Chapter 27: Romantic Getaway
Celebrate
New Year’s Eve, Star Gazer Bed & Breakfast Inn
A few hours later, Jack and Sue arrive at Star Gazer Bed & Breakfast Inn. The inn
is elegant yet simplistic. The bellman takes them to their suite. A large King size canopy bed with soft liens, big pillows,
and a down comforter is in the center of the sunny suite. The room is decorated in shades of gold, sage, and burgundy with
glass windows providing a panoramic view of the gazebo. The sitting area includes two wicker chairs, an ottoman, and loveseat
for relaxation. The sitting room is situated by a two-sided fireplace. The walls are covered with beautiful artwork. In on the left side of the room there is an armoire with a television set. An antique
vanity table and dresser provide additional charm. A private balcony and a crystal chandelier create a warm and romantic setting.
The whirlpool tub in the luxurious bathroom completes the spacious room.
After Jack and Sue put their suitcases away, they ride the elevator downstairs to the first floor. Jack and Sue have lunch in the dining room. Jack is dressed in a long-sleeve blue shirt, denim blue jeans,
and black cowboy boots. Sue is dressed in a long-sleeve red blouse, blue jeans, and brown boots. They order Caesar salad,
beef brisket with fruit and sweet potatoes, and chocolate mousse. They take a walk around the gardens and Sue takes pictures
of all the pretty flowers.
Jack: Come on, Sue. I have another surprise for you. (megawatt smile)
Sue: Where are we going? (curious smile)
Jack: Horseback riding. (megawatt smile)
Sue: But Jack…I don’t know
how to ride a horse. (surprised smile)
Jack: Don’t worry. I know how to
ride. My dad took me, Abby, and Meg to a dude ranch when we were still in grade school. It’s going to be fun. (megawatt
smile)
Sue: Easy for you to say. You know how
to ride a horse. (lighthearted smile and laughs)
Jack: You’re going to thank me
for this wonderful outing later. You’ll see. (megawatt smile and his signature wink)
Sue: Okay. Let’s go horseback riding
before I chicken out. (lighthearted smile and laughs)
Jack: There’s nothing quite like
seeing the countryside from the back of a horse. (megawatt smile)
Jack takes Sue to the Flying Double
J Ranch; he rents a horse named Duke. First, Jack pets Duke on the shoulder and signals for the horse
to stop and turn toward them. Then, Jack lifts Sue into his arms and set her gently in the saddle. After that, Jack wearing
a cowboy hat, mounts Duke and takes both reins in his right hand. Jack sits tall and straight in the Western saddle. Sue
thinking: Jack looks so cute in his cowboy hat.
In the next moment, Jack wraps his strong arms around her waist. And then Duke trots and canters through the
alpine forest and into the open meadow. One hour later Jack and Sue arrived at
the White Lily Waterfall. Jack swings off the horse and reached up, place both his hands
on her shoulders and eased Sue to the ground. Taking her hand in his, they walk a short distance to White Lily Waterfall.
There
they look at the waterfall cascading up and down. Then Jack leans down and kisses Sue softly on her mouth. With gentle fingertips,
he caresses her face, his breath warming her cheek. Sue put her arms around his neck and whispers his name. As her heartbeat
quickens, Jack moves his mouth over hers again.
With
one hand splayed against her back, the other hand, he tangles in her hair. He kisses the side of her neck and holds Sue in
his arms for another long drawn out kiss. Jack drew back slightly from their embrace. They hold hands while watching the gorgeous
sunset. Afterwards, Jack lifts Sue up into the saddle and swings up behind her. Duke takes the same trail back to the
Star Gazer Bed & Breakfast Inn.
Back at “Serenity” Suite
Later
that evening, Jack and Sue get ready for dinner. Jack is wearing a black suit with a white shirt and gold tie. Sue is wearing
an elegant off-the-shoulder black cocktail dress covered with black lace bodice and fully lined with an invisible zipper.
Sue puts on her black three inch heels.
Jack: Signing-Wow! Speaking-You look sensational.
(megawatt smile and his signature wink)
Sue: Signing-Thank you. Speaking-You
look very handsome. (smile and with a little curtsy)
Jack: Maybe we should stay in and order
room service. Everyone in the dining room is going to notice you. I’m not sure I like that. (megawatt smile and his
signature wink)
Sue: I guess you’ll just have to
keep an eye on me throughout dinner. (lighthearted smile)
Jack: It would be my pleasure. I’m
blinded by the light you cast. (megawatt smile and his signature wink)
Sue: Is that a new line you’re
trying out on me tonight? (dazzling smile and teases Jack)
Jack: Did it work? I remember reading
it in a Shakespeare play once. I didn’t understand what he meant by that line. That was until I met you. (megawatt smile
and raise eyebrows)
Sue: I’m flattered. Let’s
go to dinner and celebrate New Year’s early. (lighthearted smile)
Jack: I like the way you think, Thomas.
(megawatt smile and his signature wink)
As
they sit down at a table for two, Jack asked the waiter to bring them a bottle of Merlot. When the waiter returns with Merlot,
they order shrimp stuffed with avocado, hearty beef vegetable soup, tropical fruit salad with mint, grilled beef steak, and
red raspberry almond chocolate cake for dessert. Jack and Sue gaze at each other during the course of their dinner. Each lost
in thought wondering what the other one is thinking about right now. Jack pays the bill and as they leave the dining room.
He encircled his arms around her waist.
