Sunshine Valley

Let’s ride

     The balloon was inflated and ready to go when they pulled up. After they were given some basic instructions, the sky was starting to change color on the horizon. They floated from town over Evie’s home place and hovered over Dillon’s. Teka was playing in her pen as if she knew they were watching. 

     Her dad sighed, “God does beautiful work.” 

     This year, the weather had been kinder than in years past. Leaves had color. God’s fall was breath taking. Red, orange, yellow, the colors glistened in the rising sun. A breeze made them appear to wave at the morning travelers. 

     Evie leaned into Dillon and he put his arm around her. In the moment, she was calm. This was peaceful. 

    “Dad?” 

     He turned to look at her. Tears streaming down his face. “Beautiful, hummin’ bird. Beautiful.”

     Dillon held her a little closer. He was dying inside. This, this was perfect. There were so many questions he wanted to ask her. One question was paramount on his mind. When he looked down at her, she was looking up at him, smiling. She was so beautiful. 

     He put his hands over hers. ‘So warm,’ Evie moaned in her mind. Suddenly, he was playing with her fingers. When she looked down at her hand, there was a ring on her finger. 

     “Are you sure?” She whispered.

     “I’ve been shore since I was 16.”

     When they kissed, her dad shouted. He stretched out his arms, shouting. 

Sunshine Valley