The Anniversary Waltz by Darrel Nelson

Author:Darrel Nelson
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Charisma House
Published: 2012-05-14T00:00:00+00:00

Sunlight danced lazily on the water, shimmering in rhythm to the listless current, as they tied the horses in the shade and walked down to the river. Cottonwoods and willows bordered the river, pressing down to the water’s edge and creating an atmosphere of seclusion.

“It’s so beautiful here,” Elizabeth said.

Especially now, Adam thought as he glanced at her from the corner of his eye. “There’s a nice grassy spot down this trail,” he said, pointing to his left. “The river bends, creating a large pool. It used to be Ty’s and my swimming hole. Our old Tarzan rope swing is still there. Some kids have discovered the place, I noticed, because there’s a small raft sitting abandoned on the shore.”

“Come on, I’ll race you there,” she said, rushing ahead. “What is it with you and races?” he said, addressing the empty space beside him.

Elizabeth was already running through the tall grass that lined the trail. She flitted in and out of the trees like the shadow of a bird soaring overhead. Pausing briefly, she poked her head from behind a tree farther down the trail. The sunlight caught the reflection in her eyes, highlighting their color. The breeze lifted her hair gently away from her shoulders, and she smiled impishly.

Jolted into action, he took off after her.

She laughed and continued down the trail, her dress billowing like wings.

Adam followed in pursuit, but she disappeared around a bend in the path. When he finally burst into the grassy clearing, she was nowhere to be seen. He scanned the area, puzzled, before noticing her on the raft, struggling to keep her balance as she used a long pole to push off from the shore.

“You’d better get back here before you fall in,” he called to her.

She looked at him in playful defiance. “Make me.”

Adam leaned against a nearby cottonwood tree and considered the situation. He noticed a few rocks lying half buried in the grass. Prying up a rock about the size of a cantaloupe, he passed it ominously back and forth between his hands. “I sailed across the Atlantic on an army transport ship,” he said. “We had to travel a zigzag course to avoid torpedoes.” He drew back his arm. “You’d better start zigzagging!”

He launched the rock. It landed near the raft, sending a column of water cascading into the air. The splash reached her, and she squealed in complaint, almost losing her balance as she tried to maneuver the raft out of range.

A second rock landed even closer.

“You’re getting me all wet!” she protested.

Another rock sent a wave of water coursing over the raft. She squealed again and dropped the pole in an attempt to protect her-self. “Look what you made me do!” she exclaimed loudly, eyeing the pole in dismay as it floated out of reach.

Adam picked up an even larger rock and balanced it carefully. “We could call a truce.”

“Yes, truce, truce!” He dropped the rock and dusted off his hands. “See, safe passage. You’re free to dock, Captain.

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