“I do recall, yes.”
The driver turned up a road that cut through the meadow and led straight to the mountains.
“We’ll cut through this canyon right here and then on to the house,” Jed explained.
“Where are we?” She pulled up her phone but then laid it aside. “No service. It’s too spotty.”
“When we get up there, we have excellent Wi-Fi if you need it for whatever work you have to do. We’ve got an extra satellite connection, and we’re up higher.”
“Impressive. I’m going to the right place, I can tell already.”
“And you’ll love my Aunt Julie’s cooking.”
AnnaMae turned back to the window, and he moved closer, draping an arm across her back. “I’m happy you came.”
When she turned back, two bright eyes stared up at him. Eyes he had once known but now held evidence of years of time apart, eyes he wanted to reacquaint himself with.
“Thanks for having me. It was great timing. When I went back to New York, I wasn’t ready to be there.” She turned back to look out the window. The mountains rose up on either side of the limo as it wound up through the canyon. “This is stunning. It fills me, you know?”
He opened up the sunroof above them.
“Oh, yes! Do you mind if I stick my head out?”
He laughed. “Go right ahead. I expect nothing less.”
She poked her head up through the top and shouted to him, pointing and calling out, none of which he heard, but he smiled inside at her energy. What made this fascinating woman tick? He found himself intrigued by her, her every movement, everything she said, and even the manner in which she carried herself. And he couldn’t forget the question he’d wondered all these years. Why had their moments together on the bridge remained so special to him?
They pulled out of the canyon, and the area flattened out on the plateau where he lived, a beautiful space overlooking the valley and backed by more mountains behind.
AnnaMae ducked her head back inside the limo, and he closed the roof. “It can get chilly up here.”
She rubbed her arms, so he pulled her close again and draped his arm across her shoulders. “You’re an ice cube.” He ran his other hand up and down her arm. “Sebastian, could you warm up the temperature back here?”
The heat cranked up, and as the car pulled into the driveway, she relaxed more and seemed warmer.
“Thank you.”
When the car stopped, he hopped out and ran to her side to open the door. “Here you go.”
She stepped a foot out.
When he saw her boot touch the earth on his land, something flipped around inside. He wanted to remember the moment. He would have taken a picture, except that would have been weird. But his body hummed with excitement. And he recognized a new desire in his life: get AnnaMae up here on his land as much as possible.
“What?”
He blinked.
“Your face, what were you thinking?” She looked down at her boot and around her and then back at him.
He felt his face heat.
“Wait, you’re blushing. Okay, spill. What?”
He laughed.
Aunt Julie called from the porch. “Jeddy, is that you?”
“Jeddy,” AnnaMae whispered. “That’s gonna stick.”
“Oh stop.” He reached for her hand and led her over to the front porch. “Aunt Julie, this is AnnaMae. I knew her back in the seventh grade if you can believe it.”
Aunt Julie’s sweet old crinkly smile grew, and she reached for AnnaMae’s hand. “Thank you for coming, my dear. He needs a bit of something feminine around here.”
“Thank you, Aunt Julie.” He moved to walk past her into the house, but she continued. “He never goes out, never has fun with the kids his age. He’s always here, working the land, bringing in the cattle, doing paperwork.”
“That’s a shame. A man as good looking as your nephew?” AnnaMae winked at him.
He wanted the conversation to end before Aunt Julie said something even more embarrassing.
“That’s what I say. A man needs a woman in his life, especially our Jeddy here. He’s been pining away—”
“Okay, that’s great, Aunt Julie, but we don’t want AnnaMae to learn everything there is to know about us before she even steps inside, do we?”
“Oh, of course, dear. Come on in, you two. There’s food on the table in the kitchen and I’ll let Jeddy show you to your room.”
“Thank you so much. Everything is so beautiful.”
Jed led her straight to the back of the house, which featured floor-to-ceiling windows. “This must be seen even before food.”
She sucked in her breath, and that was reward enough for him. “I’ve never seen such a view.”
The valley spread out to their front. A river ran through the middle of a wide meadow, the same yellow flowers in full bloom, bison dotting the area. On the opposite side, another mountain rose up in purple, grey and white tones. Everywhere he looked on either side for miles in any direction was more of the same stunning landscape. He breathed in his pride in his family’s land and let it fill his chest. Generations of Svenssons and then McAllisters had lived and worked this land. His very blood felt connected to the land and their legacy.
When she turned to him, he was surprised to see tears in her eyes.
“What is it?” He reached for a tissue. “Are you well?”
She waved her hand. “I’m fine. I’m just touched, moved, by something this beautiful.” She smiled. “I love it.”
Gratified, he pulled her to his chest. “That is the perfect response to my life’s work. And generations before mine. Thank you.”
She nodded, her cheek up against his chest.
Then Aunt Julie called from across the room. “Have you fed that poor girl yet? She’s bound to be starving, and here you are hugging on her like you’ll never see her again.”
He sighed and murmured under his breath. “She’s something.”
“I think she’s wonderful.”
