Book 2: Chapter 3

 Chapter 3:  River of Dreams

Days 1-2: Travel & The Journey Begins

Let’s Give Them Something to Talk About

The Chicago airport was alive in that peculiar way only big terminals ever are—rolling suitcases whispering over tile, voices calling out gate numbers, the low, constant hum of motion in every direction. Mark and Kimmy stood shoulder to shoulder beneath the departures board, watching rows of destinations flicker and settle.

“There,” Mark said, nodding toward the screen. “Portland. Five gates down. We’re close, baby—you okay?”

Kimmy gave him a small smile and nodded. The first leg from Charlotte had been longer and less comfortable than she’d hoped, and her hand rested unconsciously at her belly as if to reassure herself—and him—that all was still well.

They made their way to the gate and set their carry-ons beside a pair of empty seats. Kimmy eased down carefully and stretched her legs out, propping her feet on the suitcase with a grateful sigh.

“How about I grab you a Diet Coke,” Mark said. “You sit. I’ll be right back.”

She smiled up at him. “You’re my hero.”

When he returned a few minutes later, he spotted her immediately—not resting this time, but talking animatedly, hands moving as she laughed with a couple seated beside her. That familiar, easy smile was on her face, the one that always told him she’d found someone new to befriend.

“Oh, hi, baby!” Kimmy said when she saw him. “This is Kandi and Bill—they’re from Boston. They’re on our cruise too!”

Handshakes were exchanged, and within minutes the four of them were swapping travel stories—where they’d been, where they’d hoped to go next, how they’d ended up choosing this particular trip. It felt easy and light, the kind of small, pleasant connection that makes a long travel day feel shorter.

The flight to Portland was quieter. Kimmy dozed against Mark’s shoulder, her breathing slow and even, while he held her hand and listened to music, watching clouds slide past the window. Every so often he glanced down at her, at the soft curve of her cheek, the way her hair fell across his arm, and felt that quiet, steady gratitude settle in his chest.

By the time they landed, the afternoon light was already beginning to soften.

Outside baggage claim, a woman with an American Cruise Lines badge and a clipboard called out cheerfully, “Welcome to Portland! I’ll be escorting you to the American Queen and getting you settled on board. May I have your names?”

Mark gave them, and the woman’s eyes flicked to Kimmy’s belly and then back up with a warm smile. “Your first?”

Kimmy beamed, her hand moving instinctively to rest there. “Yes—it’s our first. It’s a boy.”

“Well, congratulations!” the woman said brightly. “You’re going to love relaxing on board.”

Within forty minutes, they were walking along the dock, the river stretching wide and calm beside them. Mark slowed for a moment, looking up at the ship.

“Look at the size of that paddle wheel, honey,” he said, a little awed.

Up close, the Queen of the West felt both grand and welcoming, all polished wood and quiet efficiency. The crew greeted them, and at reception they were guided up to the second deck and into their river-view stateroom.

The door had barely closed behind them before Kimmy spun once in place and flopped back onto the bed with a laugh. “We made it!”

She lifted her arms. “Come here, honey.”

Mark joined her, and she curled into him, looking up into his eyes.

“Sorry I wasn’t much company on the trip,” she said softly. “I was just so—”

He touched a finger to her lips. “Not a word. You did great. Want to know the best part of the whole trip for me?”

She smiled. “What?”

“When you were asleep on my shoulder,” he said. “That part felt like I was taking care of you.”

Her smile softened, and she kissed him quickly. “Come on. We’ve only got about an hour before dinner—and I told Kandi we’d sit with them.”

They changed into comfortable clothes and headed down to the first deck. Kandi and Bill waved them over, already seated.

“Where are you guys?” Bill asked.

“Deck two,” Mark said. “Stateroom 225.”

Kandi laughed. “We’re right above you—325. We’ll try to keep it down!”

Dinner was easy and full of laughter, the kind of meal where stories overlap and time passes without anyone noticing. Somewhere between the main course and dessert, the Queen of the West eased away from the dock and began her slow glide along the Columbia, the water darkening as evening settled in.

As Mark finished his ice cream sundae, he glanced at his watch. “We’ve got about fifteen minutes before the meeting in the lounge. Baby, do you want to stop by the room first, or are you good?”

Kimmy thought for a second. “I’d like to grab a sweater. And maybe after the meeting we could go up to the top deck?”

