As Leah sucked in one gasp of air after another, she forced her burning thighs to carry her, trying in a desperate attempt to match Wren's easy stride. He already half pulled her up the steep incline with her hand secured in his, and her embarrassment was not small at her level of physical endurance.

Perspiration trailed down the side of her face in streaming rivulets. She looked ahead to the remaining hill left to climb and moaned inwardly. This was the fun her butler had promised? Irritation pricked at her and she suddenly dug her heels into the dirt road they had walked on for the past thirty minutes. Her arm jarred against Wren's as she succeeded in pulling him to halt, causing him to turn with a perplexed expression.

"What's wrong?" Wren's own breathing was rapid, though not as desperate for air as Leah's. His gray t-shirt was damp with sweat and strands of his brown hair plastered to the sides of his forehead. Leah's scowl deepened as she doubled over, resting her free hand on her knee for support.

"This - This is - not fun!" Leah squeezed her eyes shut as salty sweat dripped into her eyes. Wren's silence was unnerving, but her frustration at that moment didn't let her care. Why had she expected this day would have romance, even if only subtle hints of it? Had she imagined the excitement on his face last night during supper? As she continued to collect her breath, Wren shifted and sank to his haunches. Her hand still rested in his, and when she opened her eyes and lifted her head the tiniest bit, she found Wren's face at her level, studying her with searching green eyes.

"I'm sorry. I didn't realize how hard I was pushing you."

Seeing regret in those kind eyes, she dropped into a squatting position, resting her chin on her knees. "It's okay," She mumbled, still reluctant to completely forgive him but not able to resist his crestfallen expression. "Where on earth are we going? Couldn't we have just driven the car? This is a dirt road, after all!"

When Wren only stared at her in surprise, no doubt shocked at her sudden outburst, she rolled her eyes. "Is it that shocking to you a girl may not want to hike at insane speeds for her birthday?" She cocked a golden brow at him, more than annoyed when his lips tipped in an amused grin.

"For a girl who ran through the forest at an insane speed trying to escape her butler, I thought this was a perfect idea."

Leah's eyes widened, and she jerked her hand from his. "That was different and not in the middle of June!"

He chuckled, dropping lower to mimic her squat and rested his chin on the palms of his hands, grin still in place. "We could have driven, but I really did think you would enjoy the hike. I'm sorry. Would you believe me if I told you our destination is right at the top of this hill?"

Leah perked up. "Really?"

"Really. I think you will find all this insane speed walking worth it too."

Curious now, she peeked sideways to look up the hill again. Knowing their journey was almost over made it much less intimidating.

"But, if you are really not having fun, we could turn around and leave now if you want."

"No! I mean, it wouldn't hurt to see what's at the end of the rainbow." Leah averted her gaze from Wren's laughing one. He pushed himself up to standing position. When his hand appeared in her vision, she looked way up.

"Come on. I'll help you."

She didn't need to be told twice! Her own smile appearing, she slipped her hand into his and once again they started up the incline, though at a much slower pace. Even then, the burning in her legs continued as if she hadn't stopped to rest at all and when they reached the top, she plopped onto the nearest patch of grass in a heap.

"I don't want anymore exercise today!"

"It did you more good than harm, Princess. I promise."

"Hmm. Tell my aching legs that tomorrow." She grinned.

"Look behind you."

Curious at the change of subject, she twisted, eyes widening as she took in the landscape beyond her. Trees no longer blocked her vision as they had most of their treck. Rather, the scenery opened to a vast distance, green treetops and hills stretching out like the sea; no end in sight. Fluffy white clouds floated in the perfect blue sky finishing the view with brilliance.

Leah gasped. She hefted herself to her feet, moving closer until she stood on the edge of the precipice on which they stood. "Wren, this is... amazing," She breathed.

"It is, isn't it?" Wren came to her side. "Its called the Arkansas View."

"That's not a very romantic name."

He chuckled. "Nope, not at all. But, it's practical. You're looking at Arkansas."

Leah shook her head in awe. "Wow. I can see all the way to a different state? Amazing." She ripped her gaze from the beauty around her and smiled at his obvious pleasure in her delight. "I'm sorry I said I wasn't having fun. I should have trusted you had something more in store."

"No need to apologize." He motioned to benches sitting behind them. "Would you like to get off your feet for a while though? We have several hours before we need to head back."

"That sounds wonderful," Leah walked to settle onto the warm metal seat, leaning back in content. Wren sank beside her. Silence followed for several minutes as both butler and ward enjoyed the exquisite beauty of nature.

Yet, with time, Leah sensed his eyes on her rather than the landscape. She peeked a quick glance from under lowered lashes, heart leaping when she saw the green swirls of his eyes.

"Are you happy to have your father home?" He asked, his tone soft.

"Yes. I have missed him a lot. I'm so curious what he has planned tonight."

"It will be fun. I promise."

Leah sat a bit taller. "Wait? You know? What is it?"

Wren grinned as he leaned back, crossing his arms behind his head and leaning against them. A low whistle sounded from his lips as he ignored her. Leah scowled. On instinct, she darted a hand out to tickle under his arm, delight pulsing through her when he yelped and skidded away from her to the edge of the bench.

"You're ticklish!"

Wren tucked both hands under his arms, glaring in mock fury. "So what if I am? Don't touch my stinky armpits!"

"But your giggle is so cute," Leah laughed and horror crossed his face.

"I don't giggle!"

"It sounded like a giggle to me. Here, I'll prove it to you." Quick as a flash, she poked around his ribs and as close to his underarms as she could. Laughter bubbled from deep within when he squirmed his way right off the bench, landing on the hard earth with a light thud.

Tears spurted from the cornors of her eyes as she crawled to the edge, peeking down at him. He too was laughing, but managed to pull himself upright despite it.

"That is not fair play, Princess," He said between laughs.

Leah sobered some, flipping her braid over her shoulder. "Considering you much bigger and stronger than I, I think it is."

Scooting back to her oringinal place, he settled in beside her again. She quirked him a second look from under lashes and he scowled.

"Don't," He warned.

Smiling, Leah giggled. "I was just teasing. I'm done tickling you."

"Good!"

"For today." She grinned wider when he shot her a panicked look. Finally, he sighed.

"You discovered my weakness, didn't you?"

Leah's smile fell as she considered those words more seriously than intended. "Not really, but I would like to know them."

Wren said nothing at first as an unsettling silence ensued. Leah squirmed in her seat, wondering if she should have said anything at all.

"What do you want to know?"

She lifted her head in surprise, twisting to stare at him. "Really? You will tell me?"

She could see his hesitation. Then, he nodded. "If you promise -- not to hate me."

It was then, the young heiress saw the fear behind his usual confident demenor and it was then, she knew she could never hate this man. "I promise I won't hate you." She reached out to take his hand, surprised it trembled. "I could never hate you, Butler Boy."

She watched him soften, whether from her touch or her words, she didn't know. Her heart hammered as he furrowed his brows as if deep in thought.

"Where to start," He murmured, his hand unconcioulsy tightening around hers.

"The beginning?"

He smiled weakly. "Yeah, that's - that's a good idea. I guess it all started when I was sixteen...."