by Tena Stetler
“Pepper believes in paying it forward.”
“That’s quite a gal you got there. Lucky man. Now don’t screw it up. Get the ring on her finger.”
“You know if I hear that phrase one more time…first my brother, then my dad, and even Amy, my dad’s new wife. I’m not going to screw it up.”
“We all just want the best for you…we know you.”
“Maybe, but things have changed more than you’ll ever know.” Lathen thought back to the summer when Ashling had suggested psychological problems kept him from phasing, not physical. And how angry he’d been at her and even Pepper when she suggested the same thing only calling it survivor’s guilt. He hadn’t even thought about phasing when he came to Klaren’s rescue that Halloween night.
Jay waved his hand in front of Lathen’s face. “Hey dude, where’d you go?”
“Nowhere…I’m right here. So…how was the visit with your sister?”
“Great, but I was ready to leave when you called. Her kids are great, but four kids under the age of eight is too much for me. The twins are only six months old. Family likes Patti…so…”
“And you lecture me on relationships. Maybe you better take a closer look at yours.”
“Patti’s okay… She doesn’t put up with my shit and calls me out when I’m out of line. But…not like what I see going on between you and Pepper… Even I can see you’ve got something special.”
“I am well aware of that. About Mike, are you going to insist that he check in with his doctor? Or you want me to?” Lathen shifted uncomfortably in his seat. Too many people giving him relationship advice…he was doing just fine.
“See if the job and meds stabilize him. Lynette has a doctor’s appointment for the baby to see if there is anything to do for her colic. If everyone in that household gets some sleep, it will help. My sister had some ideas. Her oldest was a colicky baby. She called and talked to Lynette.”
“Sounds like you have things handled. I’ll talk to Alec and see how Mike worked out today. I’ll let you know.”
Pepper stepped quietly into the cockpit, reached over and put her hands on his shoulders, leaned over and kissed his neck. “Hungry?” You have your choice of hot turkey or a ruben sandwich, chips and a soft drink. Patti’s already munching on the egg salad one.”
“A ruben will work for me. How about you, Jay?”
“Same, unless you want it, then turkey is fine.” Jay waved his hand as if it didn’t matter. “Sorry for the lack of variety. It was kinda short notice to get food together for the trip. Should have a few wine coolers left.” He turned to look over his shoulder, searching for Patti.
“Mom packed homemade cinnamon rolls for us to reheat. We can eat those for dessert,” Pepper said.
Patti entered the cockpit area and gave Jay a crusty look. “The coolers we have are…”
“Don’t worry about it; soft drinks are fine. In fact bottled water would be perfect,” Lathen said picking up on Patti’s sharp tone.
Pepper followed Patti into the galley. “Yeah, we can’t seem to get enough water since visiting my parents’ place.” Pepper came back with plates of sandwiches and chips.
Patti returned with four bottles of water. “Probably a good idea we all drink H2O. Last night I had a couple glasses of wine with dinner and felt like I’d drank a whole bottle by myself—this morning—well, I’ve felt better.” She shuffled back to the seating area, eased down.
Jay snorted. “She was a bit tipsy last night, had to put her to bed, even before you called. Sis said it was because Pat didn’t drink enough water at high altitude in Denver.”
“I’m going to check on Tonk; he’s digging at his left ear and whining. Might have an ear infection. Didn’t think to bring ear drops with us.” Pepper sighed.
“I think there are some in the first aid kit strapped to his crate,” Lathen offered. “Figured the change in altitude and airplane flight might cause a problem, since he’s prone to ear problems on that one side.”
****
“Look at you. Gonna make a wildlife specialist out of you yet.” Pepper laughed, scooted past Patti and squatted in front of Tonk’s crate, jerking open the Velcro flap on the kit. She felt around inside until her fingers closed around a small bottle; she pulled it out. “Sure enough.” When she unlatched his crate, Patti straightened in her seat.
“You’re not going to let that wolf out in here. Are you?” She rose and sidestepped to the other side of the plane, eyes big as saucers.