Kandi and Bill exchanged tired smiles. “We’re heading straight to bed after,” Kandi said. “But we’ll save you seats in the lounge.”

Back in the room, Kimmy slipped on her sweater and fixed her hair. “Ready,” she said, and they headed back down.

The lounge was crowded and buzzing with quiet conversation. As they excused themselves past a row of people, Kimmy caught a fragment of a voice—two elderly women leaning toward each other.

“Did you see the young pregnant one?” one murmured. “She’s so much younger than the man she’s with. That has to be hard.”

Kimmy’s heart skipped. She glanced at Mark out of the corner of her eye and squeezed his hand.

Good, she thought. He didn’t hear that.

The meeting lasted about half an hour, outlining the week’s plans and excursions. Halfway through, Kimmy leaned in and whispered, “It all sounds so wonderful, doesn’t it, honey?”

Mark gave her a small smile and patted her hand, but she felt the difference in him—the quiet, the distance that hadn’t been there before.

When it broke up, he turned to her. “Top deck?” he asked softly.

She slipped her arm through his. “Yes. We’ve had so many top-deck moments. It feels romantic up there.”

They climbed the stairs, Mark steadying her on the last flight. At the top she paused, catching her breath with a little laugh. “Whew… a little different when you’re carrying a little one.”

Mark leaned on the rail, looking out at the dark water sliding past beneath them.

Kimmy stepped closer and wrapped her arms around him. “You’re quiet. Tired from the travel?”

He turned and smiled, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes.

“You know I love you so much,” he said after a moment. “You… being happy… that’s all I’ll ever want. And if ever—”

She straightened immediately. He did hear, she thought. She moved to his side and turned him toward her.

“Stop,” she said quietly, but there was no uncertainty in her voice. Her eyes were steady, clear, unmovable. “You need to know something. I chose you. You—and only you. My life is complete with you. I will always love you. No matter what anyone says. You have to know that. You do, don’t you?”

He felt the tension leave his shoulders all at once, like he’d been holding a breath he didn’t realize was there.

“I do,” he said softly. “I… I needed to hear that tonight.”

She pulled him close and kissed him, slow and sure. “You and me… and…” She glanced down at her belly and smiled. “…we have the best life. We’re happy. Still.”

Above them, the moon slipped out from behind a veil of clouds, and the river caught its light, the water skipping softly beneath the steady turn of the paddle wheel as the ship carried them forward.

Day 3:  Astoria

Love in a Tower

Mark felt the soft clutch on his shirt before he was fully aware of the pale morning light slipping through the stateroom window. The river outside was a muted ribbon of silver, still and calm, and the room held that quiet, floating hush that only comes when a ship is already moving but the world hasn’t quite woken up yet.

“Morning, baby,” came the soft greeting.

He smiled as he opened his eyes. Kimmy was propped on one elbow, her bright eyes already awake and studying him like she’d been waiting for this exact moment.

“How long have you been awake?” he asked, his voice still rough with sleep. “And why are you awake already?”

She eased down and rested her head on his chest. “It’s hard to get comfortable sometimes. I’ve been up for a little bit.”

He slid his hand into her hair, brushing it back gently. “Well, that’s not right. No woman should be awake without coffee. I’ll go get it.”

She pulled him closer before he could move. “Do you have any… any idea how happy I am?”

He sighed theatrically. “You can tell me, but I’m guessing you’re just a little content?” He chuckled.

“Stop. I’m being romantic,” she said, half climbing on top of him and kissing him until he laughed. “Now… you can go get my coffee, mister.”

In the small lounge just a few steps down the hall, Mark filled two cups and glanced out the wide windows at Astoria’s skyline rising in the distance—hills, trees, and a quiet, working harbor waking up to the day. When he returned, Kimmy was sitting up in bed, gazing out their window as if she could already see the day unfolding.

“So we made it,” she said softly. “Today’s the day we visit the tower, right?”

He handed her the coffee, sat beside her, and began rubbing slow circles on her back. “It is. But I was thinking… we might just take pictures from below. You don’t need to climb all those stairs.”

She tilted her head and gave him that look. “Don’t baby me. I’m a big girl—and I’m doing it.”

He smiled, but the concern stayed in his eyes. “You’ll tell me if you change your mind, okay? We can enjoy the day without doing everything on the schedule.”

She slipped her arm through his. “Yes, baby. I promise.” And he felt the tension ease out of his shoulders. “Now let’s get breakfast.”

