CALIFORNIA PARADISE
Chapter Twenty-Six

The remainder of their stay in Chippewa Falls was heavenly. The sun that had greeted them at the beginning of their arrival was soon hidden by clouds. On the third day of their stay, it began to rain. And then hail.

"Usually, it snows," Jack told Rose.

"I don’t care. This is a thousand times more beautiful."

He looked out at the dreary weather skeptically and laughed. "You think this is beauty?"

"Of course. Look right there where the clouds are beginning to part. You can see the sun peeking through, and then it shines on the raindrops to make them look like gems. If that isn’t beautiful, then what is?"

*****

On the last day, they said good-bye to everyone.

"I’ll miss you." Rose hugged Justin. She felt the warmth of his lean chest against her own and felt his hot breath on her neck. For the last time, she took in his scent. It was an unearthly scent, and seemed to come from an island of paradise.

"I’ll love you always and forever," he whispered in her ear.

Chapter Twenty-Seven
Stories