Rocky Mountain Shelter

by Vivian Arend

  “How come the rumour mill doesn’t know how John died?” Small towns, with their long memories never forgot a scandal or a painful falling-out amongst family.

  “Because it could have been an accident.” Randy turned toward him, face drawn with sorrow. “The doc called it an accident, and hell, maybe it was. John wasn’t healthy. Maybe he’d fallen in and couldn’t get out, and that was the end. But it wasn’t suspicious, not to anyone else.”

  “Just to you, because you knew what John had been acting like.”

  “God.”

  The pain in his dad’s voice made Trevor reach over and give his arm a tight squeeze.

  “I found him,” Randy confessed, his strong voice weak and shaking. “I pray I never have to deal with another moment like that in my entire life. It breaks something in you. To know you’re too late. To know you didn’t do enough.”

  Trevor waited in silence, the faint click of the engine fan the only noise as Randy pulled himself together.

  “All three of us brothers who were married at the time had kids on the way—you, and Daniel, and Ben’s son Michael, and it was hard enough to have John gone, and Mark missing in action. That was one hell of a mixed-up year.”

  “It would’ve been brutal. I can see that.”

  Randy laid a hand on his shoulder. “You were a gift. All three of you boys born that year seemed to have a special ability to make other people happy. But at the same time, there was a deep bitterness that grew, and when Mark finally did show up months later, none of us were very welcoming. Mike was okay, and he’s always had an open-door policy toward Mark, but the rest of us? We weren’t big enough, even once we realized it was no one’s fault.”

  One hell of a story. “So where do things sit now? I mean obviously Mark still owns the land—that’s the rental where Becky lives.”

  “He never gave it up, but after that first time he came home and got doors slammed in his face, or worse, accusations and shouting, he’s never been back.” Randy leaned back in the chair. “I don’t blame him.”

  “Is he welcome? If he wanted to come?” Trevor asked cautiously, even though it made no sense to him.

  It took a long time before Randy answered him.

  “There’re a lot of years of bitterness built up. While I don’t think it’s his fault anymore, I feel guilty as hell for all of the wrongs that happened, and I don’t know how we could possibly fix that, Trevor.” Randy dipped his head. “Of course he’d be welcome to come, but I don’t know that he likes us very much. I don’t like us very much, and I think some mistakes can never be repaired. Like a bit of land that’s been poisoned. Even if you try to put new healthy seed into the soil, it’s never going to grow.”

  Trevor waited again, but Randy sat without saying any more, so he put the truck back in gear and aimed them toward Rocky Mountain House. Sitting silently and thinking over everything he’d learned.

  Sadness settled in his soul.

  His family had always seemed kind of untouchable. Oh, Uncle Ben was an ass, and there were fights and bickering among the cousins at times, including a lingering tension between his generation’s twins, Jesse and Joel.

  To learn there was a layer of rot deep in their history choked something inside him.

  It didn’t have to be there, his heart insisted.

  But then he considered how he felt when Becky discussed her sister. How much she obviously wanted to be in touch with the woman, and how the mere idea sent streaks of disgust, and anger, and fear through him. He didn’t want her having anything to do with the person who had caused such deep abiding pain, unintentional or not.

  Trevor might be able to see the broader picture, in Becky’s case, and in the case of his uncles. Didn’t mean he knew how to navigate the dangerous emotional currents tangled up in both situations.

  Didn’t mean he wasn’t going to try.

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Rachel had done everything to try to convince Becky they needed a night on the town, but the whole idea of heading out in public with strange men around made her twitch.

  Maybe Rachel was as good protection as anyone, and maybe they didn’t have to worry, but Becky still wasn’t comfortable going somewhere like Traders without Trevor along.

  She wasn’t going to apologize for that, either. “If we want to have a get-together, we can do it at my place,” she suggested.

  Rachel rolled her eyes. “Ah, no. The point of this is that you get to have some fun and not have to clean up after everybody when we’re done. If you really don’t want to go out, and I won’t make you, we’ll have the party here.”