Later that morning, the bus pulled up near the Astoria Column, and the guide explained how the carvings were made—how the white outer layer had been cut away to reveal the darker stone beneath.

“Wow,” Kimmy whispered as they stepped off the bus.

The group gathered while the guide finished her instructions. “I’ll meet you back here in forty-five minutes. If you want to climb the 164 spiral steps, head up that sidewalk.” She gestured behind her. “And for those brave enough to go all the way up…” She reached into a big paper bag and pulled out a small balsa-wood airplane. “You get to see how far your plane will fly from the top.”

Kimmy’s face lit up. “Oh, we have to now!” She was already moving past Mark to get one.

He laughed and thought, You just can’t take the girl out of that woman.

They took their planes and started up the path. Kimmy reached back for his hand. “Come on, slowpoke!”

Halfway up, Mark asked her to stop for a minute. His heart was racing, and his back was making its opinion very clear. They climbed a few more turns, nearly two-thirds of the way, when he noticed Kimmy’s breathing had grown shallow and uneven.

“Baby… hold on.” He squeezed her hand. “Slow down. Don’t push it.”

She leaned into him, nodding. “O…kay… whew… it’s… quite… a climb, right?”

He guided her back against the wall so others could pass. “Catch your breath. We’ve got plenty of time.”

A few minutes later, she smiled again. “Okay. I’m good. To the top!”

They reached the observation deck, and Mark immediately felt the height in his knees. He put a hand on the wall, steadying himself, while Kimmy went to the railing.

“Oh wow… look at that view, honey.”

She turned and saw him hugging the wall.

“You okay?”

“It’s… um… pretty high. But I’m okay. I do want a picture.”

He asked another guest to take it. They stood by the railing, the river stretching endlessly behind them. Afterward, he stepped back, looked at the photo—and out of the corner of his eye, he spotted the two women from the night before.

He lifted his voice just a notch as he showed Kimmy the screen. “Look how very happy we are together.”

She gave him a curious look—then she saw them too. Her smile widened.

“We look great together,” she said warmly. “I couldn’t be happier, honey.” And she kissed him.

A few nearby heads turned, and more than one person smiled. He even heard someone say, “Isn’t that sweet?”

The walk down was much easier. Soon they were back on board for lunch, and Kandi and Bill joined them at the table.

“Wasn’t that fun?” Kandi asked.

Kimmy launched into a full recap, hands flying. Mark grinned at Bill and shook his head.

Bill leaned over. “I get it. Women, right?”

The girls never noticed.

Later, in the lounge, Mark took Kimmy’s hand. “Okay… promise me you’ll be honest.”

She smiled. “Yes. These are the best oatmeal raisin cookies I’ve ever had.”

He laughed. “Yes, they are. But that’s not what I meant.”

She studied him, eyes shining. “What is it?”

“We’re scheduled to go to Cape Disappointment this afternoon. But we don’t have to if you’re tired. Really. It’s okay.”

She leaned in and rested her forehead against his. “I’m good. And I promise I’ll tell you when I’m not. I want this to be like all our other trips. But…” She looked down and placed both hands on her belly. “…I know I have precious cargo. I’ll do what’s right, not just what I want.”

He kissed her forehead. “For me, just being on the ship with you—that’s already everything. The rest is just a bonus.”

An hour later, they were crossing the big bridge toward Cape Disappointment. After a short walk, they stood at the railing where the Columbia met the Pacific. The guide explained the dangerous currents and the need for local pilots.

“You’d never know,” Kimmy said softly, looking out at the calm surface, “what’s going on underneath.”

Mark slipped an arm around her. “Not to get philosophical… but it’s kind of like life. With the right captain, you get through just fine.”

She squeezed his arm. “Kandi! Can you take our picture?”

She wrapped her arms around him, and he pulled her close. Their heads leaned together naturally.

Nearby, a woman elbowed her husband. “Why can’t you be more romantic like that?”

Mark heard it—and smiled.

Kimmy looked at the photo on her phone. “Look at us.”

As the bus carried them back across the river and the sun sank toward the Pacific, the day closed the way it had begun—quiet, warm, and full of that easy, unspoken sense that they were exactly where they were supposed to be.

Day 4:  Cruising The Columbia River Gorge

Cruising Down the River

Mark could tell the day before had finally caught up with his girl by the way she moved a little slower getting ready for breakfast. They chose a small table by the window and ordered a single omelet to split, steam curling up from the plate as the ship slid steadily forward. Kimmy watched the river drift past, then reached for his hand.

