Chapter 1
McKenna
“Why did I agree to do this again?” Annika whines from the cot in our four person tent.
I smile instead of responding while I am rechecking everything we will need for the trek up the mountain.
I have been planning this hike for six months.
It is my birthday present to myself. My family has always been the outdoors type.
I fished with my dad and grandpa. Camped with my mom and hiked small trails with my grandma.
She loved to show me the many different types of flowers in different areas.
She loved to name all the birds. She even used to do presentations for the colleges around Washington, Oregon, and Idaho.
After losing Grandma this past year I feel like part of me is missing.
She was one of my best friends. After four months of missing Grandma and not wanting to do much Annika came and gave me the verbal slap to the face I needed.
She reminded me that Grandma wouldn’t want me to live like this.
A month later I realized I wanted to do the great hike Grandma never got to do, for my twenty-fifth birthday.
Which brought me to many months of planning with Annika.
The best friend I could ever ask for. The sister from a different mister.
She is the one who jumped in and started hiking six months ago.
Small to medium hikes but enough that I know she will be able to do this.
We are going to start small and only do a day hike.
However we are camping for four nights and I am pretty sure that is the part that Annika is going crazy about.
Her family never took her to a national park, let alone camping.
They love their five star resorts. I don’t blame them.
She has taken me on a couple family trips over the years and I too enjoy their spas and fancy dinners. However I really love nature.
“Because you love me and want to spend my birthday with me.” I shoot her a quick smile. She rolls her eyes before fully sitting up and unzipping her cozy sleeping bag. Even though it is summer, the mountain is nice and chilly.
“Damn it you are right. I do love you.” I laugh as she grabs her leggings and her good hiking boots.
We both are ready within an hour and have drank our weight in coffee.
We make sure not to leave anything in the tents that matter in case someone feels the need to ransack our camp.
My jeep is locked up tight but I put the alarm on just in case.
There is a camp ranger not too far. I may be independent but I am not stupid and made sure our camp site wasn’t more than three sites from the rangers.
We met Marvin and Merry last night when we had our campfire dinner.
They are retired science teachers and just enjoy being rangers during the summer time.
We gave them our itinerary just in case we get lost or hurt.
They know when to start worrying. Also of course the numbers for my parents and Annika’s, who believe she is on a retreat in Leavenworth right now, for emergencies.
“I am so ready for this.” Annika is giving herself a small pep talk but I am trying to blink away tears.
The smell of campfire and the views of the large trees is overwhelming.
Grandma always wanted to hike this trail.
Life kept her away but I am here and I am going to do all I can to make this my dream also.
In my bag I have a small container of her ashes and a cupcake.
When we get to the end of the trail I will be celebrating.
“Lets stretch a bit and head out. I would hate for you to cramp up princess.” I laugh at the middle finger Annika sends my way. Being called princess is her pet peeve. Having four older brothers who tease her constantly while still being over protective has made her a bit sheltered.
“I am really excited to get some nature photos though.” She has her trusted Canon already around her neck.
Annika has been selling her photos under an alias for years now.
She is talented but her family is well known in the hotel industry therefore she isn’t allowed to have her own dreams. So she sells her photography on the side.
Under an alias and has me drop them off to a private art studio in downtown Seattle.
“I call dibs for the office.” I just started my own company with guided adventures all around Washington State. My wildlife conservative degree and time with the Washington state fish and wildlife hopefully helps with business.
“Well of course.” I look around the camp area and see someone sitting by their fire.
Two tents are there but the guy has my attention immediately.
He is as wide as the chair. Long legs stretched out in front of him.
His dark hair looks shaggy and he is staring at the fire like it has all the answers.
Instantly my body is all hot. I definitely want to go over there and see if he is as cute as I think he is,
“Earth to McKenna!” Annika steps between me and my focus on our neighbor camper, making me jump back a bit.
“Yeah sorry. Are you ready?” She moves towards the path where we will start our hike and I turn to follow but not before glancing back one more time.
This time the stranger is staring right at me.
His mouth seems to be hanging open. I wish I could find an excuse to go over there but I don’t want to waste any more daylight either.
I don’t know why but I awkwardly wave, knowing right then I will be by his camp tonight.