“Oh, he’s harmless, and his ear is bothering him bad. Huh boy.” She glanced up at Patti, whose face turned ghostly white. “Are you afraid of…”
“No—Sort of—Yes, I don’t care for dogs, especially wild wolves.”
“He’s…”
Lathen sauntered into the passenger area. “Patti, Jay wants to talk to you.” Then he leaned over Pepper whispering. “Jay said she’s deathly afraid of dogs. Thought I’d better come help you. Get her out of here.”
“Good call.” She let Tonk out, caught him by the harness, he grumbled. “Okay, boy, let’s see what’s going on here.”
Lathen caught the sixty-pound wolf pup between his legs and rubbed Tonk’s jaw and right ear, holding him steady while Pepper used a small flashlight from her backpack to look into his left ear. “It’s inflamed, but not bad. The minor changes in air pressure are probably adding to his discomfort.” She walked to the galley and ran hot water over the bottle while filling a cup, letting the bottle float in the cup of warm liquid as she made her way back. After putting a couple drops in his ear, she wrapped a pain pill in a piece of cheese left from her sandwich, fed it to Tonk, and returned him to the crate. Ember eyed her hopefully. “Okay, okay. Pepper tossed a bread crust in Ember’s crate and hoped Kaylee couldn’t see.
****
A couple hours later, they were at Jay’s Aviation hangar in Bar Harbor. The LCWRRC van was right where they left it, with the addition of several inches of crusted snow on the vehicle. Lathen started the engine and let it warm up while he loaded the animals in the back.
As he headed for Lobster Cove, a thick fog rolled in. It wouldn’t be long before visibility would be less than a few yards. He hoped to be off the road by then; dusk and fog were a dangerous combination. The roads were clear, but snow had fallen recently in Lobster Cove if the foot or so of snow pushed to the side of the road was any indication. With the storm from Colorado headed eastward, things were only going to get worse.
“I’ll be glad to get home.” Pepper reached over and rubbed Lathen’s shoulders. “It was a nice visit with everyone,” she said wistfully.
“It was, but I don’t mind having you all to myself again.” He glanced over at her and winked. “Family is great, but going to take a little getting used too, after…”
“Yeah, I know what you mean, but still, I wouldn’t trade spending the holidays with family for anything. After the last ten years of spending them alone or with Gwen.”
“I didn’t mean… Only that I’m not used to…” He thought for a few beats. “Yeah, I agree with you.” He turned up the driveway to the cabin. Ember and Tonk whined while Kaylee whistled enthusiastically before he stopped the van. “Guess they’re glad to be home too.” He pulled in behind a silver SUV parked beside Alec’s pickup.
“Must be Dylan’s cousin’s vehicle.” Pepper shoved open the van door and jumped out of the seat, stretching her legs before opening the back passenger door, reaching for Kaylee and crate.
Lathen sniffed and whirled around in alarm until he saw the smoke curling out of the stone chimney. The cabin was ablaze with lights. Lathen glanced over at the visiting veterinarian’s cottage attached to the seabird aviary. The windows were dark. “Looks like everyone took advantage of the fireplace in the cabin.”
He took the crate from Pepper as they walked toward the cabin. “So much for having you all to myself.
When she pushed the door open, warmth and the mouthwatering aroma of pizza greeted them. Ember and Tonk ru
shed inside, noses in the air as they circled the kitchen table.
“Welcome home,” chorused Alec and another young man with shaggy black hair and brown eyes. Alec put a large pizza in the middle of the table set with four plates and silverware. The coffee maker hissed as steam wafted from a pot on the warmer.
“Mmm…This is a nice homecoming.” Lathen carried Kaylee into the aviary and released the latch on her crate. She whistled and glided to her perch eyeing the holding tank.
“We stocked the tank this morning,” Alec called from the other room.
Pepper took a fish out, tossed it high in the air for Kaylee. The bird gracefully took flight, whistled loud, caught the fish in her talon, and returned to the perch, tearing into its flesh.
“Glad to be home, huh girl?” Pepper watched the bird for a beat then scooted through the door Lathen held open.
Returning to the kitchen, he swiped the pot and poured the dark liquid into a mug, inhaling deeply. “Learned to use the coffee bean grinder, I see.” He gave Alec a dour sideways glance then grinned.