“Today’s the scenic sailing, right?”

Mark smiled. “Yes. It should be a lot like Castle Day on the Rhine—long stretches of nothing but views. Lots of great photos.” He hesitated, then added, “I have an idea…”

She lifted her cup, took a sip, and set it down with a playful look. “Subject to my approval, of course, right, baby?”

“Of course,” he laughed. “Everything gets your final stamp.” Then he leaned back, and the playfulness softened into something more careful. “Yesterday was a long day… and those stairs weren’t kind to my back.”

Her smile shifted into a small, sympathetic curve. “Sorry, honey.”

“So here’s my plan,” he said. “The daily says the best scenery starts a little after ten and runs through lunch. I think we claim a spot up top, get some fresh air, and just enjoy it. So far, so good?”

She nodded. “That part gets my stamp. What else?”

He kept his smile, but his eyes stayed thoughtful. “I think it would be good for me—and for you two,” he said, nodding at her belly, “if we skip the Mount St. Helens trip.”

She made a tiny frown. “I’m okay…”

“Wait—hear me out,” he said gently. “It’s at least two and a half hours on the bus both ways. You don’t need that just to see the side of a mountain that’s already gone. It would be cool, sure. But instead… we could take the whole afternoon for us. I could massage your back. We could catch up on some TV. Take a nap. And… you know… whatever.” He smiled.

She gave him a crooked grin. “When you put it that way… maybe—just maybe—that is a good plan.” She leaned over and kissed his cheek. “Truth be told, I am tired. I could do it… just saying.”

He squeezed her hand as their breakfast arrived.

By midmorning, the Queen of the West rounded a bend, sunlight pouring down in a warm, generous wash. Mark stood with his camera ready while Kimmy settled into a chaise lounge, her legs propped on a pillow beneath her ankles.

“Comfortable, baby?” he asked.

She nodded, closing her eyes for a second before opening them again to the view.

The narrow highway clung to the mountainside as the landscape grew from gentle hills into something much grander. The deep hunter green of the trees brushed the sandy slopes like careful strokes of paint. Kimmy pointed. “Oh—look at that!” The road seemed to float on pillars over the river, and around the next bend a mountain rose into the clouds, a waterfall flashing silver in the sun.

Mark zoomed in and took several shots, then turned the camera around. “Honey, check this out.”

“Oh my,” she said. “You caught the sunlight right on the water—that’s beautiful.”

He sat on the edge of the lounge in front of her as she rubbed his shoulders. Ahead, a long arc of steel appeared.

“There it is—the Bridge of the Gods,” he said, lifting the camera again. The river curved beneath it, wide and patient.

Kimmy watched him for a moment, smiling to herself. I love watching him take it all in, she thought. She leaned forward and nuzzled his neck.

“This is great,” she whispered, kissing his ear.

He glanced back at her, smiling. “The scenery is spectacular, right?”

She squeezed his shoulders and said even more softly, “I wasn’t talking about the scenery.”

The warmth of the sun had nothing on what moved through him then. He turned to face her and rested his forehead against hers. “You know what’s really cool?”

She smiled—she knew that tone. “No, baby. What is so cool?”

“That still… just being here with you… I’m as amazed you’re with me as I was on that first river cruise. And I still get that little tingly feeling when you say things like that.”

She took a slow breath. “We’re so lucky—what we’ve built, and where we’re going. I love all of it.”

The ship slid under the bridge, and the mountains gradually softened back into gentler land as the dock came into view.

Later, Kimmy was curled into him while he transferred photos from his phone to his laptop. She dozed in his oversized denim shirt, her breathing slow and even. He brushed a bit of hair from her eyes and thought, I liked that Disney shirt on me… but it looks so much better on her. He picked up his book, then set it down again—watching her was better. He rubbed her back in small, steady circles.

He had his eyes closed when he felt her stir. “Mmm… that feels so good on my back, baby,” she murmured.

He smiled as she worked her way up to sitting. “Were you sleeping?” she asked.

“No,” he said softly. “Just watching you. It’s one of my favorite things.”

She smiled and began unbuttoning the shirt. “Anything else you like better than that?” she asked quietly.

The ship rocked gently against the dock, the afternoon holding them in a calm, private hush.