His fingers laced with hers so naturally. “Let’s hope you think so after you’ve been here a few days.”
“I don’t think anything could make this visit less amazing than it is. I may never want to leave.”
“And that would be the goal. Accomplished within the first thirty minutes!” The more he knew her, the more he hoped she really would come to feel that way about his land some day, hopefully even during this trip, if possible.
Chapter 6
AnnaMae sat on the balcony of a bedroom that looked out over the whole valley and found it difficult to focus while she scrolled through email. Her boss, Miles, had sent four emails since she’d arrived. Apparently, a new group had joined the environmental lobbyists, and they were most interested in the one parcel of land she worried might be in use. She pressed her teeth into her upper lip, frowning as she concentrated on a way to make everyone happy. She would go visit the land this week before she made any decisions at all, and she would need to locate the owners by telephone. Svenssons...Swedish perhaps? She suspected Jed’s ancestors had known the Svensson ancestors. Thinking that brought a whole new bout of unease. The more the people involved became real to her, the less she was able to make decisions that would strip them of their happiness or their land.
She leaned her head back and stared out over the vast expanse of beauty before her. Most of the time she loved her job. Grabbing and protecting land like this one before developers could strip it down gave her great satisfaction. She believed in national parks and preserving the beauty of her nation. But she also believed in her fellow humans, and she felt sick about possibly taking away someone’s livelihood.
“You’re kind of driving me crazy.”
She sat forward, a happy expectation flipping around in her stomach. “Jed. Come in.”
“There, that’s better. For a minute I thought you were going to chew through your lip.”
“Very funny.” She motioned for him to sit beside her. �
��Just mulling over some work issues.”
“Anything I can help with?”
“Maybe.” She knew he wouldn’t love what she was about to tell him. Perhaps she could get some assistance without disclosing exactly what her boss wanted her to do. “I’m here to make some suggestions on further land to protect as national forest or parkland.”
He sat very still.
“When I make suggestions, I try to sequester land that is not being used by anyone and that won’t ever be.”
He nodded. “A worthy goal.” He stood and moved to the railing, resting his hands on it while he stared out to his front. “Everything you can see, from the tops of those mountains over there, everything to the right and to the left is all land that was purchased, settled, and worked by my great grandfather, my grandfather, my father, and now me. There are quite a few parcels in similar situations around here and all over Montana.”
“You obviously feel a deep connection here.”
“A love. This land joins my family together over generations. They created it, worked it, gave their lives to it, and are buried in it.” He turned, his eyes lighting. “You know what? I need to show you. Do you ride?”
“Pardon me?”
“Ride? Horses.”
She loved horses. “Yes. I love to ride. It’s been years, but I’d love to go out with you.”
“Ok, let’s saddle up.”
“Right now?”
“Yup. I gotta get you out there. Whatever’s going on in that work of yours that’s frowning your beautiful face can wait. We have some fresh air to breathe.”
Anna could think of nothing she’d rather do more. “I’m ready to go. Jeans, boots, what more do I need?”
“Just a handsome tour guide…”
“Do you know where I can find one of those?”
He dipped in a small bow. And she laughed.
They walked out her door together. He really was so handsome, possibly the most handsome man she’d ever seen.
Once the horses were saddled up and she and Jed left the barn area, their horses at a walk, she grinned in excitement. “Okay! Let’s see this land of yours.”
“Whoa, easy now.” He chuckled and then pointed up toward the mountains at their front. “See that ridge up there?”
She squinted and nodded. “We’ll ride along that for the panorama and then come back down and gallop across those meadows you saw at the base.”
Her heart picked up, and her horse danced in response to her increased energy. “It’s been too long, Jed. I love to be out on a horse.”
He clucked, and the horses picked up their pace to a gentle trot. “Don’t know why you’re living in that big city if you love horses so much.”
She shrugged and didn’t want to talk about the vile tongues of the residents of Thayer Falls. Her memories flooded back and she pushed them away as usual.
As soon as they had cleared all the fencing, she squeezed her thighs and the horse took off at a gallop. “Woooooeeeee!” The wind whipped through her hair, and she flew. Jed rode at her side, his grin wide and easy. She felt her interest grow, her heart engage, and even though she knew a relationship with him would be all but impossible, she couldn’t help wishing to see where it could go. And how crazy was it to still wonder about their seventh-grade kiss. Would kissing him now bring back that same spark? She felt her face heat, and she was grateful Jed wouldn’t notice, covered as it was by her hat and their speed.
Their horses tore across the expansive grassland toward the mountain. What a beautiful setup. His house sat on a plateau at the top of one range, which then rose into another mountain range along the south side. Everywhere she looked, the area offered stunning views, the kind that she would create as screensavers and stare at from her desk at work. A herd of elk leapt out of the forest at the base of the mountain and raced across the grass. Their great antlers rising majestically, their long legs leaping in great strides.
They rode until the mountain side loomed closer and then reined in the horses. She leaned forward, patting her beautiful chestnut. “Thatta girl. Thanks for that ride.”
