Chapter 41

After their five hour flight they landed at a small airport. Kim looked around curious. She’d expected him to take her to a beach resort, but it seemed that a beach wasn’t even close.

“Where are we?” she asked him.

“Sonoma County Airport.” He replied grinning like a fool.

“That helps a lot. Thanks baby.” She said dryly. He laughed and pulled her into a hug.

“We are about 45 minutes west from our destination in….Napa Valley.” He finally told her. Her eyes lit up.

“Really?”

“Yep…I thought Wine Country would be perfect for you…well, and for me.” She squealed happily and threw her arms around his neck to kiss him deeply.

“Thank you. I always wanted to come here, but alone it doesn’t make a lot of sense.” She told him while walking to their waiting car.

“What about Fran?” he wondered. She grinned.

“Fran and wine don’t match.” He chuckled at her comment. “So, tell me where are we staying…tell me, tell me…please.” He laughed about her excitement. It was good to see her like this again.

“Well,…” he opened the door of the car and stepped aside to let her get in. “…answers inside.” She rolled her eyes, but got into the car.

When they were leaving the airport, Jon handed her a brochure. In huge letters on the covers it said. “Welcome to Calistoga Ranch Napa Resort”

“Oh my God! I heard about this…it should be absolutely amazing.” She screamed excited.

“Well, I hope so…” Jon said laughing.

“You haven’t been there before?” she wondered.

“No, first time for me too…I really hope they are as private as they promise.” He said a little worried. The idea that photographers would find him here was scary.

“Well, the hotel is tucked into a private canyon, the lake is private as well, and they have only 48 rooms or better lodges, so privacy shouldn’t be a problem.” Kim told him after looking through the brochure.

“Wow, look at this great view, Jon.” She pointed at one pic showing the lake with majestic hills in the background.

“Look at that view, honey.” He pointed outside. They were just passing the edge of a vineyard. Soft hills smelted into the bright blue sky in the distance and ancient oak trees were separating the road from the yard. It looked absolutely amazing.

After a while they turned to a small private road and crossed over a peacefully purling creek. Kim could literally feel how the stress and sadness fell off her. This whole countryside had something extremely peaceful and smoothing. It was like entering a different world.

“Which lodge did you book?” she asked Jon when they were stopping.

“That’s a surprise.” He told her and kissed her sweetly. She sighed dramatically.

“Ok, I’ll wait...but not for long.”

“Don’t worry, honey…” Jon said and got out of the car.

“Good afternoon Mr. Bon Jovi, Miss Anderson. Welcome to Calistoga Ranch Napa Resort. My name is Brian and I’ll be at your service. Call me whenever you need anything.”

“Nice to meet you. And maybe we will take you up on that offer.” Jon said smiling. Brian nodded and showed them the way to their private lodge. They walked a little path up the hill and again passed that small creek. Kim couldn’t resist and took a picture of it.

Suddenly a little bit further up the hill a beautiful wooden building came into sight. Its lights were glowing welcoming in the late afternoon sun.

“Welcome to Oak Creek Lodge.” Brian said and opened the door for them.

They were greeted by a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The furnishing and natural textiles fit perfectly with the beautiful wooden setting. The indoor and outdoor living space easily were 1,200 square feet. There was an outdoor fireplace, a hot tub on the deck and a private outdoor shower garden.

Jon wiggled his eyebrows conspiratorial, when they spotted it. Kim laughed lightly. He sure had made his plans already.

“The oaks around the lodge and also this one here on your deck are over 100 years old.” Brian informed them.

Impressed they turned around and saw the huge oak tree growing through the cedar deck. It seemed that not one tree was cut down when this resort was build, but the nature was simply integrated into the buildings.

“It’s really a beautiful place.” Kim said when they were alone and she was standing in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows to marvel at the amazing view. The lake lay calmly beneath them like a mirror and reflected the tree tops and small mountains which surrounded the hotel.

“Just like you.” Jon said softly and wrapped his arms around her waist to pull her close to his body. He rested his head gently on her right shoulder and simply enjoyed being here with her.

“Would you like to go over to the restaurant for dinner or do you want to stay here and order in?” he asked after a while. She thought about it for a few seconds while her hands were caressing his forearms.

“I don’t feel like going out. Let’s stay here.” She said and turned in his arms. He smiled at her sparkling eyes and was surprised when she pulled him down for a long promising kiss. His hands ran over her back and pressed her closer to him while their tongues were dancing passionate.

“How about some dinner first?” he asked breathless when they parted after long minutes.

“Ok.” She nodded and reluctantly removed her hands from his hair.

Here is the link to the Resort. It simply inspired me. http://www.calistogaranch.com/