by Stacy Monson
“Y-You believe that now?”
Mikayla nodded as the weather app appeared. “It took me all summer, but yes, I do. The people who raised us, sacrificed for us, and nearly got divorced over us are our actual parents. Now see?” She showed Lindy the screen. “Rain until mid-morning, then sunshine by noon. It’s going to be a beautiful day for a wedding.”
Lindy sniffed. “But my hair will still end up in a bouffant.”
An image of a Barbie doll with oversized hair made Mikayla giggle. Lindy glared at her. “It’s not funny.”
“Yes, it is. What if your hair got so big, you couldn’t get through the sanctuary doors? Or you didn’t fit in the limousine for the ride to the reception?”
Lindy snorted and sat up. “Stop it! That’s not helping!”
Maggie shuffled in, yawning. “What’s so funny at this hour?”
“Nothing! It’s raining, and my hair is going to be huge from the humidity, and Mikayla is making fun of me.”
Mikayla grinned at Maggie where she’d settled on the foot of the bed. “What if her hair gets so big, Beau can’t get in for a kiss at the end of the ceremony?”
Maggie tapped her chin, eyes directed toward the ceiling. “Hmm. They aren’t actually married without the kiss, are they?”
“I don’t think so. That’s the binding legal action.”
Lindy giggled. “You guys, this is serious!”
They straightened their expressions. “We’re totally serious,” Maggie said.
Mikayla reached behind her back, then swung her pillow, hitting Lindy in the face. As Lindy gave a muffled screech, Maggie scooped another pillow from the floor and flung it at Mikayla.
“Oh, you are so dead!” Lindy smacked Mikayla with the pillow she’d thrown.
After ten minutes of squeals and thumps, laughter and finger pointing, they collapsed across the queen-sized bed breathing hard.
“I am totally serious about my hair,” Lindy gasped. “You’ve both made fun of me when the humidity is bad.”
“Yeah, we have,” Maggie acknowledged with a giggle. “Sorry.”
“We also know that you have a fabulous hair stylist that will keep that from happening,” Mikayla added.
“Oh.” Lindy rolled onto her back. “That’s true.”
“Having a few wedding-day jitters?” Maggie asked, eyebrows raised innocently.
“You would too if you had three hundred people critiquing your every move.”
“Why did you invite so many?”
“We didn’t. The majority are people his parents simply had to invite. That’s why they’re paying for the reception venue. What we’d decided on wasn’t big enough for all their friends and business acquaintances.”
“Ever tried saying ‘no’?” Mikayla asked.
“Have you met his mother?” Lindy countered. “We finally decided to just go with it. Then we’re moving to the other side of town to get some space.”
“I’m sure that will totally thwart her plans for your life.”
“Yeah, that’ll show ’em,” Maggie added.
Lindy laughed, then covered her face. “Oh, you guys. What am I doing?” she wailed. “I’m a mess. I have no idea who my bio parents are or what’s in that family history. I can’t possibly live up to his mother’s standards. And I’m scared to death to do life without you two.”
Mikayla and Maggie rolled onto their backs and shifted until their heads touched Lindy’s. The only sound was Lindy’s sniffling.
“First off,” Mikayla said, “we’ll always be sisters. Doesn’t matter how far apart we might live, that will never change. We won’t let you do life without us.”
“Really?” came the tiny question.
“Really,” Maggie confirmed. “And we know exactly who you are, just like we know who Mickie is and who I am. Finding our bio parents will just add a layer to who we already are, not take anything away.”
Lindy looked at her. “You’re going to look?”
“When I can fit it into my schedule. You?”
A deep sigh filled the silence. “Maybe. I don’t know. We haven’t told his parents yet.”
“Don’t. At least not until after the fact,” Mikayla said firmly. “Both of you were adopted. That’s nothing to be ashamed of. Me, on the other hand…”
“You’re the reason their marriage is so solid now,” Maggie replied.
“What?”
“That’s what Dad told me. They made bad choices early on and never dealt with them when they should have. But when it all came out after your surgery, they had to either work things out or call it quits. Your determination to get answers made them decide it was the least they could do for you. And us.”
It was Mikayla’s turn to battle tears. “He didn’t say that to me.”
Lindy bumped her head gently. “He said that to both of us. As hard as this summer was on you, it’s because you were brave enough to go after the answers that we’re all still together.”
Wow. Another chess piece moved.
“I love you two,” Lindy said. “Thanks for being the calm in my typhoon. Now, we have hair, makeup, and clothes to attend to. It’s my wedding day!”
They scrambled off the bed and into a group hug, then filed into the kitchen. Coffee first.
Through hair styling and makeup application, Mikayla turned Maggie’s revelation over in her head. When she’d stormed out of Minnesota at the beginning of the summer, she’d never have believed these changes were possible. But God knew. While she’d been furiously toppling chess pieces, He’d been one step ahead moving another piece. Always one step ahead.
Family photographs kept the tears just below the surface. With her own camera always within reach, she tried to capture those moments when people were unaware—laughter and teasing, quiet moments between her parents, hugs between friends. And she soaked in the happiness she never thought she’d feel again with her family.
