24

  “And this place is?” I glanced at JerRic and then back to the cottage.

  “Our home for the next year... or more.” JerRic smirked.

  “Or more?” I tilted my head.

  “Remember, I said we go back the same minute that we left. No one will know we've been to Angeline unless we tell them.” JerRic reminded me.

  “Is that what you were trying to get out before the Good Friar showed up?”

  “Yeah.” JerRic nodded.

  “And you have been here before? Because you act like you know what's what.” I examined his face.

  “Yeah.” JerRic nodded. “You could say that.” He held his stance. “I was born here, so was my brother Zane and sister Livy.”

  “Maybe I should have been born here too.” I muttered.

  “Well, the whole switched at birth thing wouldn't have happened.” JerRic conceded.

  I let out a deep breath. “No, I wouldn't want to change my life.”

  “Good, because I think you are perfect the way you are.” JerRic took my hand. His eyes were tender.

  A soft smile escaped my lips. “Are you going to put it on sappy, Jer?”

  “Do you like sappy?” JerRic stepped closer to me.

  I thought about it for a minute. “Yeah.” I grinned.

  JerRic chuckled. “I'll see what I can come up with then.”

  “So, rain check?” I teased.

  “Well, it doesn't really rain here unless you Storytell it to.” JerRic's eyes were thoughtful.

  “Seriously?” I was dumbfounded.

  “It doesn't snow here unless you Storytell that, either.” JerRic offered.

  “Oh, we might have to Storytell it. I don't know what I would do if I had to go an entire year without skiing.” My mouth fell open slightly.

  “You ski?” JerRic was curious.

  “Yeah.” I nodded.

  25

  “So what is on the agenda, Jer?” I crossed my arms.

  “Why do I feel like I have just been challenged?” JerRic's eyes twinkled.

  “Well, maybe you should embrace that feeling.” I smirked.

  “You're sassy, did you know that?” JerRic stepped closer to me.

  “How do you feel about sassy?” I teased him.

  He wrapped his arms around me. I wrapped my arms around his waist. He stared at me for a second, trying to decipher how I would react.

  “I think it's downright sexy.” A slow grin crossed JerRic's handsome face.

  “What are you going to do about it?” I stared up at him.

  “I think I'm going to kiss you.” JerRic bit his bottom lip.

  “If you think too much longer, grass might grow under your feet.” I tsked and looked up at the ceiling and back up at him.

  “Are we really going there?” JerRic leaned towards me.

  I nodded. I couldn't help teasing him.

  JerRic kissed me like he had something to prove. I didn't expect the room to catch on fire, but I felt the flames in my heart come to life.

  “I wouldn't call that grass.” JerRic smirked.

  I laughed. “Show me around Angeline?” I flashed him a smile.

  “This is the Main Room.” JerRic made a show of it.

  “Nice.” I smiled.

  “This is the bathroom.” He walked over to a door and opened it.

  “Okay.” I nodded.

  JerRic walked over to another door. “This is our bedroom.” He flashed me a mischievous smile.

  “Really?” I stared up at JerRic. Being with him was like playing a game.

  “Yeah.” JerRic's eyes darkened.

  The air around us stilled. You could hear a pen drop two rooms away.

  “Is life just some big game to you?” I tilted my head. I was half serious. The other part of me wanted to challenge him.

  JerRic smirked and nodded. “And I like to win.”

  “And how do you plan on winning this game?” I stood taller.

  “I plan on making you fall in love with me.” JerRic took my hand in his. “I think we'd both win.” He tugged me towards the front door.

  “Jer.” I rolled my eyes.

  “I told you I'd marry you, Beth.” He flashed me a grin as we walked outside. The door closed behind us.

  26

  “This is the apple orchard.” JerRic showed me.

  “Nice.” I walked over and picked one from the tree and took a bite. “This is the best apple I've ever tasted.” My eyes were wide.

  JerRic smiled knowingly. “They are amazing.”