“I didn’t think you’d mind. This is the first time I’ve used it, so no guarantees.” Alec jerked his chin toward the young man entering the kitchen. “Oh, nearly forgot. This is Brock Scutter; he’s Dylan’s cousin. Works in Salem for a small animal practice. Speaking of that.” Alec grimaced. “The rescue is just about full. The nor’easter that blew in here shortly after you left created havoc for the wildlife in Arcadia National Park. Several injured birds, some endangered, and you’re the only licensed center allowed to accept ’em. At least, that’s what we were told when the wildlife officers brought ’em here.”
“Why didn’t you call us?” Pepper padded into the kitchen.
“There wasn’t much you could do from Colorado. That’s what you pay me for, to handle things when you’re gone. Granted there was a bit more than usual, but… It’s all good,” Alec said glancing from Pepper to Lathen. “Good thing you planned on using the community center for your reception, the buildings around here are full.”
“Looks like most will be able to return to the wild this spring, but…until then…” Brock shrugged, hand extended.
Lathen stepped forward and grasped his outstretched hand. “Nice to meet you. Thanks for jumping in to help. Sounds like it’s been crazy around here.”
“Sorta. But I didn’t mind. There’s also a harbor seal in the marine habitat, boat propeller sliced and diced it pretty good. Along with a river otter found somewhere and brought in by who?” He turned and looked at Alec.
“Not really sure. An older man from town, I think. He brought it in during the middle of the storm and chaos.”
“Wow, and we expected it to be a quiet December.” Pepper stood for a moment hands on hips, before raising one to stifle a yawn. “I think we’ll wait until tomorrow to meet them face to face.” She walked to the computer banks and checked the screens. Flipping from one enclosure to the next. “Good thing we…uh…you installed the cameras before we left,” she said with a tired laugh.
Lathen nodded and joined Pepper at the bank of monitors to peruse the newly acquired guests.
“It’s quite a place you have here,” Brock said peering over her shoulder. “State of the art.”
Pepper shrugged. “Couldn’t have done it without him.” She glanced affectionately at Lathen. “Guys, let’s eat before the pizza gets cold, or Tonk or Ember serve themselves.”
“Oh…I almost forgot.” Alec hit the heel of his hand to his forehead. “Jody in the bakery wants Lathen to call her. Something about the big oven went on the fritz, can’t get a part for three weeks.”
“What? She’s making the wedding cakes in less than three weeks.” Pepper jumped up nearly upending the table.
“Now don’t get your knickers in a knot.” Lathen loved saying that if for no other reason than the looks he got. Great tension breaker at times.
Pepper stared wide-eyed at him. “Don’t what?”
He chuckled getting the desired reaction. “I’ll see Jody tomorrow morning.” He caressed his hand up and down Pepper’s arm. “It’ll be fine. Trust me.”
With a raised brow, Brock looked over at Alec, who gave him a sideways glance. They simultaneously grabbed pieces of pizza and took large bites.
“Geesh…It’s starting already,” she groaned. “And I haven’t been…”
“You’re exhausted and over reacting. What you need is a good night’s sleep. See how things look in the morning.” Lathen scooped up a piece of pizza and dropped it on a plate, the warm cheese stringing from pizza pan to plate, handed it to Pepper. Then he picked up another piece and took a bite, chewing thoughtfully. He’d felt the strange aura when he drove up the driveway but chalked it up to being tired and new people on the property…now he wasn’t so sure.
“It was nice meeting you. Now that you’re back, I’m going to spend time with my cousin. If you need me.” He reached into his shirt pocket and pulled out a card. “Cell number is on the card. Give me a call.” Brock strode toward the door. “I’ll be helping Dylan out for a few days.”
“Thanks for everything.” Pepper followed behind him.
The door squeaked loudly when Lathen pulled it open. He narrowed his eyes at the offending item. “What is it with all the doors in this place. Hey Alec before you leave, help me get the rest of the luggage out of the van.”
Lathen watched Brock get in his truck and drive away. “So how did Mike really work out?”
