Page 64 of Finding Parker

It felt strange to even say. I had spent time with Kenton and Downes on an almost daily basis for the last six months, and to not see either of them for two weeks would seem odd. In some respects I suspect it could be a welcomed change, allowing Victoria and I some time alone without feeling a need to rush out and do something. At any rate, the thought of not hearing Kenton’s voice was somewhat unsettling.

Downes bent his knees and lowered himself to the top step and sat down, “Yes, regretfully so. Mr. Ward asked that you pry a few of those dollar bills from your account and take the wife on a small vacation.”

I rolled my eyes and sat down on the bottom step, “Maybe so. I suppose we have no reason not to now. We’ll need to kill some time with you two away.”

“Do you need a ride to the airport?” I looked up and asked.

“No, I’ll leave the car in the extended parking,” he responded.

“Please, let me take you. There’s no need…”

Downes interrupted before I finished speaking, “No, I’ll drive myself. I have no idea of when I’ll return.”

“Very well,” I lowered my head and stared down at the stone drive.

“Please, take some time for you and Victoria while we’re away. Kenton insisted,” he placed his hand on my shoulder and squeezed lightly.

“I didn’t even see you come down,” I grinned as I looked up.

I thought about what he said. Victoria and I could kill some time while they were away, and possibly have fun somewhere nice. We had yet to take a honeymoon, and had spent all of our time moving her into my condo.

“Maybe so. We’ll see. I’ll let her know when I get home that you’re gone and see what she says. So you need any help?” I asked.

As he knelt beside me, his hand still resting on my shoulder, he responded, “No. Go be with your bride. I’ll load the bags. Just…”

As I stood from the step, he opened his arms and hugged me, “Just take care of her, Parker.”

Parker, he called me Parker.

“Now and always,” I smiled.

As my car rounded the fountain and headed for the gate, I felt empty and somewhat scared. As I waited for the gate to open, allowing me to exit, I looked in the rearview mirror. The estate looked back at me in the form of a reflection.

And it appeared extremely small.

PARKER. Victoria and I had been on the road for almost three weeks. Although we had received an occasional email from either Downes or Kenton, it was almost as if it really didn’t matter – at least not now. Our time spent on vacation had been filled with events and sights which consumed us. Neither of us had previously spent much time outside of California. Personally, my feet had only been planted in two states, Ohio and California. Victoria’s in California alone.

Until now.

After a drive along the Pacific Coastal Highway and through northern California, we ventured to Las Vegas. After a week of sightseeing and shopping and we were exhausted of the lights, noise, repeated buzzing, bells, and screaming from the gamblers. A short drive from Las Vegas, and we arrived at the Grand Canyon; where we found comfort, relaxation, and a sense of well-being neither of us had ever known.

“We’ve been here for a week,” Victoria grinned from her perch above the south rim of the canyon, standing on a large stone.

“I could stay for another,” I sighed.

“It’s just…”

She turned to face me, “It’s just so breathtaking – every part of it. And like I told you the other day, it makes everything else in life seem so insignificant and small.”

“I agree. Some people ask for proof of God’s existence. One look at this,” I motioned out over the canyon, “and they’ll need nothing else.”

“Precisely,” Victoria agreed.

Her blonde hair blew in the light breeze as she stood and stared into the canyon. Today, for whatever reason, her eyes seemed a little greener and much less brown. Although her appearance was always one of beauty, she seemed much more beautiful today – standing in the sun – than she ever had previously. Slowly, I walked toward her as she absorbed the magic the canyon offered. As I reached to brush her hair behind her ear and expose her face, she tilted her head to the side, allowing it to fall.

I wrapped my hand softly around the base of her neck and leaned into her, kissing her deeply. As we continued to kiss, as with every time in the past, I filled with a sense of contentment – a sense of knowing. Knowing Victoria and I would remain together until, as Kenton had previously stated, the bitter end.

As our lips parted, she grinned, “I love kissing you, Parker.”