Page 29 of Starshine

“Ready.”

He lowered her down first, stretching as far as he was able to help minimize the distance. Bridgette landed quietly and Garrett was quick to follow, dropping as gently as he could. In the dark alley, her hand found his, and he smiled as he led her through the streets towards midtown.

It was a quiet, tense trip. They looked down every cross street, jumped at every sound. Even when they reached the woods, they didn’t relax their pace. It wasn’t until the sun started to rise over the mountains and Frostcliff was far behind them that they finally slowed down. By some silent agreement, they stopped at the edge of a clearing, just as the sun cast its glow over the valley below.

Bridgette’s cold fingers brushed his. He looked down as he took her hand, closing his around it to try and warm it.

“Guess I’ve answered your question after all.” She looked up at him, and her smile seemed to shine brighter than the sun itself. “I’d leave, Garrett. In a heartbeat, I’d leave.” She leaned up on her toes to press a kiss against his lips. “Thank you for leaving with me.”

He wrapped his arms around her waist, holding her close. Ever since he’d left the high plains, it had felt like he’d been searching for a way forward. Now, the path ahead had never seemed clearer.

“Thank you for finding us a way.”