by Tena Stetler
“I—uh—Dylan—uh—told me to bring this…” Brock stammered. “She’s got an emergency at the clinic—will be there for…” He froze, stared straight past Pepper to the oasis, clamped his mouth shut for a moment then opened it. “Exotic bird smugglers busted on Hwy 3. Crates of illegally caught birds confiscated. Dylan called in to check them out, most went to a Bar Harbor bird rescue. This little girl is on the critically endangered list, Dylan’s sure of it…felt she’d be better off in your care and you’re licensed…” He sucked in a breath. “Pepper, what the hell is going on?” He blinked several times and thrust the bundle into her arms as he took several uncertain steps closer to the pond.
Big yellow eyes stared out of the blankets, blinked as Pepper chewed on her bottom lip for a beat. She shrugged seeing Lathen sprinting down the path behind Brock. “I’m a witch. The rest you don’t want to know.” She flashed a c’est tout dire smile in his direction, just as Lathen clasped Brock on the shoulder.
“A lot to take in. Huh?” Lathen peered over Brock’s shoulder at the bundle in Pepper’s arms. “Another owl?”
Brock said nothing but nodded his head.
“Let’s get her to the barn.” Pepper took two steps when her cell phone’s ringtone went off. Lathen yanked it out of her pocket, looked at the screen, tilted it so Pepper could hear as he said, “Hello Dylan.”
“I wanted to let you know…”
Pepper interrupted. “That Brock is on his way here with an…owl?”
“Guess I should have called sooner, but I’m really tied up. She came in with a dislocated leg joint. Repositioned it with a soft splint, gave light pain meds and figured she’d be better off with you in the special cubes Lathen created. Oh, she’s a Forest Owlet, critically endangered.”
“So Brock told us. Any other injuries?”
“Don’t think so, mostly scared. I cleaned adhesive off her wings, probably had the wings taped down. Her legs were taped together too, skin irritation from the tape removal. She may have gotten hold of someone with those ridiculously huge talons. Guess that’s why her legs were taped, and I suspect that’s how her leg got injured. “
“Bird’s alert, starting to struggle at bit, but Brock’s in shock. You didn’t tell him—about my—talents.”
“Damn. Never considered it.” Dylan paused for a beat. “Did he walk into…”
“Yep, remember the changes we discussed around the pond? Yeah, well they’re in place, and Brock is ash white.”
“I’m sorry. Gotta go. They’re bringing in more birds. Be in touch.”
Pepper closed her eyes and connected to the owlet, feeling terror and hunger. In a soothing voice Pepper cooed. “It’s all right; you’re safe now. A quick exam and we’ll get you fed.” She projected calm over the bird. It blinked its eyes slowly, stopped struggling.
“Hey, what’s going on? You need my help?” Gwen skidded to a stop a foot from Brock, her gaze sliding between him and Pepper. “He doesn’t know?”
Pepper shook her head. “Gwen, would you take Brock back to the cabin, get something hot in him, do a little damage control. As soon as Lathen and I get this little owlet settled, we’ll be up to lay it all out for him.” Her gaze returned to Brock. “Unless you want stay for the exam and report back to Dylan.” She stood waiting for a response.
Rubbing his eyes, he blinked, scrubbed a hand over his face, and tore his gaze from the pond to Pepper, Lathen, and lingered on Gwen, not saying a word.
“Sure thing.” Not waiting for Brock’s answer, Gwen gently slid her arm through his and guided him up the path toward the cabin.
A thick mist wound itself around the tree, lengthening. “Don’t do it, Ashling. I’ll get back to you. Things look great. Thanks.” Pepper called over her shoulder, turning back to see Brock walking with Gwen, stopping occasionally to glance backward.
“Oh, boy. Never a dull moment.” She breathed, scurrying over the rocks to the old barn remodeled as a seabird aviary. She was almost there when her toe caught a rock and she stumbled.
“Careful.” Lathen’s hand shot out, caught her elbow as her grip tightened on the bird, and steadied her. Once inside the aviary, Lathen flipped on the overhead lights, turned the heat on in a cube, then slipped on heavy leather gloves. He began unwrapping the blanket, while Pepper held the owl securely over the examining table.
