by Tena Stetler
“Lathen, under control.” Kolby shook his head and guffawed. “Never happen.”
She shot him the stink eye and continued to drag Hayley toward the back door. “You have to see the horses that Mom and Dad took in. Beautiful creatures.” Pepper turned to invite Amy to come along, but she was engrossed in conversation with Klaren looking over an ancient book open on the kitchen counter.
“Sounds good. I’ve sat long enough.” She pointed to the hooks by the front door. “Let me grab my coat.”
“We’ll be right back,” Pepper said over the din of conversation, giving a low whistle for Ember and Tonk to follow. Timber trotted behind them. She caught her father’s glance and approval before allowing Timber to tag along.
Lathen gave her a thumbs up and strode across the floor to the knot of men standing by the fireplace. The Quartz men were tall and muscular with sculptured facial features. Kolby had coppery blond hair, his mother’s green eyes, and Lathen’s dad, light brown hair with streaks of gray and blue-green eyes he’d shared with Lathen. Then there was Duncan McKay, tall, but stocky with bright red hair graying slightly at the temples and a sprinkling of freckles across his nose and cheeks. As Lathen joined the group, he thought how different this holiday season would be compared to previous years, and smiled.
Klaren bustled around the rustic log dining table arranging chips, dip, veggie plate, meat and cheese platter including her famous peanut butter cookies, these with a chocolate kiss in the center. She reached in the matching china cabinet for plates and silverware. Amy took the mugs from her and carried them into the kitchen. The large capacity coffee maker sat on the kitchen counter with the smaller one filled with hot water. Tea bags and hot chocolate mix were arranged in a wicker basket decorated with red and green bows.
“I’m going to set the mugs between the coffee maker and the basket,” Amy called from the kitchen.
“Great. All right everyone, come help yourselves.” Klaren stood at the table surveying the spread. Lathen herded the men to the table. As he passed by Klaren, she caught his arm. “I’m going to show Amy the apartment and find the girls. We should be right back, provided I can pull Pepper from the horses.”
“Good luck with that. If you aren’t back shortly, I’ll come with reinforcements.” He chuckled and leaned in to hear the rest of the conversation regarding wildlife conservation between his brother and Duncan. Behind the others, Elijah filled his plate, then joined the little group and settled onto the couch at the far end of the stone fireplace. Lathen put his plate down and tossed a couple good sized logs in the fireplace. The fire crackled and popped sending orange sparks up the chimney as flames raced up all sides of the new wood.
“So Elijah, Pepper tells me you’re a tour guide for Denali National Park? Must be an exciting job.” Duncan took a drink from his steaming mug of coffee.
“It can be. But mostly it’s rewarding, showing people that have never been to Alaska the breathtaking views, unusual wildlife, and secrets of Denali.” Elijah scooped salsa on a chip and popped it in his mouth.
“Pepper raved about the park and the access you gave them during the trip last August.” Duncan set his mug on the table.
“Your daughter did her research before arriving. She knew as much as I did about some things.” He grinned and sipped his coffee.
“The trip was a dream come true for her. Klaren and I have been planning a trip to Alaska since we retired, but something always comes up.”
“If you two can get up to my Alaska…say June of next year?” Elijah said decisively. “You can stay with us. I’ll arrange a private tour for a week in the back country of Denali. How’s that sound?”
Duncan raised his eyebrows and blew out a breath. “That would be my dream come true. As far as I know, we don’t have any vacation plans for next year.”
“Good, it’s settled. After the wedding, we are spending Christmas and New Year’s with the kids, as I assume you are. So we can work out the details between now and then. The first of the year the airlines may have some good deals on flights to Alaska, book ’em for early June.” Elijah leaned back in the recliner and grinned at his son. “Lathen, you fell for the right woman, her family fits right in.”
“Dad, really.” Lathen raised a brow as he shifted his gaze to Duncan. “Pack mentality. We have one flaw that runs through the family, we don’t seem to have filter on what we say.” He shook his head.
“I take offense to that.” Eli bristled.
“Kolby, Hayley looks great.” Lathen ignored his father. “How’s she feeling? I’d ask her myself, but Pepper is monopolizing her time so far.”
