35. Winter Solstice
thirty-five
Winter Solstice
T he winter solstice has finally arrived and so has Walter’s big moment. The sun is low and setting beautifully, and the night has promised to be the longest one of the year. Walter set up a space for storytelling next to the feast offerings by the entrance of the cave.
Everything looks so surreal and ceremonious. I can hear the low prayers by the sweat lodge an allied tribe organized in the distance, to honor Walter and this occasion.
Every single official from the town meeting has offered their time and helped set up without me asking. The men came early and have stayed by Walter’s side.
My original idea of this magical night had me thinking I would be herding townsfolk up the mountain, begging them to participate.
They’re here. All of Blitzen.
Tribes from surrounding counties who saw the ad in the Fisher’s sales paper have joined us. Kourt and I brought Carol and G.W. Philipps up through the handicap ramp, or at least as far up as it goes up, and Georgia and Bob are bringing them home when they get too cold or tired.
I step back and look at the most beautiful mountain I’ve ever seen, surrounded by the most beautiful people. Judge Angelina Prichert catches my gaze and winks at me from where she ushers more people into the ceremony circle.
She’s wearing muted colors, to blend in, and no flashy hat or signature blazer tonight. Instead, I see an authentic Wampum Bear Necklace around her neck. June also came early. I should’ve known she and Walter go way back.
I peek over at Helen where I left her with her waitress friend, Dawnie from the dinner. They’re watching Walter prepare the circle and I can’t help the tears in my eyes. These are really good people.
They’re giving me more than I am them.
It’s overwhelming in the best possible way.
On contact, I sink into two arms wrapping tightly around me. I drink in Kourt’s scent as I look up to meet his eyes.
“There you are. Hey… what’s the matter?”
“Nothing. It’s just—it’s all so perfect. This is the best Christmas I’ve ever had.”
“Come on now. It’s not even Christmas yet. There’s more to come.”
“Even if it stops here, Kourt, I got way more than I hoped for.”
Kourt turns me to him and pulls me close. “Hey, what’s all this talk? The best is yet to come.”
“Yeah, well, it’s pretty great already.”
Kourt doesn’t scan the crowd or even hesitate. He drops his face to mine and coaxes my lips into a deep, reverent kiss that is so tender and sweet it makes my knees weak. I pull away first when my pulse is highjacked and I’m afraid I’m going to maul him in front of Walter’s ceremony.
Kourt slams his tailgate shut when the last of the torches we had lighting the way down the steps for patrons are piled in. We wave at a smiling Walter as he drives away, and I can’t help but feel as content as he looks.
“Come back up with me? I forgot something.”
Kourt follows me dutifully, then begins looking around suspiciously as we hike back up the deserted mountain toward the cave. “Pretty dark to be headed back up here, don’t you think?”
“I’m counting on it.”
Kourt looks me over.
“Don’t worry. I have a flashlight this time.”
He freezes.