8. WHITE WATER RAFTING

Carissa could not deny the amusement felt in hearing the story of her dear friend�s meeting with her then future husband spill forth from Richard�s lips. Their emotional connection was obvious, and it gave her great pleasure in knowing their marriage was a happy one. Generally, whenever she came to visit her friend, he was off on a mission of righteous justice, so in reality, she had only seen Richard a very few times.

�Somehow, I can just picture that meeting. Only such a man as you could have ever won over her love, Richard, so I hope you consider yourself blessed.� He didn�t respond, but the light in his eyes was enough, as well as the glow upon Charity�s cheeks. He reciprocated the question, and Carissa smiled as Garrett rolled his eyes. Turning to him, she grandly gestured for him to take the initiative, which he did.

�It was not your first ordinary meeting, though not perhaps as fascinating as yours. During the summer, I lead white-water rafting tours down the Arkansas. It�s always been one of my favorite pastimes, but during that particular summer, I never would have imagined myself pulling a sopping young fisherwoman from the river.�

Carissa laughed this time, delight shining in her eyes when she added, �I had lost my footing on the rocks. I�ve never been too sure-footed when on anything slippery, so sure enough, I found myself floating downriver. It�ll forever be grateful for Garrett, because I could not force my way over to the shore, and the rapids were fast approaching. He hauled me out as if I were nothing more than a twenty pound salmon, and the rest is apparent.�

A mischievous twist found its way to Charity�s lips. �So that�s why you never fully explained how you two met. Not that I blame you, and now I have a reason to be grateful to you, Garrett. Losing Carissa would do murder for my morale.� The lady in question merely rolled her eyes in amusement, opening her mouth to respond before a pulsing ring emanating from a cell phone pierced the cozy gathering. To the amusement of all, each reached for the phone residing either in a pocket or purse.

It was for Richard, and he turned his back slightly while answering.