That evening at dinner, Kimmy was radiant in an emerald maternity top that left her shoulders bare, the low neckline framing her ruby pendant with the small gold heart nestled inside. She seemed to glow.

Kandi said, “We didn’t see you on our bus this afternoon. Were you on the second one?”

Kimmy’s face lit up. “We had the best day. We didn’t do anything at all. We spent the whole afternoon being lazy. It was perfect, wasn’t it, baby?”

Mark slipped an arm around her shoulders. “Today was the best. Just… the best.”

Bill glanced at Kandi, and they shared a small, knowing smile as Kimmy kissed Mark’s cheek.

The steaks arrived sizzling, and beyond the windows the sun eased down toward the horizon, closing a day that had given them exactly what they needed—space to breathe, time to rest, and the quiet certainty of being perfectly together.

Day 5: Multnomah Falls

Every Teardrop Is a Waterfall

It had been the best day—but the night that followed was… well, not so much.

Kimmy tossed and turned, chasing comfort that never quite stayed where she needed it. Each time she shifted, Mark’s hand would find her hair or her back, smoothing, circling, trying to help her settle. The room was quiet except for the low hum of the ship and the soft rustle of sheets. Sometime around three in the morning, exhaustion finally won and they both drifted off, only to wake again a little after seven, still feeling the night in their bones.

Mark was the first to stir. Kimmy was half-awake, her eyes barely open when he slipped an arm around her.

“Sorry, honey,” he whispered.

She tugged gently at his shirt and gave him a tired smile. “All worth it in the end. Get some coffee together?”

They dressed and walked the short distance down to the lounge. Kimmy settled onto the sofa by the window, watching the river slide past in long, quiet strokes of gray and green. Mark brought the coffee and sat close, his gaze drifting to the slow, steady turn of the paddle wheel.

He was lost in his thoughts when he heard it—the soft, unmistakable sound.

“Hey, baby… hey… what’s wrong?”

Kimmy’s eyes were red. She leaned into him and gave a sad little smile. “Damn hormones.”

He smiled gently and pulled her closer. “Want me to tell you a story? Might make you feel better.”

She managed a small, broken laugh. “Yes… please…”

He tipped her chin up so she had to look at him.

“Once upon a time, there was a boy,” he began. “A very lonely boy. He wandered very far…”

Her eyes softened, the tension in her face easing just a little.

“And then one day—one magic day—he met a girl. A most beautiful girl…”

She squeezed his arm.

“And she said to him the greatest thing he’d ever know… that the greatest thing you’ll ever learn is just to love… and be loved, in return.”

Her eyes misted. “That’s from Moulin Rouge…”

“The words, mostly,” he said quietly. “But the night you asked me for one more drink… I knew I’d met that girl. I suddenly saw you for how beautiful you were—outside and inside. And every day since, you’ve only become more beautiful, in every way.”

Tears slipped free as she stared at him.

“Trust me, honey,” he said softly. “You are everything. And whether it’s hormones or just the day… you are everything to me. My world is so complete. And now…” He rested his hand gently on her belly. “Now we’re going to be a family.”

She kissed him and held him tight. “I needed that. That was the best story… ever.”

He smiled against her hair. “Best part? It’s true. It’s our story.”

They finished their coffee and went to breakfast.

A little after eleven, the ship docked and the passengers boarded the bus. The guide began explaining the history of Multnomah Falls as the landscape rolled by, and within twenty minutes they were walking the short path toward it. As they passed under the highway and the view opened up, the falls rose into the air like something out of a dream.

Kimmy gasped. “Oh wow… look at that, baby.”

Mark smiled. “Think you’re up for walking to the first bridge? But we are not hiking all the way to the top.”

She laughed. “I fully approve that plan.”

The higher they walked, the louder the water grew, and a fine mist drifted over them like a cool veil. At the bridge, they stopped halfway across. Mark asked another guest to take their picture, and they both smiled easily into the camera.

When he showed her the photo, his expression shifted, thoughtful.

“What?” she asked. “Do I look weird?”

He took both her hands. “Look up there.”

She followed his gaze. “Okay… what?”

“Somewhere up there,” he said softly, “there are two small streams, flowing on their own. And at some point, they come together. Parts of each join, and they become something new—one river. Part one, part the other… but mostly its own new life.”

She looked at him and truly saw what he meant.

“That river builds momentum,” he went on, “and then it cascades down in this incredible, glorious rush… from way, way up there.”

