Chapter Nineteen
Posy
“So, shall we go back to the campgrounds?” Judah asked, piling dirt on the breakfast fire.
They didn’t have to tell me how important it was to make sure not a spark remained.
It was one of the first things a cub learned in the pack.
“You probably want a real bath or, if you don’t want anything more to do with that trailer, a shower in the shared bathrooms.”
“I do want to get clean eventually, but is there any way we can stay out here for a day or two? That is, if anyone has an extra warm sweatshirt or a pair of thermals I can borrow for tonight?”
Aldrin grinned at me, showing teeth a little longer than usual. Almost fangs. “Mate, when the sun sets, we’ll build a fire and have dinner then, as it cools off, our bears will take over and keep you cozy until morning.”
I couldn’t think of a more delightful way to sleep. “Be careful, or I will be asking them to appear every night we’re together.”
“Nothing would make them happier,” Judah said. “But watch what you wish for, or they will never let us sleep with you in our skins. Something I’d hate to miss.”
“It is easier to talk this way, but last night, it almost felt like I could speak with them. Like…without words, they were projecting love and comfort and other positive things?”
They all exchanged a look before facing me again. “They love that you got that from them. It’s a different kind of communication, but every bit as real, don’t you think?” Saber asked.
“Profound, in its way.” I let out a sigh. “Tell them I’m grateful, please. I wasn’t feeling too wonderful after getting lost and so cold. But after just a few minutes, I relaxed and slept so well.”
“Let’s hike!” Aldrin donned his pack and reached for my hand. He tugged me to my feet before planting a kiss on my palm. “It’s going to be fun.”
“And the first of our group videos.” Judah set the camera on a tripod. “Okay, we walk away now, then I’ll come back for it. Ready?”
“I am!” Grabbing my pack, I joined the bears ambling up the path.
After we rounded a curve, Judah, as promised, left us for a minute and returned, camera strap over his fist. “So, Miss Posy, what are your first impressions of your very first adventure with Three Bears Road Trip?”
My cheeks flooded with heat, as I stared into the lens. “You didn’t tell me I’d…that you’d…”
“Just say whatever you’re feeling,” Saber urged. “We do a lot of editing, so you don’t have to worry. We don’t do lives. But I am excited to hear your thoughts.”
Aldrin stood behind Judah, making funny faces, and I was so startled, I broke out in giggles.
“I don’t know what to say. I’m a mess. I’ve been traveling for days and slept on the ground last night surrounded by bears.
Wearing no makeup, probably have the worst bedhead ever, and you want to film me now? I look awful.”
Aldrin stopped clowning and came to take both my hands. He looked into my eyes and shook his head slowly. “Posy, you look beautiful to us. Now, tell our channel members that you aren’t horrified by the thought of being mated to three big old stinky bears.”
“You’re not stinky!” I rubbed his hand on my cheek. “You smell incredible, like pine and fresh air and this enticing musk that… What?”
“That ‘enticing’ musk is the stink I referred to.”
“Don’t you say that!” I punched him in the biceps, playfully but with a little bit of serious.
“You’re talking about someone very important to me.
This trip with the three of you feels like a whole new life.
I’ve never been through such an emotional roller coaster.
Leaving home was scary, but in a good way, then we were at that campground and I thought you thought I wasn’t a good fit for your lifestyle, putting me in that glamping trailer.
Then it was fun to have the campfire and best s’mores ever!
Just like on the channel. I always wondered how they would taste. ”
I sucked in a breath before going on. “And then I wandered off and got lost and you saved me and then we had oatmeal and now we’re going off to I don’t even know where up the mountain—”
“Thompson’s Peak,” Aldrin put in helpfully.
“Really? Cool!” I gave him a grateful smile. “But do we have enough supplies? I know you only came up the mountain to find me.”
He moved into camera range with me. “Posy, you’re on a Three Bears Road Trip. We are ready for anything.”