“Doing good. I kinda keep my head ducked and out of her way. On any given evening, it’s tears, rage, smiles, and then over again. Thankfully the morning sickness, she had all day, is past.”
“She’s big as a house. Sure she should be traveling to the wedding?”
“Just try to stop her. And if I were you, I’d keep the big as a house to yourself, if you value your life.” Kolby laughed.
“Of course. I was just surprised what a difference three months made.” Lathen did a purposeful eye roll.
“Dad, you and Amy…doing well?”
“Oh, she keeps him in line like nothing the pack’s ever seen,” Kolby interjected. “On Saturday…you know, his day off…Mic…”
“That’s enough. Tales of the pack can wait. In answer to your question. I thought there’d never be another. Being a single parent all those years then baching it after you two left the nest, I didn’t lack for female companionship, but…got set in my ways. Amy, she has…ideas…hell it’s been an adjustment, but I wouldn’t trade her or our life now for the world.” He paused as if he was deciding to comment further but shook his head. “Are we going to be able to see Rocky Mountain National Park?”
Lathen grinned, his father still wasn’t comfortable with discussing feelings, so he let it go and glanced at Pepper’s dad.
Duncan came to Elijah’s rescue. “Yep. Heck of a snowstorm is predicted to blow in Thanksgiving Day ending by Friday afternoon. Give me a chance to try out the new sleigh on Friday. If you’re interested? But tomorrow, we’ll head to RMNP bright and early. Spend the day. Do some hiking, maybe snowshoeing in the higher areas. Or just drive through. October and November have been really mild so far.”
“How far from here?” Elijah asked.
“Couple hours’ drive.”
“Looking forward to it.” Elijah shifted in his chair to face Duncan. “Pepper got her love of animals from you?”
“Partly, but mostly from her Aunt Ashling. She did wildlife rescue and rehab before the need for such things were known. Pepper was a natural.”
Lathen pushed up from the couch. “I’m going to go find the girls. Don’t think they are going to come back on their own.”
Elijah snorted. “You really expected them to?”
“No.” Lathen grimaced.
Duncan stood. “How about we join you.” He glanced at Eli and Kolby.
“Sure. I’d like to take a look at the horses.” Kolby pushed up from the couch and stretched his legs.
“Eli you can check out the apartment you and Amy will be staying in. Take a look at the horses and the sleigh I got with them.”
Lathen’s dad raised his brow. “A sleigh came with the horses?”
“Yeah, hell of a deal. Apparently the man passed away, the wife couldn’t care for the horses alone. Her kids couldn’t afford to keep them.”
“That’s a terrible situation,” Lathen said.
“We tried to help her out. After a month, she offered to give us the four horses, the sleigh, and horse trailer, if we promised to give them a good home for the rest of their lives. She cried when we loaded everything up. Felt really bad for her, but it was too much for her. She stops by to visit with the horses about once a week. Takes them for a ride sometimes.”
“Too bad. But a nice opportunity for you.” Elijah got to his feet. “Let’s take a look at the horses.”
Lathen shrugged into his coat and opened the back door. Ember and Tonk rushed in barking, but Timber was nowhere in sight.
Chapter Nine
Escape from the Testosterone—First Glimpse of the Wedding Dress
When Pepper pushed one side of the barn door, it creaked and groaned as it slid open. Jasmine nickered softly, Midnight pawed the ground with his hoof snorting loudly.
“It’s okay… It’s just me, and I’ve brought a friend.”
Jasmine swung her head around and over the stall gate to stare at the newcomer. Her ears twitched forward and back.
“I brought you an apple,” Pepper cooed, drawing her hand from her pocket, offering the small fruit to the horse on the flat palm of her hand. The horse took the apple gently with soft lips brushing Pepper’s palm. “That’s a good girl.” She stroked the horse’s forehead and gave her cheek a pat.
Scout snorted and pawed at the ground watching Pepper with soulful eyes.
“I’ve got an apple for each of you, just settle down.”
Hayley sidled up beside Pepper. “Can I give him one?”