She glanced back at the water, then returned her gaze when he squeezed her hands again.

“And when it reaches the bottom… see those ripples spreading out? New life. New motion. It never really ends. It just keeps going.”

He looked at her and thought, It’s you. It’s always been you.

She didn’t move. Didn’t look away. And she thought, I was looking for you… and now I’ve found you. I’ll never lose you.

They stood there for a long time, the roar of the water behind them, other guests slowing as they passed, smiling at the sight of two people folded into one while the falls thundered endlessly down.

Day 6:  Pendleton

Promise Me

The sun had only just crested the horizon when the last breakfast plates were cleared and the soft chime of the ship’s announcement drifted through the corridors: the bus for Pendleton would be arriving within the half hour. Light filtered into their stateroom in a pale gold wash, turning the river outside into a ribbon of glass.

Kimmy stood by the closet, holding up two tops. “Short sleeves or long, do you think, honey?”

Mark paused, taking in the way the morning light caught in her hair. “Well, you’re always chilly on the bus,” he said, nodding toward the hallway, “and we’re going to be underground in Pendleton. I’d go with long.”

Kimmy’s smile came easily. “So we’re on the same page. That’s what I thought!”

Mark returned the smile and finished buttoning his denim shirt—and then felt it. The familiar tightening in his chest. He leaned a hand against the window ledge, drew in a slow breath. Not as bad… just breathe… focus.

Behind him, Kimmy buttoned her blouse and turned toward the bathroom. “Gotta fix my hair and I’m ready!” she said brightly.

“Okay, baby.” His voice didn’t quite land the way he meant it to.

She paused. Something in the room shifted. Kimmy looked back over her shoulder and saw him glance down at his Fitbit.

“Oh no, baby…” She crossed the room in three quick steps, her heart already racing, her eyes misting. “Mark… are you okay? Oh honey, tell me it’s okay.” Her arms went around his neck, holding him close.

“I’m… o-k… not as bad…” he said between careful breaths, managing a small smile.

He straightened slowly and took her hands. “Whew. Sorry you had to see that. I was trying to get through it before you noticed.”

Kimmy’s fingers tightened around his, and her eyes went steady in that way he knew meant she was serious. “Don’t do that.”

He blinked. “Do what?”

“I don’t want you hiding it from me. No secrets, baby. Please.”

He swallowed. “You get so scared, and it breaks my heart when I see you like that. I know you know it feels more serious than it is—and it is going to happen from time to time—but I hate upsetting you.”

She leaned her forehead into his. “Listen… it is hard for me. And I do get scared. I can’t get it out of my head—what if it is more serious this time?” Her voice cracked. “But you have to promise me you’ll tell me. I don’t want you going through this alone. Please.”

The pleading in her eyes did more to him than any tightness in his chest ever could.

“Okay, baby,” he said quietly. “I promise. I’ll always let you know.”

She straightened, then lifted a finger at him. “And… you will tell me if you have an episode when I’m not around. No cover-ups. Right? You got that?”

He nodded, a crooked smile forming. “You’re doing that thing…”

Kimmy’s expression softened just a bit. “What thing, baby?”

“When you ask for something and I can never say no when you give me that look. Though honestly… you always have that look. You’re just… adorable.” He kissed her cheek.

She smiled, then narrowed her eyes playfully. “Now you’re just sucking up. You don’t get out of the doghouse that easily, mister.”

He lifted his hands in surrender. She took one of them. “Come on, you. Time to go underground and do some exploring.”

---

The bus ride to Pendleton was smooth and only about forty-five minutes, but Kimmy shifted often, trying to get comfortable. Mark rubbed her back when she leaned forward, held her hand when she reached for it. When the bus finally stopped, she stood immediately.

“Oh, I just have to stand up,” she said, taking a deep breath.

Mark chuckled softly.

“And just what is so amusing to my husband about my obvious discomfort?” she asked, pouting.

He leaned in and whispered, “Just thinking… if I had to carry our baby, we’d never, ever start a family.”

Her eyes lit up, and she straightened proudly. “Well… that is my job, and I’m happy to do it for us.” She kissed his cheek and took his hand as they filed off the bus.

They descended a short set of stairs into the underground city—cooler air, dimmer light, brick walls and narrow passages that felt like stepping into another time. The guide’s voice echoed softly as she explained how people once lived and worked beneath the streets. Kimmy leaned into Mark. “This is so interesting… can you imagine living underground like this?”