  “Party?” Becky tried to keep the panic out of her voice, but it was tough. “How many people are we talking about?”

  Her friend hesitated. “Okay, I’ll cut down the invite list. Who do you want on it?”

  “You.”

  A laugh escaped. “That’s no longer a party, by any stretch of the imagination.”

  Becky thought it over. “Anna? And Melody if she isn’t working?”

  “A Moonshine gathering. We can do that.”

  Which was how she ended up a couple nights later being escorted into Rachel and Lee’s house by a very amused Trevor.

  “I like that you like my family,” he teased, the words whispering past her ear as they waited at the front door for someone to answer their knock.

  She bumped him with her elbow. “They’re good people. That’s why I put up with you.”

  He hissed as if in pain. “Low blow.”

  The door swung open, and Rachel appeared, decked out in comfy leggings and an oversized flannel shirt. She welcomed Becky in then blocked the path. “Go away, Trevor,” she ordered.

  Trevor’s laugh filled the room. “Awww, don’t be like that. You need me around for entertainment.”

  A Nerf football flew across the room and smacked him in the side of the head. “You’re more entertaining when you’re not here,” Anna taunted. “Now get out, this is my first night off in a long time, and Mitch is picking me up at midnight.”

  “A curfew? Poor girl.”

  Anna bounced up on the couch, grinning at him. “He’s my designated driver, and that’s when the party turns private and moves to our house. Now go away, you’re harshing my buzz.”

  Becky peeked around Rachel, showing him shining eyes. “Are you going to pick me up later?”

  “Since you’re going to be drinking, for once I won’t offer to leave my truck.” He crooked a finger to motion her forward. “Give me a goodbye kiss then I’ll be out of your hair.”

  Maybe she should’ve been more embarrassed to be the center of his attention while the other girls watched, but it didn’t take long to totally forget they had an audience, because it was all about him, and how sweet it was to have his mouth on hers. His hands gentle on her hips even as his thumbs snuck under her top to brush the bare skin of her waist.

  He tapped a finger on her nose before stepping back onto the porch. “See you later.”

  A promise that meant so much more than the words.

  He hadn’t said anything about their disastrous undertaking a few nights earlier. It was as if it hadn’t happened. He’d still come around regularly to help in the garden, showing up whenever possible to give her a ride or to join her for a long walk on the gravel road in the evening.

  She’d appreciated that he’d made her panic seem not nearly as big of a deal as it was. Now if her body would only figure out sex wasn’t a big deal she’d have the solution to her problem.

  Becky twisted on the spot, pushing aside thoughts of Trevor so she could enjoy her evening with the ladies.

  The other three women were all lined up, ear-to-ear smiles as they stared back.

  “What?”

  Melody motioned her forward. “You’re so adorable. Like a cuddly puppy who’s fallen into a big box, and you’re completely delighted by the surprise you don’t even realize where you are.”

  Rachel patted the spot next to her on the couch. �
�Which isn’t an insult, by the way. Anytime Melody breaks out puppy analogies, it’s as good as her saying she loves you.”

  “Don’t you think she’s cute?” Melody asked, pulling her legs under her as she sat by the coffee table. “Becky, I’m teasing.”

  “It’s okay,” Becky responded. “I feel like a puppy at times, wandering around, not quite sure what’s going on. But there are an awful lot of people giving me pats on the head and taking care of me. I can’t complain about that.”

  She found herself getting an impulsive hug from Rachel before they all turned to the sound of Anna offering a cheer. She’d opened the box resting on the dining room table and was staring into it with delight.

  “What’d you bring?” Rachel asked.

  “Mitch went to town and promised to stock up on party supplies for us.”

  “We’ve already got food and drink.” Melody pointed at the loaded table behind them.

  Anna reached in and pulled out a handful of small bottles the size of a couple of fingers. “He grabbed samplers.” She glanced at Becky. “I’m all about drinking responsibly, so if you’re interested in trying some different things, now is the time.”