“Good. He has a way with animals. Didn’t say much, but got the feeling he was trying to…I don’t know…settle, maybe?”
Lathen nodded his head. “I understand. With all the new animals, we’ll put him on full-time for a probationary ninety-day period.”
“He has a doctor’s appointment tomorrow, so he’ll be late coming in. I told him no problem.”
“That’s fine.” Lathen handed Alec a couple suitcases and took a small flashlight out of his pocket, shined it around inside the van. “Huh?” He picked up Kaylee’s cooler and travel perch, slung a small duffle over his shoulder, then shut the van door with his foot.
Pepper shivered and moved out of the doorway as the men brought in the suitcases and closed the door.
“Pepper, did you bring in the garment bag? I didn’t see it in the van.” Lathen pointed to the floor beside the stairway. “Just put the luggage there.”
“Yes, I ran out and grabbed it earlier.”
After dropping the suitcases, Alec zipped up his coat. “I’m out of here. See ya in the morning.”
“Night. Thanks for everything. Appreciate it.” Lathen clapped Alec on the shoulder.
“Yes, thanks so much.” Pepper followed the guys to the door and patted Alec on the back. With an arm wrapped around Lathen’s waist, she leaned into him, her cheek against his warm back.
He shifted, put an arm around her shoulder, bent to nuzzle her neck, and inhaled deeply. God he loved her warm citrus scent. “Alone at last.”
Chapter Thirteen
Lobster Cove Christmas Traditions—Arrangements to be Made
Pepper tossed and turned for most of the night. Finally, at four a.m., she slipped out of bed, wiggled her toes into her slippers and pulled on her robe, then padded downstairs to the kitchen.
While she filled the coffee pot, she tried to shake off the last tingle from the shiver that ran up her spine. It was just wedding jitters she told herself filling the teakettle. A microwave would warm the water for her tea, but she liked the familiar whistle of the kettle. Reminded of the countless hours as a young woman she discussed wildlife conservation, rehab, and rescue with Ashling in this kitchen, before life became so complicated.
Restless she wandered into the living room, checked the monitors. With an empty mug in hand, she returned to the kitchen and pulled out several boxes of tea bags. She sorted through them, decided on a black cherry berry blend to start her morning. A shadow fell over the kitchen table; she froze, hands balled into fists.
“Rough nigh
t?” The soothing voice of her fiancé broke the silence followed by a shrill insistent whistle.
“Shit! You scared the bejeebers out of me.” She whirled around to face him.
Dressed in worn jeans, no shirt and only thick socks on his feet, Lathen laughed holding his hands up in a surrender gesture. “You love that word.” He yawned, raised a hand, raked his fingers through his sleep-tousled hair, then rubbed at his eyes.
“No, that’s not it. You enjoy sneaking up behind me.” Pepper huffed out a breath and tried to calm her ragged nerves. She pulled the robe tight around her and tied the belt.
“Something bothering you?” He sauntered over and took a mug out of the cupboard. After pouring the coffee, he held the large mug out watching the steam rise as he wrapped his hands around the cup, fingers overlapping.
“No… Not really. Waiting for the other shoe to drop.” She eased into the wooden chair adjusting the seat cushion tied to the back.
He raised an eyebrow and searched her face. “When did the first one drop?” Lips twitched as one corner of his sexy as hell mouth curved up in a devilish grin.
“Bastar…Brat, you’re baiting me. Not biting.” Pushing up from the chair, she walked toward the sink, washed the mug, set it in the drainer to dry.
“Can I?” He brushed her hair aside and nibbled on her neck.
She pushed him away and narrowed her eyes. “No.” Regardless of her attempts to ignore her reaction to him, sexual awareness zinged through her.
“You know what you need?”
“Yes, to put this all behind me and get back to running the Center,” she said testily.
He reached out and brushed a wayward strand of hair from her face. “A nice walk around town, take in the Christmas decorations. Why don’t you come with me to the bakery? Shouldn’t take long to troubleshoot and come up with a temporary fix. Then we’ll stroll Main Street. Lobster Cove does Christmas up right.”
“Can’t. Gotta play catch up after being gone for a week.” She stuck her lower lip out in a pout.