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“So, Aria,” I begin, tucking her quilt around her little body. “How would you feel about having a sleepover at Uncle Mike’s and Aunt Judy's this weekend?” They're not really her aunt and uncle—they're my cousin and his wife—but they’re the closest family we have in the area, and they have two kids around Aria's age.
Aria lights up briefly, then her eyes narrow, curiosity piqued. “Why?”
I chuckle, knowing her interest is as much about the potential for fun at Mike’s as it is about what I might be up to. “Well, it’s sort of a special weekend. Just for the adults, though. Natalie and I need to... recharge a bit, you know?”
Aria considers this, then nods, satisfied. Her excitement reemerges. “Okay! Will my cousins be there?”
“Yes, you’ll have lots of company. I bet you’ll have loads of fun too,” I reassure her, happy to see her warming up to the idea.
“Okay! I hope you have fun too, Daddy. Make sure you do something cool!” she responds, her tone earnest, and I make a silent promise to both myself and Aria to make the most of my time away.
Her easy acceptance and well-wishes lift a weight from my shoulders. Knowing Aria will be in good hands and looking forward to her own ‘vacation’ makes it easier for me to focus on the special time ahead with Natalie.
Maybe I really can do this, find the right balance between parenting and personal needs. Maybe this will be better for me, and all the people I care about.
CHAPTER 28
NATALIE
The weekend arrives faster than I expected, the days blurring together under the weight of my responsibilities at the Langford and the constant worry over what might happen next.
Julian’s invitation for a weekend getaway was a welcome surprise, and while the proposal brought relief, I wonder if I’ll actually be able to relax with everything I have on my mind.
Even now as Julian and I set off on our road trip up to the cabin, a part of me is tethered back to the town, to the ongoing issues and potential calls from the police with updates on the situation. Hopefully I can find a way to step back from all of it—just for twenty-four hours, at the very least—and focus on my relationship with Julian.
Julian seems to sense my stress as we drive. He reaches over, giving my hand a gentle squeeze, pulling me back to the present. "Hey, it’s just the two of us this weekend," he says with a reassuring smile. "Everything else will still be waiting for us when we get back."
His words, simple and sincere, start to ease the knot of tension in my chest. It’s been so long since I allowed myself to truly step away from my responsibilities, to enjoy a moment purely for the joy it brings. Julian’s unexpected confidence that we can afford this break, his insistence on it, gradually wears down my reservations.
As the town of Mariposa fades in the rearview mirror, Julian turns on a playlist of old favorites we used to listen to back in the day. The familiar melodies fill the car, weaving a calming spell that reminds me of a simpler time.
"I packed us some snacks," he reveals with a playful grin, nodding toward the back seat where he's packed a cooler and several grocery bags.
"What did you bring?" I ask, curiosity piqued, feeling the first real flutter of excitement about our getaway.
"You'll see," he teases, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "All your favorites, I promise. I want this weekend to be perfect for you—for us."
The landscape rolls by, a picturesque blur of greens and browns as we drive through the countryside. I let myself sink into the seat, the soft hum of the engine and the melody from the speakers lulling me into a rare state of relaxation.
Julian’s thoughtfulness, the effort he’s put into planning this escape, touches me deeply. He's been under so much pressure lately that I never expected anything like this from him, but somehow, he's thought of everything.
Feeling reassured that his care for me hasn't diminished under the weight of our stressful situation, I find Julian's hand again, tracing light circles on his palm while he drives. Hopefully during this time together, I'll be able to tell him how I truly feel. I find myself smiling, genuinely content for the first time in what feels like forever. Maybe I’ll tell him about the baby too, if all goes well.
As the road stretches before us, winding through hills and past serene lakes, I allow myself to fully embrace the escape. We sing along to the music, undeterred by our terrible lack of vocal talent, and munch on the snacks of our youth: Twizzlers, Nutter Butters, Cheetos. I can't remember the last time we had this much fun together.
As we pull up to the cabin, its rustic charm immediately strikes me. Nestled amid towering pines with a backdrop of rolling hills, the cabin is a gorgeous escape from the buzz of our everyday lives. The wooden structure, with its big windows and large, welcoming porch, promises a retreat that's both serene and intimate.
Heavy on the intimate. I can get behind that.
Julian parks the car, and we step out, stretching our legs while taking in the expansive forest. I can't help but feel a wave of excitement wash over me; this is exactly what we needed.
“What?” Julian cocks an eyebrow at hearing me giggle.
“I think I actually hear a brook babbling.”
He stops in his tracks to listen, and I see the moment he hears it too.
“Perfect,” he grins, throwing our bags over his broad shoulder and taking my hand.
