A moment for you

After her husband died, Cheryl lost all of her joy. But on a trip to the Grand Canyon, a handsome stranger showed her how beautiful life can be

Awinter road trip to the Grand Canyon? Cheryl mused as she watched a documentary on the natural wonder. It wasn’t so farfetched. She and her husband, Paul, had wanted to see it together, but when he’d passed away suddenly two years ago, that dream had fallen away, leaving Cheryl in a haze of grief that colored her world a single hue: black.

But as the deep reds and golds of the canyon swirled on her television screen, Cheryl felt an excitement that she hadn’t felt in years. Her business was in the slow cycle, and she could use a mini vacation. It’s time, she thought, her fingers skimming the keyboard of the laptop in front of her. Time to start living again.

By that evening, Cheryl had made all her online arrangements, and mere days later, she stepped out onto the porch of a lodge to a sweeping view of the Grand Canyon. She shivered, eyes wide at the wondrous pageant before her as the rising sun illuminated the canyon’s rich purples, reds and golds. “Incredible,” she murmured. “First time seeing it?” A man with dark hair shot through with silver asked. He flashed a friendly, very handsome smile.

Cheryl’s breath hitched as his hazel eyes met hers. “Yes…and it’s spectacular.”

“It’s your lucky day. More snow tonight, so this view will be gone by morning.”

“Then I’ll have to make the most of it today,” she smiled. “Been here before?”

He nodded. “Every winter. Are you going down or walking the rim?” He leaned toward her, his eyes glimmering with genuine interest and…something more. “Which do you suggest?” she asked, a thrilling tingle running down her spine— a feeling she hadn’t felt since Paul had passed. The man grinned. “A little of both, but I’d start with hiking the rim.” “Glen!” He turned at the sound. “Over here, Angie.” Cheryl glanced at the woman walking over, disappointment settling over her. Of course he’s married, she thought. “Where’s Maura?” he asked. “She’ll be down.” Angie held out her hand to Cheryl. “I’m Angie, from St. Louis.” “I’m Cheryl. Small world. I’m from Missouri too,” she said with a warm smile. “Where are my manners? I’m obviously

“Cheryl’s breath hitched as his hazel eyes met hers”

Glen,” he said, extending his hand. “My sister is the more civilized one.”

His sister. Cheryl felt her mood lighten. “Maura is my other little sister,” Glen smiled. “This is their first time here too.”

“He comes every year,” said Angie, who looked to be near 50 years old, around Cheryl’s age. “He knows all the best sites.”

“If you don’t have any other plans, I’d love it if you’d join us for our hike,” Glen said, a hopeful note ringing in his voice. “I’d love to,” Cheryl said, smiling. As promised, they walked along the rim, and when the path allowed, Cheryl would find herself side by side with Glen. She learned that he was long divorced and lived about an hour’s drive from her in Missouri. Once, she stumbled, but he steadied her, and the light pressure of his hands made her heart race, a pace that kept up the more she got to know the open, warm-hearted man.

By late afternoon, Angie and Maura pleaded a nap before dinner.

“We’re a bit tired, but you two should definitely catch the sunset,” Cheryl said.

“We’ll see you back at dinner a bit later,” Glen said, as his sisters smiled and exchanged knowing glances.

For the rest of the afternoon, Glen and Cheryl sat near the lodge fireplace, their heads close together as they talked and laughed about work, books and their lives before hurrying out to see the sunset.

Outside, the sky lit up in fiery yellows and magenta, as the shadows of the canyon turned gorgeous royal purple.

“You’re in for a special treat tomorrow,” Glen said, gently taking her hand. “The canyon decked out in white.”

Cheryl’s eyes met his, and they stared at each other for what seemed like an eternity.

“As special as it may be,” she breathed, “I think the real treat is meeting you, Glen.”

He squeezed her hand tighter. “I couldn’t agree more.” Cheryl’s heart thrummed in her chest, and suddenly, the future seemed brighter and more colorful than ever before.