Several birds’ surprised cries echoed through the building. The owlet’s eyes blinked open wide as it struggled to free itself from the blankets and Pepper’s grip. Kaylee’s mind touched Pepper’s in concern. She sent calming reassurances to Kaylee, everything would be fine, at the same time trying to keep calm over the owlet. Pepper drew in a long breath, let it out slowly, her shoulders slumped. Only a little while longer she told herself and handed the bird to Lathen, sheathing her own hands and arms in leather.
Dylan was right, those talons are dangerous. With the owl relaxed again, taking her time, Pepper was able to gently spread and fold the owl’s wings, checking for additional injuries. Deep purple bruises formed on the legs where they’d been taped together, a few feathers missing. The body beneath the feathers showed a wide band of bruising.
From a jar on the counter top, she removed a cotton swab, dabbed on alcohol, and removed a bit more adhesive residue from a few of the primary feathers. The chunky little owl turned its large head to assess her. Grayish/brown feathers covered its head with its primary wings in a darker color. The upper breast was nearly solid brown, and the owl’s sides were barred with a white central wedge in the lower breast. The wings and tail were banded with white trailing edges.
Pepper touched the pale cream colored feathers on its face and was rewarded with a slow blink of its lemon yellow eyes, its breathing returning to normal.
“Probably hasn’t been fed in a while.” Lathen passed by the puffin’s cage next to the owlet’s cube. “Brought you a friend.” He crooned, opening the cube door for Pepper to ease the small owl inside.
Lathen took live food from the enclosure, offered it to the owlet, who ripped into it with its beak, securing it with one talon.
“Bless its heart, this little bird has been through the wringer,” Pepper said sadly. “Since it’s still willing to eat, there’s a good chance the owlet will make a full recovery, thankfully.”
“Let’s hope we don’t have a repeat performance tomorrow.” He shifted his gaze from the bird to Pepper.
“Hazards of the business. Rescue never takes a day off.”
Switching the main lights off, a soft glow from the night lights cast shadows on the walls as they moved toward the exit. Where had the day gone, Pepper wondered, the sun sinking low in the sky. Lathen slipped his arm around Pepper’s waist, she leaned against him as they climbed the path to the cabin.
Elijah stuck his head out the door of the visiting veterinarian quarters, while Amy peered over his shoulder. “Everything all right?” Elijah’s deep voice boomed.
“Yep, just a new arrival,” Lathen called over his shoulder.
****
A few minutes later, Lathen shoved the cabin door open, a delicious aroma of homemade chili and cornbread welcomed them inside.
Pepper gave her parents a wan smile as she followed Lathen straight to the computer. He flipped though screens until she stopped him at the camera feed inside the aviary. Training the camera on the new addition for a beat, Lathen waited until she nodded then he rotated through the rest of the aviary making sure all inhabitants had settled down. One final check found the little owlet’s eyes closed, its breathing regular.
She blew out a breath and leaned against her husband to be. “Feeling a little light headed.”
He swept her into his arms and carried her to the couch, easing her onto the cushions gently. Klaren hovered after him, with Duncan behind her.
Gwen and Brock jumped up in alarm. “What’s wrong?” Gwen asked edging next to Lathen.
“Overtaxed from wedding preparations and her abilities. Nothing serious.” He shot a reassuring look at her parents.
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Brock’s eyebrows winged up to his hairline. “She’s okay? Should I call…”
“A little rest, a good night’s sleep and she’ll be fine,” Lathen assured him. “What about you?”
“Oh, I’m fine. Learning more about the McKay’s explains a lot.”
“Did you know; he has Gypsy blood in his veins?” Gwen blurted. “Just like me, well…”
“Many generations back,” Brock agreed. “It’s not something Dylan or myself acknowledge for various reasons.”
“Made it easy for him to understand our—your situation.” Gwen smiled wide. “I explained everything with the help of your parents. The McKay land, your heritage, and um, talents.”
“Good to know,” Lathen said, settling beside Pepper on the couch. “How you feeling?”
“Exhausted, but otherwise fine. Funny I’ve never done that before.” Pepper scrunched her face in puzzlement. An expression Lathen enjoyed.
“Juggling too much over the last couple weeks.” Lathen leaned over, brushed a strand of hair from her face.
