Discovering...Love?

I turn over with a sigh. I just couldn't sleep. I should have just fallen asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow. Sid and I had hiked everywhere for the past couple days and we went fly fishing today. Well... actually he went fly fishing, I got bored after half an hour and went for a hike. Anyway, for some reason I just couldn't fall asleep. I look to my right to see that Sid's fast asleep. He was snoring quietly. I smile at him. I close my eyes, surrendering myself to sleep. But again, it doesn't come. 

After a few moments I give up and gently get out of bed. Bran perks his head up from his sleeping place in the corner as I slip on some clothes and walk out of the room. I walk into the kitchen, but I'm not hungry... or thirsty. The moon light shines thought the glass door, getting my attention. I'm drawn out side into the crisp night. I lean against the wooden railing of the deck and look up into the sky, taking a deep breath. Millions of stars gleamed in the sky with a cresent moon hovering with them. Bran lays down next to my feet as I continue to stare up into the sky. 

Suddenly, an almost sad and eery sound can be heard from deep in the woods surrounding the house. My breath catches in my throat and my stomach does a flip involentarily. I had been waiting to hear that sound since the moment we arrived. I stare out into the darkness as the sound begins again and it's not long before more join in. 

Bran perks up and looks off into the darkness listening intently. A smile tugs on my lips, this was something I always dreamed about. Being in Alaska with Bran in the darkness listening to wolves howl off in the distance. Granted there was snow and the northern lights in that dream, but hey, I take what I can get. 

I hear the door quietly open and Sid steps out onto the deck. 

"What are you doing out here? Why aren't you in bed?" he asks. 

"Shhh..." I say with a smile, pulling him next to me, "Just look up and listen."

"Oh wow," he says staring up into the stars, "but listen to what I don't...."

He stops as the wolves begin their song again. "Is that?"

"Yeah, wolves. Isn't it beautiful?!" I smile looking off into the darkness.

"I would have used 'creepy,' but ok," he smiles down at me pulling me into his arms. 

"Thank you for taking me here," I whisper against his chest, breathing in his scent. 

"You're welcome," he chuckles. 

"I want to come back here," I state quietly.

"Ok, we will someday," he whispers back.

"In the winter," I say, "I want to see the northern lights."

"Sure."

"I don't want to leave in two days," I sigh my eyes starting to get heavy.

"Just think, you can see the rest of the dogs in a few days."

"Yeah, that's true," I yawn.

"I have a surprise tomorrow though," he whispers.

"Mmmhmm..." I mutter, not hearing him as sleep suddenly overcomes me.

The next thing I know someone is gently waking me up.

"Caitlin," he whispers in a soothing voice as he pushes hair out of my face.

"5 more minutes," I mumble, snuggling into his chest.

"Come on we need to leave soon," he laughs.

"What time is it?"

"Umm.... welll..." he hesitates.

"What time is it Crosby?" I grumble.

"7:00... but before you say anything, we have to leave at 7:30 to go to your surprise," he says quickly.

"Better be a damn good surprise," I mumble getting up.

"You're going to love it, I promise!" he calls into the bathroom as I begin the water for a quick shower. 

"Sidney. Where are we going?" I ask.

As far as I could tell we were driving on a dirt back road that looked like it lead into nothingness. 

"You'll see," he replies with a smile, "we're almost there."

I sigh and look out the window taking a sip of coffee from my travel mug. Sid was so excited about this and promised that I would love it. I had no idea what was going on and it kinda ticked me off. Bran was in the back, waiting patiently... at least one of us was patient.

"Alright, I think... yup, we're here," he smiles.

I perk up and look around. In front of us is a rather modest house with a jeep outside. 

We get out of the car and I can hear barking. Sid leads me up to the wooden steps of the porch and knocks on the door. A man in his 30s appears at the door and smiles before opening the door.

"Mr. Crosby!" he smiles.

"Please Mr. Weaver, it's Sid," he smiles back shaking the man's hand.

"Only if you call me Brian," he nodds. 

"Alright."

"And you must be Caitlin," Brian says taking my hand in a firm handshake. 

"Yeah," I smile politely.

"Wow, that's quite a dog you have there," he says looking down at Bran, his hands in his pockets.

"Thanks, this is Bran," I smile down at my best friend.

"Wow! Those are some startleing blue eyes. He looks just like a wolf," the man says reaching out so that Bran can sniff him.

"Ha, yeah we get that a lot," I smile, and the turn to Sid with a questioning look.

"Caitlin, this is Brian Weaver. He is a musher," Sid says with a smirk.

My eyes light up immediatly and a grin spreads across my face. 

"Would you like to see them?" Brian asks.

"The dogs?" I ask excitedly.

"Yeah," he laughs, "This way."

He turn to lead us to the path by the house. I move in front of Sid and pull him by the collar so that his lips connect with mine.

"You're the best," I smile.

"I know," he grins.