  “Drinks?” Becky joined Anna by the box. There were dozens of miniature liquor bottles of all sorts and shapes. “I don’t want to get drunk, but it would be nice to know what I like.”

  “Not beer, right?”

  She shook her head. “I’ve tried a few different types now and none of them work for me.”

  “It’s not like you have to drink,” Melody said. “Some people do, and some don’t.”

  But the point was she didn’t know if she wanted to because she’d never had the chance. And other than knowing beer was definitely not her friend, she didn’t know where to start.

  “Maybe I’ll decide I don’t want to drink, but like you said”—she glanced at Anna—“this is a safe place to try.”

  Rachel rubbed her hands together. “Let me get my iPad and I’ll pull up a bartender site. Tonight the Moonshine girls are going for a taste drive.”

  It sounded great, and fun, and it wasn’t until Rachel and Melody came back with a tray full of empty glasses and a bucket of ice that the words really registered.

  Moonshine girls.

  Rachel had included her as a part of that group, and something very much like butterfly wings set off in her stomach. She liked Trevor, a lot, but to be included as a part of his family was even bigger, and something she hadn’t dreamed possible.

  While the girls settled around the coffee table, all of them sliding onto cushions on the floor, Becky held tight to that flutter of happiness. In spite of the continuing worries for her sister, and the huge weight hanging over her head when it came to sex, she couldn’t help but be delighted with the laughter and friendship surrounding her.

  A glass appeared under her nose.

  “We’ll start you easy.” Melody raised her glass in a toast. “To trying new things.”

  “Rum and Coke, in this case,” Anna pointed out, raising her own glass in the air so she could clink it with the others.

  There was only about an inch of liquid in the bottom of the glass, dark and sweet smelling. Definitely Coke, which she knew, with an aftertaste that made her shiver. “Should I keep track of these, or something? Because depending how many you give me, I’m not going to be able to remember what I’ve tried.”

  “Already on it.”

  Anna patted the table in front of her, and Rachel let out a hoot of laughter. “Seriously? You’re taking notes?”

  “Of course. How else is Becky going to learn? Especially after she’s had a dozen shots.”

  This time it was Melody who snickered. “I’m so glad you’re all about drinking responsibly.”

  Anna nudged her glass toward Melody. “Shut up, and pour me a regular-sized one. You can do the tutti-fruity drinks for you three. I’ll stick to these.”

  Melody pushed the two-liter bottle of Coke and a full-sized bottle of Rum toward Anna. “She’s all yours. I don’t think from the face Becky made that one’s on her keeper list.”

  Becky shook her head. “Coke makes my nose itch.”

  “Don’t blame the Coke just yet,” Rachel teased, taking back the glass and pouring two more things together, one from a small white bottle. “How’s this one?”

  Another cautious sniff made her curiosity rise. Coke again, but this time a scent like coconut. The first sip went down a lot smoother than the previous drink. “Oh, that was nice.”

  Melody nudged Anna. “Make a note. Our girl likes Malibu.”

  The drinks were so small it probably took eight different samples before she’d had a full glass, but by then Becky was already lightheaded.

  “I need a break.” She got to her feet, wavering for a moment before catching her balance.

  “Bathroom is down the hall, first door on the right,” Rachel offered, following after her to the kitchen. “Snack time. Anna, open up Netflix. We’re gonna do a taste test on movies to see what Becky likes.”

  Laughter echoed all the way to the road, the lights in the house dimmed to almost nothing as he and Lee headed up the walk.

  “You’re like a horse running to the barn at the end of the day,” Lee teased.

  “I’ll take you back to Traders to beat you some more at darts,” Trevor threatened. “Besides, Mitch will be here soon, so unless you want to hold up your own party until later, let me grab my girl and head home.”

  The sound of a motorbike moving closer echoed down the street. “That’s Mitch now.”

  “And Steve is already here.” Trevor pointed to their brother’s truck. “It’s a family reunion.”