The ceremony was beautiful, Lindy stunning in her Vera Bradley gown. The adoration on Beau’s face pinged Mikayla’s heart. No one had ever looked at her like that. Dawson’s admiration had kept her off-balance and tingly, but that moment was gone. By the time she could return to Colorado, he’d no doubt have fallen for a different guide and gotten married on the mountain.
With her hair styled in beautiful curls, makeup on, and wearing a dress she silently admitted made her feel like a princess, she seemed to have caught the groomsmen’s attention. She happily danced into the evening, knowing she’d return to her normal, unadorned self in the morning. For tonight, she’d enjoy playing the part.
“You’ve got every man here going gaga,” Lindy whispered when they found a quiet moment together.
“I think it’s the unexpected transformation from hiking guide to princess. When they see me in my boots, they’ll lose interest.”
“Speaking of boots, what are you wearing?” The question was tinged with suspicion.
Mikayla lifted the hem of her full-length lavender gown to reveal dark purple tennies that glittered in the light. Lindy collapsed against her in laughter. “Those are perfect!”
“Told you I wouldn’t wear the boots,” Mikayla said with a grin. “But tomorrow…”
Beau swept his bride away for another photograph, leaving Mikayla to peruse the crowded dance floor, still smiling. Lindy would do just fine as Beau’s wife. Maggie would be a renowned pediatric surgeon someday.
The upbeat song ended and a slower one started. As part of the dance floor emptied and couples came together, she sighed. And she’d find her way. She scanned the room for Maggie then narrowed her gaze. Beyond the swaying couples… Her breath caught.
Dawson stood just off the parquet floor, that adorable grin on his handsome face. Dressed in a dark suit and white shirt, without a tie, he looked like someone from Lindy’s world, not hers. Perhaps she’d had too much wine. She blinked several times. No. He was still there.
Heart fluttering like a caged bird, she met him in the middle of the dance floor,
under the disco ball that tossed glittering lights over them.
“Hey,” he said.
“Hi.”
They stood silently looking at each other with silly grins.
“I never pegged you as the wedding-crasher type,” she said eventually.
He shrugged. “I heard you needed a dance partner.”
“I didn’t realize it was such big news.” She shook her head. “Are you real?”
He held out his hands, and warm, rough fingers closed around hers. “I am, but I’m not so sure you are. You, Miss Gordon, are more stunning than a mountain sunrise.”
The compliment played havoc in her chest. “Thank you. And you clean up very nicely, Mr. Dunne.”
“Just couldn’t do the tie. Sorry. I’m waiting for security to boot me out.”
She laughed, his gentle grasp sending flares up her arms. “They might have earlier. It’s anything goes now. How did you find us?”
“Called your parents yesterday. Once I explained who I was, they gave me the details.”
Her eyebrows lifted. Neither had breathed a word to her. Amidst the couples swaying and chatting around them, he tugged her closer and started dancing. It was as easy to follow him now as it had been in the mountains.
“Never pegged you as the dancing type either,” she said eventually.
“My mom taught me when I was a kid. Told me it would come in handy someday.” He wiggled his dark brows. “She was right.”
The song melded into another slow one, and they continued dancing. And smiling. It seemed he couldn’t stop either.
“So what are you doing all the way out here in Minnie-sohtah?” she asked.
“I promised I’d try ice fishing, remember?”
She cocked her head. “You’re a few months early.”
“Am I? Huh. I thought you had snow year ’round in these parts.”
“Feels like it sometimes.”
He lifted an arm and spun her slowly, then pulled her close again. “Actually, I’m here recruiting for the camp.”
She nodded, fighting to keep her smile from fading. Of course. He needed a full staff for next year. “I see.”
“I’m working on some new ideas, and I’m hoping you can steer me to the right person.”
“I’ll try.” The delight that had tickled her heart dulled into an ache.
“My first idea is creating a blog that will cover the camps we offer, but also life in the mountains. I especially want to focus on bringing more girls to Outlook. Maybe even expanding to girls-only adventures.”
They stopped moving, and she stepped back, frowning. He was going to run with her dream?
“The blog would require someone who knows the outdoors,” he continued, “and hopefully can take awesome photographs so I don’t have to hire someone for that. And of course, they should be able to string decent sentences together to make it interesting. I saw a blog recently about a hiker girl on a journey. Very impressed with the way the author wrote from the heart and shared her perspective on the mountains and life and faith. I’m hoping the person I hire can do something like that.”
Her brow lifted as tingling warmth seeped upward from her toes. He’d found her blog?
“The right person will also need to be an experienced outdoorswoman.”
“Ah. You’re looking for a woman.” She could barely speak over the pounding in her chest.
“Not just any woman. I have very specific requirements.” He closed the distance she’d created, the light in his eyes brighter than the interest of any of the groomsmen. “A woman with gorgeous blonde hair, eyes as blue as the Colorado sky, and an amazing spirit. She’ll have to not be afraid to challenge me, be willing to share the workload, and have the desire to share what she knows with girls and women.”
Tears threatened. In the distance she heard the unmistakable sound of wind in pine trees and the call of an eagle.