“Sure. Make sure you keep your hand flat and no sudden movements. They are gentle horses. I can’t imagine how hard it was for the owner to part with them.” Pepper relayed the story her mom had imparted when they’d been out for the first ride.
“How sad.” Hayley held the apple out for Scout then giggled when the large palomino’s lips tickled her hand as he took the fruit. “What a beautiful sleigh over there. Looks like Santa’s sleigh with the red paint and silver trim. Look at that, bells on the harnesses too.”
“Yeah, I can see Mom’s touch on it. See the glittered holly garland and red/green bows on the silver rails.” Pepper smiled. Before this visit she’d never known her mother to care for animals like her dad, Aunt Ashling, and herself. But her mom’s love of the newly acquired horse, Rita, and pup, Timber, was another side she’d not seen…or maybe not taken the time to notice.
Lathen’s reunification with first his brother last summer, then his pack and father in August before their wedding had given her a new perspective into her own relationship with her parents, especially her mom.
“What about the other two?” Hayley asked giving Pepper’s shoulder a slight tap.
Midnight tossed his head back and forth, snorting several times. When he was done, Rita’s soft whinny caught Pepper’s attention. She handed another apple to Hayley and pointed to Rita.
“Hang on, there’re apples for all.” Pepper gave Jasmine one final rub on the neck and stepped over to where Midnight stood still shaking his head impatiently. “A bit spoiled are we?” She offered the apple to him. The horse eyed her sideways before he nudged her hand then carefully took the fruit. Almost as if he disagreed with her assessment. She laughed, scrubbing her hand over his neck under his mane. “Now that’s much better. Huh?”
“So how are things going? You all ready for the baby?” Pepper eyed the growing baby bump beneath Hayley’s coat.
“I hope so. The nursery is painted, bought the crib, changing table, and dresser the day before we left to come here. Baby shower is two weeks from now, just before we leave for your wedding.”
“Oh, I wish I could be there.” Pepper sighed. “Too many things happening all at once.”
“We can video chat you in on the shower,” she offered.
“Hey, that would be great.”
“Plans for the wedding done?” Hayley asked with a smirk.
“Surprisingly enough, I’m close. About had a melt down over the wedding dress, but Amy saved my sanity.”
“She told me. The dress is beautiful. It’s in the black garment bag, along with the shoes and Gloria’s rose tiara kinda thing. They’re absolutely you! The bag is probably in the apartment”—she glanced overhead—“where Eli and Amy are staying.”
“I was going to show you the living area anyway; let’s take a peek?” Pepper said conspiratorially, walking across the barn floor to the stairs leading to the apartment.
She opened the door. The living room and kitchen were all one room with a small table dividing the areas. A door off the living area opened to a cozy bedroom and king sized bed with a wildlife motif comforter and curtains. The floor was polished hardwoods throughout with matching accent throw rugs. Sliding glass doors opened up to a balcony facing the cabin and the mountain range.
Hayley walked to the glass doors and peered out. “Bet the sunset is spectacular from here.”
Pepper slid the door open and stepped out on the balcony with Hayley right behind her. “You’re right. But I think your guest room faces the same direction only on ground level in the cabin. Didn’t figure you’d appreciate climbing the stairs to here.”
The girls returned to the room, Hayley shivered closing the balcony door. “Look there’s the garment bag.”
The barn door creaked open, a woman’s voice called out. “Pepper, Hayley you two still in here?”
As soon as Pepper heard voices, she scooted to the other door and opened it. “Mom, Amy come on up, we were just admiring the view Eli and you will enjoy during your stay.”
“Oh, I bet you are. Hayley couldn’t wait to show you the wedding dress.” Amy climbed the stairs ahead of Klaren. She breezed into the room where the garment bag remained untouched resting on the bed.
“Innocent.” Pepper declared triumphantly but feeling a little like a kid caught with her hand in the candy jar.
“We were talking about it,” Hayley said sheepishly.
“So what are we waiting for?” Amy padded to the bed, picked up the bag, and hung it in the open closet. She pulled the zipper down to display the shimmering cream dress designed to hug the curves of the woman who wore it. The matching ballet slipper flats with small purple bows tumbled out of their box onto the floor.