He dismounted, so she followed, and they led the horses to a stream. “Let’s get them watered up.” He pulled out a couple water bottles from his pack. “And us too.”
They let the horses drink a few swallows and then nudged them away to graze while Wyatt and AnnaMae sat on a rock, the cool mountain air fresh and brisk. It almost tasted good, it was so clean. “I gotta admit. This day presents a solid case for moving back to the country.” She drank another couple swallows.
“Did you see the elk? They run through here all the time; that leader has been in charge for at least eight years now.”
“Has he? No one dares oppose the king, I guess?”
“Now and then I’ll see a little upstart trying to entice some of the women away, but nope. Old Arthur shows them what’s what in a matter of moments.”
“Old Arthur?”
“Yeah. You know, King Arthur?”
“I got the reference.” She nudged him. “So, are you lonely up here?”
“Nah, don’t listen to Aunt Julie.” He paused and the moment felt thick with importance. “But I might be once you leave.” His gaze flitted to her face.
She watched him, understanding what she thought he meant. “New York was already lonely when I got back.” Their shoulders touched. She leaned closer. Then he wrapped an arm around her, pulling her close. A great warmth filled her: security, peace, and a jolt of energy all at once. She lifted her face, watching him, wondering where this was going, what he wanted from them. His eyes searched her face, lingering on her lips for a moment, just long enough for all her insides to tighten in anticipation. Her lips parted, and she watched him.
He nodded, slight lowering of his chin. “Yes, ma’am. I’m gonna be real lonely when you leave.” His deep voice rumbled through her in a great wave. Then he pressed his lips to her forehead and held her close.
Chapter 7
They rode for the whole afternoon. Jed pulled out sandwiches at lunchtime and water bottles whenever they needed them. The sky was dark blue. The air warm. She couldn’t think of the last time she’d had such a perfect day.
As they meandered back into the paddock and some of the staff met them in the stables, she dropped from her horse and groaned. “I don’t know if I’ll ever walk normally again.”
“Oh, come now, a few more days on a horse and you’ll be back in the saddle, so to speak.”
“Ha. Well, for now, I think I’ll hit the showers.”
“We have a pool and hot tub. Meet you there?”
“Oh, yes, that sounds perfect.” Her muscles needed it, she told herself. The happy expectation flitting around in her stomach had nothing to do with the image of Jed, shirtless, sitting next to her.
As she rummaged through her belongings to find the swimsuit she’d brought for just such an occasion, her phone dinged. Even though she’d given herself a couple days of early vacation, she was still on a work trip, so she scrolled through. Two from her boss, back-to-back, looked important. “If you can’t find Svensson, look for McAllister. We think they’re the same family. Their land is the only property sitting between two national parks and someone wants them connected.”
She almost dropped her phone. How could she not have noticed? She pulled out the paperwork, the maps, the information on the Svensson land, and then pulled up the map on her phone. She had a signal now; Jed was right, their Wi-Fi was incredible. With dread, she realized she stood on the very land she had been asked to recommend be surrounded and strangled into becoming parkland. Jed’s land.
A sick dread spread throughout her, replacing her happy anticipation. Maybe she’d skip the hot tub and just shower and get back to work. She could do the assessment of the property while she was here and finish a bunch of research and paperwork.
But she thought of Jed, waiting for her, thought of his family, how much he loved this place. It was his very identity. And she thoug
ht of the steam rising up around him in the hot water. Work could wait; this decision could wait. She was going to soak some tired muscles in the water for as long as it took to feel better about everything.
After asking around, she opened a large wooden door and stepped into a room with a glass ceiling. The air immediately felt warmer. Jed swam laps in the large pool. The hot tub bubbled, and in the corner, its welcoming steam beckoned to her. But she stood at the side of the pool until Jed rose out to take a breath, just underneath her. “Oh, hello.”
“Hi.”
“Just getting in some laps. The water is warm in here if you want to try it.”
“I think I just need to sit in there. My muscles are gonna feel that ride. I can already tell.”
“I’ll finish up in here and join you.” He leaned back and took off down the length of the pool, his long sleek body effortlessly pushing through the water.
As she lowered herself into the heat, she tried not to think about her upcoming decisions. A part of her hoped she could find a way around it. A way that made everyone happy, her boss, Jed, herself. Maybe if Jed just lost a little, gave up something. She’d take a look at the map and the surrounding area and try to put together a scenario that would work. The thought cheered her as it gave her some hope.
Jed climbed up and out of the lap pool, and Anna forgot why she was worried. Perfectly defined muscles, long sleek arms. He shook his hair, and it fell in messy perfection around his face. She was grateful to be mostly under the water, suddenly self-conscious about her own body when his was literally perfect. She’d never been around a man like him.
He stepped in slowly, so slowly that she looked up to meet his eyes. He was posing, flexing muscles, mocking male models everywhere, and even though she knew he meant to be ridiculous, her mouth went dry. But she was grateful for the break in tension, and she laughed. “What are you doing?” She tossed some hot water in his direction.
“I’m trying to show off my physique…is it working?”
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