  They stood at the sidewalk until Mitch arrived, smoothly manoeuvering his oversized bike onto the driveway.

  Their brother-in-law pulled off his helmet and hung it from the handlebars, a cocky grin breaking free as he spotted them waiting. “Did the girls have a good time?” he asked as he uncurled himself from the bike and joined them.

  “Don’t know for sure, but from the sound of the shrieking going on, I’d guess yes.” Trevor moved to one side, giving Mitch room to join them as they walked toward the house.

  “Missed you at Traders,” Lee offered.

  “Missed being there, but I’m doing extra hours at the shop with my youngest brother still out of town. He should be back soon. We can go again then.”

  “Look forward to it.”

  Funny to think Trevor had once beat the crap out of the man now prowling beside him like a barely controlled tiger. Of course, Trevor had always wondered if he’d been allowed to beat the crap out of Mitch—luckily some things just weren’t discussed, and now they got along gangbusters, and that’s what mattered.

  They marched inside only to jerk to a halt, Mitch and Lee bumping against his back as they discovered Steve standing silently in the shadows just inside the door.

  The reason they were waiting was clear—three of the women were seated on the couch watching Rachel who was bathed in the blue light of the television. Music played in the background, but Rachel was the main attraction. Her hair fell in a riotous mess, the top buttons of her shirt undone, the tails hanging loose, and she was making the most interesting noises. Her eyes were closed, and one hand lay on her chest, the other curled over her abdomen as she undulated her torso.

  Melody, Anna and Becky were laughing hysterically, gasping for breath as Rachel let out an exceptionally long moan, her head tilting back as if she were in ecstasy.

  “Jesus, I wonder how much she’s had to drink?” Lee muttered as he pushed past Trevor into the room. “Rach. What the hell—?”

  Rachel snapped upright, her eyes popping open as the other women whirled on the spot, laughter turning to shouts. Anna howled as Rachel covered her face, and the whole room was filled with happy chaos.

  Whatever they’d been up to, they hadn’t expected company yet. “Do you want us to go away for a while longer? Or should we join the party?” Trevor teased as
he marched to the couch.

  Rachel straightened her clothes rapidly, her cheeks flushed red as Lee curled an arm around her waist and pulled her close. “All I know is whatever Rachel’s having, I want part of it,” he said, his voice full of innuendo.

  She smacked a hand against his chest before tilting her head back to offer him a sultry glance. “Where do you think I got my inspiration from?”

  Anna and Melody had finally caught their breath, rising to their feet and heading toward the kitchen as Trevor made a beeline for Becky.

  “Ready to go home?” he asked as she stepped toward him, reaching out her hand. He ignored it, pushing past her fingers until their bodies came into full contact and he could give her a proper kiss hello.

  Hell, yeah. She threw her arms around his neck and shimmied in close, warm curves nestled in tight as she opened her mouth and let him deepen the kiss.

  “She can’t answer with your tongue in her mouth,” Rachel deadpanned.

  “Maybe they’ve got that mental telepathy thing going on,” Melody suggested.

  “They got something going on.”

  Trevor pulled back reluctantly, keeping Becky at his side as he gave Lee a grin for his last comment. “Looks like everybody was having fun.”

  There was a shriek of laughter from the door followed by the screen door banging shut. They moved to the window to see Mitch strolling casually down the driveway with Anna tossed over his shoulder. She was laughing still, pushing up with her hands on his back so she could wave goodbye toward the window, seeming not at all displeased with being kidnapped.

  “Our goodbyes were taking too long,” Steve rumbled with amusement. He waggled his brows at Melody. “It sounds like a good idea to me.”

  Melody backed away as he reached toward her like he was about to pick her up. “Don’t you dare,” she warned, pausing to give Rachel and Becky hugs before heading out, her arm wrapped around Steve.

  Trevor was eager to get home as well. Becky had slipped her hand into his, returning close by his side. “Ready to go?” he asked again.

  She nodded, offering Rachel a brilliant smile. “I had such a good time. Thank you.”