His smile faltered. “Mikayla, I told you before you left that I’d fallen big time for you, and I meant it. I thought maybe you felt the same, but you didn’t say anything, so I tried to just forget about it. Problem is, that didn’t work.
“So here I am, uninvited, apparently a glutton for punishment”—his eyebrows tented together—“asking if you’ll come back to Outlook. We’re not just a summer camp, remember. We have a lot of winter activities too, but while you’d be busy, you’d still have time to write and create your magazine.”
The aching heart she’d brought back to Minnesota danced and swirled under her ribs, beating joyfully. She opened her mouth, but no words came out.
“To be completely honest, and we always will be going forward,” he added with a meaningful nod, “I heard from your sister that you’ve got a major offer on the table, so maybe mine won’t even be in the running.”
“You talked to my sister? When? Which one?”
“The bride. And I met the groom too. I introduced myself when I got here so they wouldn’t have me thrown out. She introduced me to your other sister, the surgeon? And then I met your parents.”
He’d met all of them? “How long have you been here? Apparently long enough to make the rounds with my family.”
A corner of his mouth twitched. “I’ll play every angle if it means convincing you to come back.” The smile vanished. “But Kayla, as much as it kills me to say it, you really need to give the offer serious consideration. It sounds like a great opportunity.”
“I’ve thought about it a lot,” she admitted, “from all sides. It is a great opportunity. I’d get amazing experience, make really good money, and make contacts for my women’s camp idea.”
Shoulders set, he nodded. “That makes sense. Much as I’d like to, I can’t offer you a lot of money, or a cool townhouse, or even much for benefits.”
“Hmm.” She pursed her lips, feigning a frown. “What can you offer?”
A corner of his mouth lifted. “An office with amazing views. Blue sky and wildflowers. Mountains, valleys, fishing and hiking.” He stepped closer, holding her gaze. “A life of adventure and a chance to share that with as many people as we can reach through your writing and our marketing.”
We. Our. A life of adventure. God, you just moved another chess piece, didn’t you? Months ago, she’d have jumped at Ted’s offer, but she wasn’t that person anymore. She wanted so much more than a desk and a title; she wanted to make a daily difference in people’s lives the way Dawson did. And she wanted to do it at his side.
She bit back the smile that lifted from her heart and tilted her head. “Hear that?”
His eyes narrowed.
“I haven’t heard it since leaving Colorado. It’s the mountain song. I’ve missed it.” Her smile bloomed. “I’ve missed you. There’s nothing I want more than to go back to Outlook. With you.”
The joy that lit his face was as blinding as sunshine sparkling above her beloved mountains. He pulled her close, hooking his hands behind her back. “So my recruiting work is done already?”
“Afraid so. You’re free to head back to camp.”
He smiled and rested his forehead against hers. “Not without my girl,” he said softly. “In fact, I think I’ll hang around Minnie-sohtah for a bit, get to know the locals. Go on some hikes, do a little fishing. Know any good guides?”
She lifted her head and nodded, barely able to draw a breath. He had to hear her mended heart pounding joyously beneath her Cinderella gown. His danced under her hands resting on his chest. “I do. And I know she’d love to show you her hometown. But then she has a gig to get to.”
“Oh? And where’s that?”
“It’s a place where mountains sing, there’s adventure on every trail, and where people meet the Creator of it all.”
Dawson slid his hands to her neck, brushing his thumbs against her jaw. “If that’s where you’re going, I’m going too.”
“Let’s go together,” she whispered before he drew her into a kiss that tasted of joy and wonder and hope.
She was going home.
Dearest Reader,
Thank you for reading When Mountains Sing! I hope you enjoyed Mikayla’s story, and getting a glimpse of the beauty and majesty of the Rocky Mountains, as much as I enjoyed writing about them.
Identity continues to be at the core of my writing, and Mikayla’s struggle to figure out who she is and where she belongs is similar to what most of us wrestle with, although it might not start with shocking DNA news! In a society driven by the worship of youth and beauty, where fitting in is more important than standing for truth, we can often feel like we don’t belong. For those who strive to live a life of faith, we wonder where our place is in the upside-down world.
The fact is, we don’t belong to this world. Our DNA comes from the God who created us, molded us into a one-of-a-kind individual, and gave us specific gifts, talents and interests that the world desperately needs. We are not “of” this world—we were created to be members of God’s eternal kingdom—but we are “in” this world to have an impact as only we can.
You don’t have to try to fit in; you were made to stand out! So be proud to be who God created you to be. Take your place in the world and make a difference, big or small. The world needs you to be YOU!
Right now you can help others by 1) writing a review, and 2) sharing this book. One of the best ways to spread the news about a book you’ve enjoyed is to write a few sentences sharing your thoughts in a review. The other way is, of course, to tell your friends and family! I’m sure you know many who are struggling with who they are in this crazy world who could use the encouragement.
My ultimate goal as I write is two-fold: to glorify the mighty God I serve, and to share inspiring, encouraging stories that point people to the Source of all goodness, the One who can and does redeem everyone who seeks Him.
May the Creator of all that is good, bless you and keep you until we meet again!
Stacy
Other books by Stacy Monson