Harmony Hills smelled of woodsmoke and morning dew, tucked away between shimmering lakes and pine-covered slopes. It wasn't until she got out of the car and took in the silence that Lorna realized how tense she had been.
Excited by the sight of playgrounds, cabins, and families toasting marshmallows over fire pits, Jason ran ahead. Michael smiled briefly at Lorna as he followed with their bags. "It's still possible to pretend to have a flat tire and return."
She grinned. "The icebreaker yoga would be missed."
He let out a moan.
They were given a small but comfortable cabin with two bedrooms, a small kitchenette, and a fireplace. Jason took the top bunk right away. Michael and Lorna looked at each other. Even though they still hadn't decided how to sleep, the weekend was already starting to take shape.
By the second day, they had completed awkward partner trust exercises, sat through parenting workshops, and even laughed naturally. Although the retreat leaders promoted communal meals and hikes, the quiet, in-between times appeared to be more important.
Like how, during a bonfire story, Jason reached for Michael's hand. Or the way he drew beneath the trees, leaning into Lorna's shoulder.
The three of them sat huddled together around their cabin's fireplace on Saturday night following a camp-style meal and an excessive amount of toasted marshmallows. With his legs tucked under him, Jason stared at the flickering flames in unusual silence.
Michael gave him a look. "Are you alright, champion?"
Jason gave a slow nod, then raised his wide, contemplative gaze to both of them.
"May I ask you a question?"
Lorna grinned. "Always."
Jason said slowly, "If you both love me and we're all getting along now. Why are we unable to live together? Just all of us. Just one house.
The breath caught in Lorna's throat.
Completely unprepared, Michael blinked.
Jason continued in a quiet voice. "It need not last forever. However, I enjoy weekends like this. When we're all together, I enjoy it. Having to say goodbye every Sunday night bothers me.
The innocent honesty in his words made Lorna's heart hurt, so she reached over and stroked his hair. "Oh, my dear..."
Michael's voice was warm but steady as he cleared his throat. "My friend, that's a big question. and a significant choice. However, I understand. I genuinely do.
Jason glanced from one to the other. "Marriage is not required. or behave similarly to other parents. All I want is to wake up and realize how close you two are.
Lorna looked at Michael and swallowed hard.
When their gazes locked, neither of them had a prepared response.
Jason's question had nothing to do with romance or reconciliation. The topic was home. about being a part of it.
At this time, they were unable to guarantee him the version he had been envisioning.
They could, however, pledge to try. to arrive. To repeatedly choose him.
Leaning forward, Michael grasped Jason's hand. "We'll discuss it. Talk like an adult. But I appreciate your courage in asking.
Jason nodded, content for the time being.
Lorna muttered, "I didn't expect that," after he had dozed off while curled up between them on the couch.
Michael gave a small smile. "Neither did I."
"But a part of me..." As she trailed off, she observed Jason's serene expression. "I kind of want to give it to him. If we are able to"
Michael gave her a sympathetic glance rather than one of coercion. "Perhaps we begin with baby steps. longer weekends. Mornings spent together. Watch what develops.
She gave a nod. "Tiny steps."
Wrapped in a sense of possibility neither had anticipated, they sat in the soft hum of firelight and childhood fantasies.
Perhaps home was more than just your residence.
Perhaps that's where you both healed.