  I leaned against the tree and crossed my legs. “So Jer, tell me the downsides to being married to you.” I flashed him a smile and went back to my apple.

  JerRic laughed and ran his hand through his hair nervously. “How about we let you discover those on your own?”

  I laughed and threw the apple core away. “That's fair.” I made my way over to him. “Why do I feel like we're playing house?”

  “Because we are, Beth.” JerRic took my hand and led me to a garden beside of the house. “We have this, I'm not sure why, but it is there in case...” He shrugged.

  I laughed.

  “And we have a fire pit over there.” He pointed. “Basically, if there is anything you want... tell a story and it will show up.” We started walking down the path leading away from our home.

  “Okay.” I was still having a hard time remembering I could do that. “And you're sure we're supposed to be soulmates?”

  “I'm sure.” JerRic nodded fervently.

  “Chemistry?” I teased.

  “We definitely have chemistry.” JerRic nodded.

  “And when we leave here, we just go back to our lives... school... all that?” I wasn't sure about the repercussions of being here with JerRic for a long period of time.

  “We do, but I'd like you to move in with me when we go back to the real world.” JerRic's tone lost all joking.

  “What would I tell my Mom?” I made a face.

  JerRic touched my necklace.

  “Just tell a story and she will forget we're not supposed to be married? That really works?” I made a face.

  JerRic glanced at me and nodded. “It does. Although, you can tell Maddy and Peter the truth.”

  “As long as we can blame it on Felix. I've never had a brother before and I feel like he needs a little sisterly push back.” I nodded.

  JerRic laughed. “Deal.”

  27

  “This is the Mystical Waterfall.” JerRic continued playing show and tell.

  “Wow! That looks gorgeous!” I let go of JerRic's hand and walked around the edge. “Is it dangerous?”

  “No.” JerRic shook his head. “Do you want to hang out here for a while?”

  “Yeah.” I nodded. “Can we?”

  “Sure.” JerRic took off his shoes.

  I took off my shoes too and made a face.

  “What's wrong?” JerRic stepped closer.

  “Well, I didn't bring a swimsuit, for one.” My nose scrunched up.

  “Neither did I.” JerRic's expression was amused.

  “You're a boy, that's different.” I rolled my eyes.

  JerRic took off his shirt and let it fall to the ground. I had never seen him without his shirt. He wasn't ripped, but he had caught my attention. I wanted to touch him, but decided looking at the water might be a better idea. It wouldn't take him long to figure out where my attention was if I kept gawking.

  “You expect me to just take off my shirt and swim to?” I tilted my head and glanced at him in disbelief.

  “I'm okay with that.” A lopsided grin was on his lips.

  “Jer!” My mouth fell open.

  JerRic chuckled. He leaned closer to my ear. “You could Storytell something to wear, but I'm not opposed to the first option.” He stood straighter. “Just saying.”

  “You can keep saying.” I pointed my finger at him. “But I think I like option two better.”

  “Suit yourself.” He paused. “No, really suit yourself.” He laughed. “As in bathing suit.”

  I couldn't help laughing too. “Jer, is it going to be like this with you every day?”

  “Probably.” JerRic shrugged and started walking backwards into the water.

  I rubbed my necklace, and I was standing in my favorite swimwear. It was a little showy, but everything was covered. JerRic's eyes didn't leave me. I felt like I warmed up a few degrees as I walked into the water.

  “Come here.” JerRic motioned for me.

  I walked over to him. I wasn't sure about him. Things have changed a lot in the last day. The thoughts I was starting to have about JerRic were getting more intense as time went on.

  “Have you ever danced in the water before?” JerRic held out his hand to me.

  “I haven't.” I took his hand and put the other one around his shoulder.

  JerRic stepped closer. My breath caught slightly. He really was handsome. Being here with him felt like the most right thing I had done in my entire life. He spun me around once, slowly. Floating in the water with him made it feel more personal than if we danced on the land.