Pepper’s mom poked her head around the corner. “Dinner’s ready. Do you want to eat it in there, or gather around the dining table?”
“You two sleep in tomorrow,” Gwen commanded. “Plenty of people to help out. I’ll handle the Center, everyone else can pitch in, and your wedding will come off without a hitch.”
“Tomorrow’s the big day, huh?” Brock asked sharing the rocking recliners with Gwen.
“Yep.” Lathen got to his feet, pulling Pepper beside him. “Don’t think there are any last minute arrangements. We’ll leave everything in your capable hands, Gwen.”
“Mom, we’ll eat around the table. Brock, won’t you join us?”
“If it’s no bother, I’d love to. Something smells fantastic.”
“Mom’s chili and cornbread,” Pepper said proudly. “Best in the west.”
A blast of cold accompanied Eli and Amy when they strode in the back door. Kolby and Hayley wandered into the kitchen.
“Great, everyone is here. Com’on sit down and eat.” Pepper’s mom slid a trivet to the center of the table, and Duncan placed a huge pot of chili on it. As everyone settled in the chairs, she came around the corner with two large pans of cornbread, dropped a folded towel next to the chili, and set the cornbread on the table. “Dig in.”
Her mother eased into a chair, then cursed under her breath. Pepper grinned and padded into the kitchen to retrieve the forgotten butter. The room filled with dinnertime chatter, dishes clattered as food was passed around the table and spoons clinked the bottom of bowls.
After Lathen finished, his chair’s legs scraped the floor as he pushed away from the table. “Klaren, that was a wonderful meal. Thank you so much for stepping in. We kinda got caught up with the new addition.”
“Sure was. Thank you.” Pepper eased up from her chair, began gathering dishes. Gwen rinsed them, and Amy loaded the dishwasher.
After dinner, everyone else meandered into the living room for quiet conversation and to enjoy a glass of wine. Lathen followed them into the living room, Pepper stopped at the computer screens and checked on the owlet, who was asleep.
“Is she out for the night? Aren’t owls nocturnal?” Lathen asked standing behind Pepper peering over her shoulder.
“Most are,” Brock replied. “According to Dylan, a Forest Owlet is an early morning hunter.”
“Interesting.” Pepper covered her mouth to hide a yawn and leaned against Lathen.
“Ladies and gents if you don’t mind, I believe we are going to call it a night. Got a big day tomorrow.” Lathen grinned. “Getting married, you know.”
Pepper started up the stairway to the loft followed closely by Lathen.
Gwen popped up, squealed, and grabbed Lathen by the arm, whirled him around. “Oh no you don’t. Not tonight. Can’t see the bride before the wedding.” She sing-songed, tipping her head up to peer at Pepper stopped halfway up the stairs.
“I agree he can’t see me in the wedding gown before the wedding, but…it’s not like he hasn’t…” Her gaze met Lathen who stood one foot solid on the first step, the other poised on the second.
Lathen ran his fingers through his hair, rubbed the back of his neck. He’d spent the last several nights working on a project. After the escapade today, he was nearly dead on his feet. Didn’t care where he slept. Snuggled up next to the love of his life was preferred, but right now all he wanted to do was lay down. Gwen stepped up even with him, eyes narrowed. He leaned on the banister wearily. “Tell me where to sleep, and I’ll go.”
“Now ladies, I didn’t listen to all that jazz before our wedding day, and things turned out just fine,” Amy suggested firmly.
“Sure did,” Eli said, waving his hand dismissively then grabbed Amy around the waist. Pulling her in close for a smacking kiss. “Those are just old wives’ tales.”
“Let him go on up,” Amy said.
Gwen stood her ground, one hand fisted on her hip. “Nope, we agreed. Lathen can sleep in my room. I’ll share Pepper’s room.”
“I didn’t agree to anything,” Pepper protested, directing her gaze at Hayley standing in hallway. “You two cajoled and badgered me into submission.”
Hayley eased closer to the fireplace, nodding in agreement. Her hand rubbing circles on her belly. “But it’s for your own good. Gotta start this marriage off right.”
His eyes met and held Pepper’s bright green ones and saw the concern in them. This morning when he’d looked in the mirror to shave, he’d noticed the dark circles, but judging from her expression, he must look like hell. Lathen shrugged. “It’s fine, hon.” He stepped off the stair, nearly toppled over, then trudged down the hallway to the guest room Gwen had occupied. He pushed the door open and fell across the bed, fully clothed.