Pepper’s breath caught in her throat, then the air whooshed out of her. “It’s absolutely beautiful. Exactly what I envisioned.” Pepper held it up in front of her and twirled.
Amy looked Pepper up and down. “I’m positive the dress will fit so you can try it on later. But if you could just slip the shoes on and make sure they fit, I’d feel better,” Amy said, bending down to pick up the shoes, handing them to Pepper.
Sitting on the side of the bed, Pepper took off her boot and sock, slipped one foot into the shoe. She stood up on her feet. “It’s a perfect fit. I don’t want to mess up the inside with my sweaty feet, so I’ll try them on together later. If that’s okay?”
“No problem. When I made the purchase, the sales lady said they ran a bit wide.”
Pepper removed the shoe and reached for the dress again. Holding it up, she swayed in front of the full-length mirror on the closet door. Hayley settled the purple rose tiara on Pepper’s head. The greenery and tiny roses trailed down her wavy light red hair that cascaded to her waist.
“It’s a perfect match to your shoes, with the purple scalloped edges around the bottom of the gown and side slit,” Hayley said admiring the dress. “Try it on.”
Pepper fingered the material and looked at Amy. “I’d like to make sure it fits.”
“Sure, try it on. But I can guarantee it will fit you perfectly,” Amy said, a touch of mystery in her voice.
Carefully, she removed the dress from the hanger and hugged it to her. “It feels so…I don’t know…makes me feel so special.” Pepper shrugged off the parka and wiggled out of her jeans and shirt.
Hayley untangled the tiara from Pepper’s hair and helped her slip the dress over her head. It slid down her body in one smooth motion, hugging her curves, flowing to the floor. Amy lightly tugged Pepper’s hair from under the dress and let it fall in waves down her back after zipping up the dress.
“You will be a beautiful bride,” Amy murmured.
Pepper’s mom clicked her tongue in approval and sighed. “My baby is getting married.” Moisture glistened in her eyes, and she blinked rapidly.
“Aw, Mom, you knew this day would come.” Pepper hugged
her mom.
“I wasn’t so sure. Dedication to your profession…kept you…” Her mom brightened and smiled wistfully. “Along came Lathen, swept you off your feet—and here we are.” She spread her arms wide enveloping Pepper in a hug, kissed her cheek, then held her at arm’s length before reluctantly letting go. Turning toward the window, Klaren wiped a lone tear from her cheek.
Amy reached out, took the rose tiara from Hayley, and placed it on Pepper’s head, arranging the trailing greenery with tiny rose buds among the light red strands of hair. She nodded her head in approval.
With a swishing motion, Pepper twirled around the room, holding the edge of her dress. “This makes me feel so… I’ve never felt like…”
“It’s woven with wolf magic and love,” Amy grinned. “Eli said you are the first non-wolf…well…witch, Lillian has made a dress… I can’t help but wonder… Oh, never mind. You won over the women in the pack so completely, you’re one of their own now.” She shook her head. “When Eli introduced me to the pack, it took months for them to accept me. You come waltzing in and have them eating out of your hand in one day.”
“Ohhhh…not all,” Pepper said, remembering Lathen’s old girlfriend who had slapped him across the face when she’d seen him preparing the community center in Alaska for Eli’s wedding. Pepper felt her cheeks blush as the scene unfolded in her mind. She’d used magic to nearly strangle the life out of that bitch.
Laughter bubbled from Hayley’s throat. “But she didn’t take the most eligible bachelor in the pack off the market. You did.”
Before Amy could respond, the barn door scraped against the floor as Lathen pushed the door open. Pepper felt his presence and stilled. Her mind’s eye opened, and she saw him standing inside the doorframe.
He scanned the interior for the women but looked up the stairs when he heard footsteps overhead. “What are you girls doing up there?”
Klaren scampered to the door. “We’ll be right down.”
Pepper hurriedly slipped out of the dress, kicked the shoes off, and carefully untangled the tiara from her hair. Hayley took the dress and tiara, put them on a hanger in the garment bag, and zipped it up, careful not to catch any material in the zipper. Amy dropped the shoes back in the box and closed the closet door.