He shook his head in wonder. “Not at all.”

Lunch was at Hamby’s Steak House, just a couple of blocks away. They found Kandi and Bill, and the four of them enjoyed a light meal, trading impressions of the tour. Mark excused himself for the restroom and came back with an expression that immediately caught Kimmy’s eye.

“What’s up, baby? You okay?”

“Did you girls visit your bathroom yet?” he asked.

They both shook their heads. Mark turned to Bill. “Even if you don’t have to go, you need to visit ours.”

Bill blinked. “Why?”

Mark just smiled. “Trust me.”

When Bill and Kandi got up, Kimmy leaned in. “Okay, what’s the deal?”

Mark lowered his voice. “There are pictures of naked women all over the walls.”

Kimmy’s hand flew to her mouth. “No!” Then she laughed. “Well, I guess I need to check ours out!”

Turned out only the men got the “entertaining” decor, and the women were not amused.

---

On the way back, the bus stopped briefly at Celilo Falls. The guide held up old black-and-white photos, explaining how it had once been a major gathering place for Native Americans, full of fishing and festivals—until the dam submerged it in the late 1950s.

“That’s sad,” Mark said quietly, his arm around Kimmy. “And not right.”

She nodded, resting her head against his shoulder.

---

After dinner, the Queen of the West sailed east toward her final stop. Mark and Kimmy made their way to the top deck for one last sunset. Kimmy leaned back into him as the sky began to glow with oranges and soft purples.

He heard her sigh. “You okay, honey?”

She nodded and turned her face toward him. “This will be our last big trip together for a while…”

He kissed the top of her head. “I relive them every day on our big screen through your photo albums. We’ve had some amazing trips.”

She smiled and sighed again. “The most amazing experience I’ve had… can you guess?”

He thought, then grinned. “Apple strudel in Vienna?”

She snorted. “Stop. I’m being romantic!”

“Okay, okay. Tell me, baby.”

She turned, wrapped her arms around his neck, rose onto her toes, and whispered, “The many top decks we’ve stood together on. Like this. That first time… I could hardly believe a life like ours would come true.”

He kissed her forehead. “But here we are… still.”

“I’m so lucky,” she whispered, as he pulled her into a close hug.

The sun finally slipped below the horizon, leaving only the long, steady flow of the Columbia River stretching ahead—quiet, constant, moving forward into something new.

Days 7 & 8:  Spokane & Home

The Waterfront

The alarm had barely reached its first chime when Mark’s hand was already there to silence it. He’d been awake for a good half hour, just watching Kimmy sleep, the soft rise and fall of her breathing, the way a strand of hair had fallen across her cheek. Morning light was beginning to slip through the narrow gap in the curtains, turning the room a pale gold.

Her eyes opened slowly, and she smiled. “Do we have to?” she murmured.

Mark smiled back. “I figured you’d want a little extra time, so I set it for fifteen minutes earlier than we really need. Close your eyes, honey.”

She did—and then he heard the sound. Soft. Catching. He looked down and saw her eyes were wet.

“What, baby? Does your back hurt? What can I do?” he asked, instantly alert.

Before he could finish the thought, she clutched his shirt and pulled him tightly to her.

“I know my hormones are on steroids,” she said through a small, shaky laugh, “but I also know this is what I feel deep inside me…”

He looked into her bright eyes, still shining despite the tears. “What are you feeling, honey?” he whispered.

“I never… ever… want to lose you or be without you. I need you to always be here with me.” Her voice wavered. “I just love our life so much… and sometimes I think about all the years we missed, when… when we didn’t realize what we could have had.”

Mark’s heart swelled until it felt like it might break open. He stroked her hair gently.

“Here now… and forever,” he said softly. “I’ve got you… and we’ve got him.” He tapped her belly lightly.

She snuggled closer. “I know. I just… sometimes I need to hear it more than other times.”

As he kept smoothing her auburn hair, the sunlight crept farther into the room and caught the highlights, turning them almost copper. His chest tightened—not with worry this time, but with something like awe.

“Can I tell you a secret?” he asked.

She looked up, already smiling at that tone. “I want to know all your secrets.”

“You… truly… you are so beautiful. And you’re most beautiful to me in the ordinary moments. Yes, you’re stunning when you get dressed up and put everything together. But tousled hair, just waking up, or doing the laundry… I catch my breath when I see you. And I do see you. I’m the lucky one. So lucky.”

