The irony didn't escape either of us. Two people, who just recently met, enjoy their third date over a thousand miles from home... And what a date it was, Darling. The 48 hours we had together went by way too fast but I remember every minute, every detail, every touch, every look, every smell, every sound... That's why I think you asked me, before our last kiss, to write what transpired – so we each could hold on to this time together forever...
It was nothing short of miraculous that our schedules allowed for such a tryst. When the window of opportunity presented itself, we looked at each other in disbelief but then... we each mulled the possibilities over and over until the idea of a fantasy trip started to meld into a reality! It didn't take long for us to toss caution to the wind and set forth a chain of events that eventually led to you touching down at a remote airport just a few minutes before one on that special Friday afternoon.
Jackson Airport, in the heart of the Wyoming ski country, is a tiny, yet crowed, facility. Once on the ground it actually took you only minutes to exit the plane and find your way to the baggage ramp. I was there and I saw you before you saw me...
The seconds dragged on until finally our eyes met. I was directly ahead of you leaning against a pillar. All the noise; the bustle, the announcements, the baby's cries, the shrieks of loved ones seeing their families, goes silent as our eyes meet... Your smile beamed and I found myself hearing nothing except my heart beating...
You walk towards me and I towards you. Our pace quickens and two steps before we join you drop your carry-on and purse... Then in a sight fit for a picture, you wrap your arms around my neck and press your body next to mine.
"Wow, it's really you and you're really here" I say.
"Yes... it's really me and I'm really here..." you reply.
I look into your eyes and my smile grows even bigger.
And we kiss.
Our two previous dates included plenty of smooching, but this kiss... a kiss between lovers standing in the baggage claim area of a tiny airport in Wyoming, was special. I felt the tingling of electricity travel from the top of my neck all the way down to my knees... I looked down to make sure my shoes were still on!
We could have stood there for hours but there was a schedule to keep and slowly I release you. Hand in hand we collect your one checked bag and head to the exit.
Outside, the weather is changing. What was first a bright day has morphed into a sky of slate gray... The forecasters got it wrong again... the snows that were expected on Saturday have decided to arrive a day early...
We race to our truck. I have a surprise in store for you but first we must be driven south for an hour. Paul, a hired driver, takes your bag and opens the door for you. You climb into the truck and I follow. The darkening sky dropped the temperature a few degrees so we snuggle up together until the cab warms up...
"There's a cooler with some lunch in it!" Paul states.
We look and sure enough there's a small ice chest with sandwiches and sodas. We are both starving so we dig right in... No booze on this leg of the trip... we've got more to do!!!
We enjoy our lunch listening to Paul tell us about the history of the area. We drive south from Jackson on Hwy 189, which takes us along the south edge of the Wind River and the foothills of the Wind River Mountain Range. The countryside looks desolate... but there was a lot of history to learn about the area.
Finally, we reach the outskirts of the tiny town of Bondurant. This is where Paul turns off the highway and onto a dirt road. One mile of bumps and we've reached our destination.
The surprise I have for you is this... We are going to ride horses the last 3 miles to our cabin! I remember the look on your face when I told you this... I wasn't sure if you were surprised, shocked, angry or excited!!!
We exit the truck and immediately notice the colder weather. Paul had been monitoring the weather... the snow was falling faster than expected but we should be able to get to the cabin before the heavy stuff started to fall. So, without wasting any time, we grab our bags and walk over to the small stable tucked away in the woods.
Your mount is a chestnut mare named Roxie. I'm going to ride a palomino named Ashland. Paul helps with the saddles and within minutes are gear is set and we're ready to mount.
Paul gives you a brief horse riding lesson and soon your left foot is in the stirrup and your bootie is firmly planted in the saddle. Roxie is a veteran trail horse and she knows to follow Ashland... so without a hitch, we depart the stable and head to the trail leading us up the mountain side.
We can barely talk to each other about anything else but riding the trail since commanding these horses takes all of our concentration. But, in between trail checks I spy looks at you. Your hair is down and drapes over your shoulders beautifully. Your face looks fresh and seeing you concentrate flatters your appearance. Shelly, you looked magnificent upon Roxie and I started to have fantasies about seeing in you in your black boots and nothing else...
My mind was snapped back to reality by the increasing snow fall. The trail was becoming covered in snow and we slowed the horses down a bit. 10 minutes later, there's half a foot of snow on the ground! Soon after that, there's almost a foot!
The horses are becoming unsure of their footing so I decide to dismount and walk our party the rest of the way. I tether Ashland to Roxie and lead us through the snow.
You were so cold, Shelly, but you kept smiling and talking to me. When I heard your teeth chatter, I grabbed a trail blanket out of one of my saddle bags and reach up to try to cover your shoulders with it. Your skin was pink from the cold but your smile was bright... your eyes sparkled...
You decide that you've had enough riding so you ask to walk with me. Of course! That would warm you up... so I help you dismount and we walk hand in hand the last mile...
We smell the cabin before we see it. Coming around the last bend in the trail the heavy snowfall has trapped some of the chimney smoke and our noses are treated to a whiff of burning firewood. We both delight in the fact that Paul has prepared our cabin for us!
The snow is almost two feet deep and each step is hard but we press on and shortly we arrive at the adjoining stables. You help me dress the horses and as I pack away the saddles you brush each of our mounts. Food and water is waiting for Ashland and Roxie and they are only too happy to call it a day and spend the weekend munching on oats and staying warm!
I grab the saddle bags and take your arm. Together we march from the stables to the stairs of the cabin. Before we make our short climb, I turn to you.
"Thank you for coming this weekend..."
And I kiss you.
And see a snowflake land on your cheek.
"You are very, very welcome..." you reply with a rosy grin.
"Let's get warmed up." I say as I lead us up the stairs.
We walk the steps to the door and I unlock it. The warmth greats us like a downy blanket and we can't wait to rush inside and shut the door.
This part of the entranceway is covered in a large rubber mat... designed to accommodate the removal of snowy clothes. We fumble with our gloves and our jackets but soon we have our heavy gear perched on the wall pegs.
I reach out and put one hand on your chilly cheek and bring your face to mine. Our lips press ever so slightly and our eyes close... I touch your other cheek with my free hand and our kiss grows deeper. We open our eyes and spend a few seconds looking into the depths of each other...
I'm cold but the kiss has warmed me up... you too judging from the flush on your neck...
Again, we separate since our clothes are soaked and need to be removed.
"How about a hot tub to warm us up?" I suggest.
"A hot tub... HERE???"
"Yes, take a look out on the deck... it's tucked away on the right. It's large but doesn't block the view of the mountains..."