  JerRic gradually slid the hand he was holding up his shoulder, so I was clasping both hands around his neck. He had both hands wrapped around my waist. I was standing closer as each second ticked by.

  “Are you going to kiss me, Jer? Or are you going to just stare at my lips all day?” I challenged him.

  JerRic's grin turned bashful. “Kiss you.” He leaned down, and we shared the sweetest kiss of my life, so far. JerRic pulled me close, and we danced for a little while.

  28

  “I'm hungry.” JerRic's voice was matter-a-fact.

  “I could eat.” I nodded.

  JerRic made a face. “Let's get the Sapphire Stone first.” JerRic's hand reached for the coin hanging around his neck.

  “Sapphire...” I stopped talking as water started dripping from my body. I turned around. We were in a small cave, but the mouth of the cave led to the waterfall... we're behind the waterfall.

  JerRic nudged me and pointed. I turned around to see something glowing blue.

  “What's that?” I took a step back.

  JerRic walked over and picked up the blue object. It dulled slightly. He tossed it to me and I caught it with both hands. I turned it over in my hand.

  “That is the Sapphire Stone. It's part of the Quest. Now, we can go home.”

  JerRic sauntered back over and extended his hand to me. I took it and we were standing back in front of the cottage.

  I put the Sapphire Stone down slightly. “Our shoes are back at the...”

  JerRic reached for his coin. Our clothes were folded neatly by the door with our shoes.

  “Oh, I could get used to this.” I laughed.

  “You are going to love being a Storyteller.” JerRic nodded his head and opened the front door.

  29

  “What are you doing, Jer?” He was messing with the fireplace.

  “Making a fire.” The flames started licking the wood. He put some steel up on top of the fireplace mantle.

  I walked over and picked it up and examined the two pieces strung together. “What's this?”

  “Flint and steel.” JerRic sat on the couch and put his arm along the couch.

  “Really?” I put them back on the mantle.

  “I grew up here, Beth. Remember?” JerRic flashed me a smile.

  I walked over and sat down beside of JerRic. “How old were you when you left...” I looked around the room. “...all of this.”

  JerRic's eyes went to the ceiling. “Livy was... so I was... 12.” His eyes met mine.

  “Your parents let you play with fire at 12?” I elbowed him slightly.

  JerRic laughed. “They usually let me light it outside.”

  “Good call on their part.” I laughed.

  JerRic shook his head. “Getting it from all angles.”

  “You wish.” I laid in the crook of his arm.

  JerRic's hand went around my shoulder. He kissed my temple. He was warm. Just being with JerRic was like peace resting in my soul. JerRic teased and joked, but under that, he was a stand-up guy. I trusted him and I didn't give away my trust easily.

  “For what it's worth, I think you did a good job with the fire.” I cuddled closer.

  “Thanks.” JerRic's warm breath fell across my face.

  “You're alright, Jer.” I sat up straighter.

  JerRic's eyes fell on me. “Thanks?” He chuckled.

  I laughed. “That's a compliment.” I backhanded his chest.

  “I think you need to work on your complimenting skills.” He flashed me a mischievous grin. “You know, stuff like JerRic, you are so handsome. JerRic, you are awesome, intelligent, witty. You know, that kind of stuff.”

  “Yeah, ditto.” I laughed.

  JerRic laughed. “I love you, Beth. You know that?”

  “Jer!” I shook my head.

  “I do.” He shrugged. “Now is as good of time as any to say it.”

  “Jer, we've been dating like two days and you break out the 'L' word?” I crossed my legs and faced him.

  “We've been dating longer than that.” He tilted his head toward me.

  “In your head.” I tapped his temple and smirked.

  JerRic smiled and caught my hand. He wove his fingers through mine. “You can't tell me you don't feel it.”

  I swallowed. “You know I do. I wouldn't have married you if I didn't feel something... I'm just not ready to call it love yet.” I shook my head slightly.

  “Does it bother you if I do?” My new husband's eyes met mine.