Her answer was a tight hug and a long, deep sigh. Their hearts beat together in the quiet.

“Okay,” Mark finally said softly, “time to get my girl some coffee.”

“Seriously?” she pouted playfully.

“You know you’d be mad if I didn’t get you your go-juice to start the day,” he said, kissing the top of her head before slipping out of bed.

---

The bus ride from the dock—where the Queen of the West had finished her journey—to Spokane was slated to take about ninety minutes. Mark gazed out at the passing countryside, replaying the trip in his mind and thinking about what waited just ahead. Kimmy’s head rested on his shoulder, her arm threaded through his, dozing in and out of sleep.

The quiet was broken when her phone chimed. She lifted her head and glanced at the screen. A picture of Allan and Sally on their back porch lit up.

“It’s Sal,” Kimmy said. “She’s FaceTiming us.”

Mark leaned in as she answered, keeping the volume low.

“Hey guys,” Kimmy said warmly. “What’s up?”

They were beaming, sitting close together. “How’s the trip been? How are you feeling, honey?” Sally asked.

“I’m doing okay… it’s been great, right baby?” Kimmy said, and Mark nodded in.

“Just amazing,” he added. “Loved it.”

Mark noticed Allan’s leg bouncing with nervous energy. “So, brother, this is an early call. Everything okay?”

Allan looked at Sally, and then they both blurted, “We’re expecting!”

Kimmy squealed, and the couple across the aisle turned to look. “Sorry,” she whispered, then laughed.

“That’s amazing!” Mark said, his grin stretching wide. “Big-time congratulations.”

Kimmy blew kisses at the screen. “That’s so exciting. We’re so happy for you.”

Sally leaned closer to the camera. “Our kids will grow up together. Isn’t that so cool?”

Mark and Kimmy’s foreheads touched as they smiled, both feeling that warm, quiet gratitude for the circle of friends around them—and for the way their own little family was already becoming part of something bigger.

---

After checking into their hotel, Kimmy lay on the bed with her ankles propped on pillows while Mark opened his laptop.

“Hey, honey,” he said, “I’m looking at restaurants. How about this: we grab a light lunch downstairs, and then I make reservations for this place—Anthony’s—right on the water.” He brought the laptop over to her.

The screen showed a balcony overlooking the river, where water came from two directions and crashed together in white rapids beneath a bridge.

“Oh, that’s wonderful,” she said. “Your plan gets a full stamp of approval.”

That evening, as the sun began to sink, their Uber dropped them at Anthony’s. The hostess led them outside and seated them along the back rail. The sound of rushing water filled the air, and the orange remains of sunset glittered across the surface.

The menus were set down, but Mark took his and slid closer to Kimmy. He took her hand, and she leaned back into him. They sat like that for several quiet minutes, just watching the water.

She turned her head slightly, smiling, and Mark thought, That. That is the look I live for.

She touched his cheek, drew him in, and kissed him softly. “This is the perfect end to our trip.”

He smiled, then gave her a sheepish look.

“What did you do?” she asked, laughing. “I know that look.”

“Okay, guilty,” he said. “When you were napping yesterday—and after you’ve been so uncomfortable so often—well…”

“I have not been that uncomfortable,” she protested half-heartedly.

“Baby, please,” he said, and she laughed. “Okay, maybe a little. What did you do?”

He pulled out his phone and showed her their flight reservations. “I upgraded our seats to first class. I can’t have my pretty momma squirming for five hours and then riding in a car for another thirty minutes.”

Her face lit up. “You did that thing you do again…”

He smiled. “And what thing am I accused of, missy?”

She leaned in, forehead to his. “You love me in ways I can never explain. That you’d think of that—for me, for us…” Her eyes misted. “Oh, honey…”

“Always, baby. Always.”

---

The Spokane airport buzzed with early-morning energy as they waited at their gate.

“Now boarding Delta Flight 2437 from Spokane to Minneapolis. We welcome all first-class passengers at Gate 62.”

Mark took Kimmy’s hand and helped her up. They found their seats in the third row, a two-seat row just for them.

“Wow,” Kimmy said, settling in. “This is like sitting in your recliner at home. Thank you so much. Oh—and look, footrests!”

Mark just smiled.

Soon the plane lifted into the sky, the river and the mountains falling away beneath them. The adventure was ending—but ahead, just beyond the clouds, waited the next chapter of their lives.