Quickly Kaleb gets out of the car, grabs the blanket, and then reaches in for me. Because there is such and air of urgency in Kaleb I forget to bring my scarf and I don't remember it until we are part way down the trail. Since I have to almost run to keep up with Kaleb's long strides I don't bother to say anything to him about the scarf. Suddenly he stops. Being that I am right behind him and concentrating on keeping up, I never see him stop and I run directly into him. Spinning around he catches me as I fall.
"My Dear, I am so sorry. I should have slowed down. Please forgive me." Catching my breath I assure him that I am okay, but I need a minute. "That's okay. I am sorry, I should not have gone that fast, but I am so excited about this, that I don't want to waste a minute of it." Suddenly he gets very serious. "This is a big step for you though. If you are having second thoughts, I understand. I would understand if you decide that you want your first time to be in the comfort of a bed, instead of on the hard ground. I am just so...oh I just want this to be perfect for you."
Finally I reach up and place my hand over his mouth. "Kaleb, stop. I am excited about this too. Yes, I am nervous, but I so want you to teach me what it is like to actually be alive, and to be a woman. It has been so long since I have felt anything that I don't even know what to expect. I know things from what I've read, but I also know that fiction is fiction."
As we round a corner I have to gasp at the sight that spreads out in front of me. There it is. The Grand Canyon. I feel Kaleb behind me come up close and put his arms around me. He gently hugs me into his body and I can feel his hard muscles against me. "Maria, this is it. This is the perfect place." Looking around, I see a small overhang behind us. I take his hand and lead him over to it.