Chapter Twenty-One
No Cold Feet, No Wedding Day Jitters, Just the Best Day of Their Lives.
Pepper held the beautiful cream gown up to the soft dawn light flooding though the open curtains, from here she could see a wide expanse of her property. A light dusting of snow fell overnight, but the thinning clouds brought promise of a perfect day for her wedding.
Not a soul stirred in the cozy cabin full of family and friends. Ember, sprawled in front of the bedroom door as if guarding against unknown intruders, lifted her head to watch Pepper’s movements. Pepper reveled in the quiet and smiled when she felt the light touch of Kaylee’s mind, a soothing reassurance swept through the bride to be.
She brought the shimmering dress to her cheek; it was so luxurious against her skin. The scents of lilac and honeysuckle permeated her senses, she inhaled deeply as she slipped the dress over her head, let it slide down her body, leaving a shoulder bare as the hem caressed her bare feet. When she turned this way and that, then spun in a circle in front of the full-length mirror, the dress moved with her hugging her curves. The dress split just below her thigh on the left allowed freedom of movement emphasizing her long shapely legs.
Daily walks up and down the rocky paths to the various habitats on the property kept her in good shape, though this was the first time she’d really taken time to notice. Easing down on the chair at her dressing table, she stroked a brush through her sleep tangled hair until it shone in a cascade of light red waves down her back to her waist.
A quiet tap on the door, brought Ember to her feet. “May I come in?” Gwen asked quietly.
“Sure. You’re up early.” Pepper shifted in her chair to peer at Gwen then back to the neatly made extra bed, conjured the night before.
“Yes, I snuck out way before dawn, you were still sound asleep. Wanted to make sure everything was taken care of around here. Alec and Mike are doing the rounds. The little owlet had a restful night and is up making woohoo sounds, probably anxious for breakfast. Kaylee’s been fed. Tonk and Ember’s food is in their bowls.” She scratched the dog’s ears as it brushed against her on the way out the door.
“Thanks for that.” Pepper turned back to
the mirror.
“You shouldn’t have your dress on already. Might get it messed up, with hair and makeup.”
“I couldn’t help it. The dress felt so wonderful and seemed to call to me. I’ll be careful.”
“Okay,” Gwen said doubtfully. “I saw this hair style in a magazine and thought it would be perfect for today.” She drew out a folded magazine page from her pocket, unfolded it, and showed Pepper.
“It’s gorgeous, but my hair is longer around the face than the model’s.”
“That’s what a curling iron is for. We’ll take a few wisps of hair and turn them into the long curls around your face. Pull the rest away from your face, let it fall down the back. I brought hair clips that will work great under your tiara of rosebuds, ribbons, and trailing tiny leaves.”
She handed the brush to Gwen. “Let’s get started.”
“Are you nervous?”
“Excited, but nerves are surprisingly calm. It’s going to be a wonderful day.” Pepper smiled wide.
There was a sturdy knock on the door. Gwen opened it. “Good morning, Elijah.”
“Morning to ya. Can I have a moment with Pepper?” He glanced over Gwen’s head to where Pepper sat.
“I guess it’s all right. Not heard anything about the father of the groom seeing the bride before the wedding.” Gwen chuckled, stepping out of the room.
Elijah closed the door behind him drawing out a black rectangle box from his jacket pocket. When Pepper started to get up, he motioned her to remain and wordlessly presented the box to her.
She smiled up at him and took the box. When she opened the gift she gasped, inside lay a gold heart pendant with edges scalloped in silver, a tear drop diamond sparkled in the center surrounded by tiny blue sapphires. Her gaze locked with Eli’s, there were so many emotions swirling in the man’s eyes, she was speechless.
He cleared his throat and swallowed hard. “Originally, this was Lathen’s grandmother’s pendant. I gave it to his mother on our wedding day, she never took it off until…Lathen’s difficult birth. When she realized…she may not survive…” He paused for a moment, swallowed hard, and cleared his throat again. “She took it off and requested it be given to Lathen’s wife one day. So—today is the day. I understand the bride should have something old and something blue, this covers both.”