Chapter 20

Abby woke up early, feeling excited and refreshed, like a kid on Christmas morning. She got dressed quickly, putting on her favorite cozy sweater and leggings, and went downstairs to find Trystan already up and making breakfast. The smell of freshly brewed coffee and scrambled eggs filled the air, making her stomach growl with hunger. Her mouth watered as she watched Trystan expertly flip the eggs in the pan. "Morning, beautiful," Trystan said, giving her a kiss on the cheek and a warm smile. "Ready for our adventure?" Abby nodded eagerly, taking a seat at the table and pouring herself a cup of coffee. "More than ready," she replied, digging into the delicious breakfast. The scrambled eggs were fluffy, the bacon crispy, and the toast perfectly toasted. After fueling up, they loaded up the car, Lily and Derek chattering excitedly in the backseat. Abby helped Lily into her car seat, giving her a kiss on the cheek. "Ready for a fun trip, baby girl?" Lily cooed, her big emerald eyes sparkling with excitement. As they drove through the winding mountain roads, Abby felt her heart fill with joy and gratitude. The scenery was breathtaking – towering trees, sparkling lakes, and majestic mountains. She rolled down her window, feeling the cool mountain air on her face and listening to the sound of birds chirping. This trip was already shaping up to be the perfect getaway.

As they continued driving, the scenery only grew more beautiful. Abby marveled at the towering trees, their leaves rustling in the gentle breeze like nature's own symphony. She spotted a few deer grazing in a nearby meadow, their large brown eyes watching the car pass by with gentle curiosity. Trystan reached out and took her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze that sent shivers down her spine. "I'm so glad we're doing this," he said, his eyes never leaving the road as he navigated the winding mountain paths. "Me too," Abby replied, feeling grateful for this little family vacation that was already filling her heart with joy. They drove for a few more hours, the scenery growing even more breathtaking. Abby spotted a few waterfalls cascading down the mountainside, their misty veils rising into the air like nature's own bridal veil. She felt like she was stepping into a fairy tale, surrounded by such natural beauty that it took her breath away. The mountains rose up around them, their peaks hiding in the clouds like giants playing hide and seek. Finally, they arrived at the cozy bed and breakfast Trystan had booked. It was a charming little cottage with a steeply pitched roof and a porch surrounded by flowers that bloomed in every color of the rainbow. Abby felt like she was stepping into a storybook, one that was filled with magic and wonder. The sign above the door read "Welcome to Willow Creek B&B" in letters that seemed to dance in the breeze. Abby's heart skipped a beat as Trystan turned off the engine and turned to her with a smile. "We're here," he said, his eyes sparkling with excitement.

She felt a surge of anticipation as she gazed up at the charming bed and breakfast. The porch creaked gently in the breeze, inviting her to come and sit awhile. Abby could almost smell the freshly baked cookies wafting from the kitchen, enticing her to come inside. Trystan opened his door and stepped out, stretching his arms over his head. Abby followed suit, feeling the warm sun on her skin as she emerged from the car. Lily and Derek tumbled out after her, eager to explore their new surroundings. The bed and breakfast's owner, a warm-smiling woman named Mrs. Jenkins, greeted them on the porch. "Welcome, welcome! I'm so glad you're here. Come on in, and I'll show you to your rooms." Abby felt a sense of relaxation wash over her as she stepped inside. The interior was just as charming as the exterior, with plush armchairs, vintage rugs, and walls adorned with local artwork. Mrs. Jenkins led them to their rooms, each one uniquely decorated with a mountain theme. Abby's room had a beautiful quilt with a deer pattern, while Trystan's had a rustic wooden headboard. Lily and Derek shared a room with twin beds and a loft bed, perfect for their adventurous spirits. After freshening up, they gathered in the common room for a delicious dinner of roasted chicken, mashed potatoes, and green beans. Abby felt grateful for this little family vacation, surrounded by the people she loved most. As they finished dinner, Mrs. Jenkins announced, "Tonight, we have a special treat – a campfire with s'mores and stories!" Abby's heart skipped a beat as she glanced at Trystan, who was smiling at her with excitement. This was shaping up to be the perfect night.