the Cascade Mountains. Was it fate?”
I can’t help asking, and Amy smirks and nods, leaning forward. “This lake is a source of something mystical. Even volcanoes can’t ruin it. It is the source of water that feeds countless flora and fauna. I remember that from outdoor school science. I believe it’s more than natural, but I can’t explain it. My gut tightens when I’m here. Even more when I’m here with you.”
I nod quietly and can’t refute her—not when my gut does the same now—and I’m aware of the pull that seems to bind together as I open my mind to the possibilities. We coast through the crystal-clear water, and then I reverse row to slow us as we approach the dock. Without any word, I pass the oars back to Amy, twist and climb to the prow, then lean and grip the dock as the boat slows to a stop. I climb over the edge and keep ahold of the boat as I step onto the pier. Amy ships the oars, grabs the lifejackets, and climbs beside me.
“We’d better get back,” Amy says, walking toward the lodge. “We only have a few hours until sundown.”
“What happens at sundown?” I hurry to catch up with her.
“Probably nothing,” Amy admits, tossing the lifejackets into the bin by the lodge. She opens the door, and we walk across the near-empty lodge to check out at the register. It’s not until we’re back in the car that Amy picks up the conversation.
“I don’t want to sound too weird. I know this area has some strange and ancient traditions.”
“I won’t judge,” I say with a grin, then focus on steering my car up the switchback incline. “Not after what we just experienced.”
“Right,” Amy says and takes a deep breath. “You need to join with Leah before sundown. We need to stay together as one whole. Without her in the circle, I’m afraid we might break apart.”
“Does Leah know about this?” I ask, reaching for her hand after exiting the park and driving down the highway back to her lodge.
“Yes. It was her idea. Or at least she and Paige wanted to try it,” Amy admits, squeezing my hand. “I didn’t think much about it until the two of you returned from your nature hike. After what we just experienced, we have to include Leah. I’d feel horrible if we ran out of time and some ancient curse broke Paige and her apart.”
“We won’t let that happen.” My voice sounds sure and determined, and I realize I have a quest to complete. I didn’t know I would be on a quest when I drove up the mountain yesterday, but now my tightening gut convinces me of the urgency.
“Do you remember sitting in your cabin for lunch yesterday?” Amy says, and I nod. “Well, I told Leah what happened between you and me earlier. I couldn’t keep that secret.”
“Go on,” I say to show I’m listening as I drive.
“Well, she looked at me oddly, then glanced at you talking to Paige. When she turned back at me, her eyes sparkled. She said she and Paige considered finding a male partner to have a baby with. Then she asked if I’d be okay if you were the guy.”
“What did you say?”
“I have to say, I was all for it. I know how badly Leah wants to have a child. I’d do anything for her after the way she cared for me after the divorce.”
I nod, thoughts cycling in my mind. I never thought I’d have children. Even though I didn’t see it happening, I never took steps to ensure I would never be a father. I glance at Amy, and she’s chewing her lip nervously.
“I know it’s a lot, but what do you think.”
“I think we don’t have a long time until sundown.”
I pull into Amy’s campground and quickly park at her lodge. Paige and Amy appear on the porch and wave at us.
“Did you tell him?” Leah asks, her eyes shifting nervously.
“Yes,” I say and smile at her. Her eyes lock on mine, widening as the moment expands.
“And?” she asks, holding her hands out.
“And I think we’re burning daylight.” I grin as she leaps down the steps into my arms. “Do we all want to go together?”
“We have to,” Leah says, holding both of my hands. “I’ll tell you on the way. Come on, girls!”
The four of us pile into my rental, and I quickly reverse and drive out of Amy’s campground. Destiny awaits, and my gut tightens at what fate has in store for us. I hold Leah’s hand as I drive with one hand. Amy and Paige reach and squeeze my shoulder, showing we’re united. My future, for once, is uncertain. I don’t know what tomorrow will bring. But with these three women, I’m ready for it.