  I swallowed again. I tried to pull my hand free. JerRic wouldn't let me. He wanted an answer. I hated that, and I loved that about him... love. I let out a deep breath.

  “Honestly, yeah, it makes me a little uncomfortable... but in a good way. You feel what you feel, Jer. If you want to say it... go ahead.” I bit my lower lip.

  JerRic took my hand to his lips and kissed.

  “You're not going to make this easy on me, are you, Jer?” I sighed.

  JerRic chuckled. “We're good together, Beth. You and I both know it... and that's part of why I love you.”

  “I think I'm ready for bed.” I stood up.

  JerRic stood up too.

  “You're not getting anywhere with me tonight.” I pointed at him.

  “So there's always tomorrow?” JerRic laughed.

  I rolled my eyes. “Shut up, Jer.” I took his hand and walked into the bedroom. I let go of his hand and walked closer to the bed.

  “You tucking me in?” JerRic touched his necklace, and the firelight disappeared from the Main Room before he closed the bedroom door.

  I laughed. “Nope, you are out of luck, Babe.”

  “Babe, I like that.” JerRic had a smile in his voice.

  I crawled into bed and was asleep before JerRic joined me.

  30

  Irolled over. I was sure I rolled into the wall. My bed isn't against the wall. My eyes flew open. I was staring at JerRic. His mouth was half open on his pillow.

  I smiled and stretched. I closed my eyes and let the day before sink in. I was married to JerRic Write, and we were stuck in some old-time village named Angeline.

  Mom. I sighed. I hoped she would understand all this. JerRic assured me that Maddy and Peter would understand. I hoped that he was right.

  I opened my eyes and studied my husband. I touched JerRic's arm. He instinctively put his arm around me and tucked me in with a steel-grip.

  I didn't mind. It gave me time to think. JerRic was kind of cute when he was sleeping. I brushed his hair out of his eyes. My hand stayed on his cheek a moment. I took it back. He said he loved me.

  JerRic's eyes opened. “Hey.” A smile crossed his lips.

  “Good morning, sleepyhead.” I smiled.

  JerRic moved over slightly and laid his head next to my shoulder. His eyes looked up at me with pure love. Mom had been right when she commented on the pictures from the fair.

  I brushed his hair out of his eyes. He usually had it styled. I kissed his forehead.

  “I like waking up like this.” JerRic smiled.

  “Me too.” I admitted.

  “We should do something fun today.” He propped himself up on his elbow.

  “What did you have in mind?” I scooted closer.

  “It depends if you are brave or not.” JerRic's eyes were playful.

  “I married you. I'm pretty sure that makes me brave.” I smirked.

  JerRic laughed. “I would call that an intelligent move on your part. I'm a catch.” He grinned.

  I laughed and got out of bed.

  “Where are you going?” JerRic's disposition dropped.

  “Bathroom. Breakfast.” I grinned.

  “Breakfast sounds good.” JerRic yawned and stretched.

  I was still chuckling as I entered the bathroom.

  31

  “Okay, miss brave woman hear me roar, are you ready for...?” JerRic paused.

  “You neglected to finish that sentence.” I pointed at him suspiciously.

  “I think it would be better if I just showed you.” JerRic flashed me a grin.

  “Jer, I've seen that smile. I know what it means.” I made a face. He had used that expression when he was trying to get something over on Dylan.

  “Understandable assessment.” JerRic opened the door. “Shall we?”

  I walked over to him. “I don't trust you.” I frowned.

  “Yeah, you do.” JerRic's eyes glistened with amusement.

  “Where are we going?” We were halfway down the path away from our home.

  “If I tell you, you might say no.” JerRic whispered in my ear.

  “Then I should just say no and go back now.” I took a step backwards.

  “Beth!” JerRic complained. “Please.”

  I let him take my wrist, and I walked beside of him. “So on a scale of...?”

  “It will be a memorable experience.” JerRic interrupted.

 

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