I had to admit I was emotionally drained as well. We packed up most of our camp, except our tent before we crawled inside. The double wide sleeping bag beckoned. The evening was cooling, and we left the outer door open, zipping the screen to keep the scorpions out.

Chayton curled around me from behind, stroking the curve of my hip. His touch somehow more than it was. Deeply receptive, I trembled. Something which had never happened to me before. He moved my braid aside, kissing the back of my neck. A soft benediction.

"Thank you, love." His words were simple, but his gratitude made me shiver. To have this much impact on his life was both a gift and responsibility which required careful tending. A realization which was a gut clencher for me.

"I love you, Chayton. This is how we heal, and I understand my grandmother's words on a level I didn't when she said them. Love is a gift of giving. Without thought of the cost or reward. You won't understand until there is someone in your life, a mate or child in most cases. You do because there is not another choice."

I felt him nod against my back.

"She is and was a very wise woman. It's not a concept one can understand in depth until life has taught you a few lessons. Again, thank you."

I wanted his touch. Guiding his hands to my breasts. Tenderness and wonder came to me, as if it were the very first time for us. The joy of discovery as I rolled over to meet his lips and we continued to explore with quiet sensitivity. Time stopped and my universe narrowed. Nothing else mattered but showing him exactly what he meant to me.

When we joined, driving each other toward our peak, I finally understood the difference between making love and having sex. Nothing prepared me for the intensity.

As we calmed afterward, enjoying the after shocks, Chayton said, "Let's go out and clean up in the creek. It isn't much of a flow, but it will do."

"Clothes?"

"Not a chance. It isn't that cold yet."

I giggled. "I haven't gone nude since I was a small child. But let's go."

He rolled up to his feet and extended his hand to help me to mine. I slipped my feet into my boots. Risking cuts wasn't a good idea, and Chayton did the same.

"Race you?"

I laughed. I knew I was quicker, on the short runs, but his endurance was better. We found out during our morning workouts before we left the cabin.

"You're on."

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Mauro met us in Kanarraville. The ride through the pass with a stop at the falls, was amazing. We found quite a few hikers enjoying the wilderness and one group which was quite vocal about insisting we should be arrested for riding. Chayton smiled and gave them the Parks 1-800 number to call.

We wound our way through the pass on the opposite side of the river. Even with the lack of a path, it was better than sharing our peace with the hordes. I was lost in thought when Chayton slowed ahead of me. Stopping beside him, I asked, "What's up?"

"We've got maybe a mile or two to go until we come out at the bridge and town isn't far from there. This battery is dead on the satellite phone, so we need to stop somewhere and change it out. I'm reluctant to head back into the work."

"I know what you mean. It's almost time to turn on the cell phones again. I told Edison I was going dark for a week to ten days. I'm scared to see the messages and emails."

"There's a little clearing ahead. We'll let the horses and mules graze and take a break. Let's promise ourselves a trip like this every time we need time to let go of work. No contact with the world for at least a week. It's been an incredible time." Chayton stopped Bingo in the middle of a picturesque mini meadow.

I held out my hand toward him and said, "Let's shake on that. Balance between work and rest is something I've ignored for far too long." His grip was firm as we sealed the deal.

"Look," I pointed down to my feet, spotting what my nose already scented. "Wild strawberries. Unusual this late in the season." I dropped to crouch and pluck the tiny morsels and pop them in my mouth. "Watch where you step. I think the horses already crushed quite a few, and I know I did."

"Nothing like the cultivated ones, are they?" Chayton joined me and we made a quick snack of the succulent ripe red berries. "Another reminder that Mother Earth will provide if you know where to look."

I nodded, then licked the red stains of juice off my fingers. "A perfect way to end our trip."

I watched as Chayton changed out the phone battery. It rang immediately when he turned it back on.

"Hello?" he answered. He nodded several times. "I'll be back in the office in two days." Another pause, and he said, "Thanks for leaving us alone for so long." He nodded and continued, "Yes, sir. I'll be ready to go." He ended the call and sighed.

"Well?" I prompted.

"They've identified the buyers from the auction. The list Chief Choogan and his grandmother gave us, has several matches. I'm to join the ICE team. Two of them are illegally in the U.S. right now."

"Then we'd better find Mauro and get back to the cabin."

Work was back. This time I was ready to face the battle.

He nodded. "I'm going on the road. I don't want to leave you behind, but you have a trial to prep for. It sucks."

"It does. But we can handle it." I tucked my left foot into my stirrup and swung up onto Star's back.

"Shouldn't be for more than a few days. The quicker we get back the faster it'll be over with." He settled into his saddle as he spoke and kicked Bingo into a trot.

I followed, wondering if we had any plea bargains to deal with. Considering the number of offenders charged, I hoped majority were already awaiting a court date. Star followed her mate and I wished I could follow mine.