“Zach, I love you. I heard what you told Josh, but you’re wrong. You’re not a placeholder. You could never be a placeholder. You are my heart. I’m only sorry it took me so long to realize it.”
Zach gazed down at her, his fingers now clasping hers tightly. He pulled her against his body and wrapped his other arm around her waist. Mike didn’t care that a bajillionty people surrounded them, she just wanted him to kiss her already.
“I love you too, Mike. Of course…you already knew that.”
Mike blushed with shame. “Zach, I’m so—“
“Stop, I’m only teasing. It hit me last night what an idiot I’ve been — about so many things.”
“So you don’t hate me?” She was pretty sure she knew the answer, but needed to hear him say it.
“I could never hate you, chickadee. I love you too much for that.”
They grinned like goofs at each other for a moment, before Zach’s face grew serious.
“But I also think we need to get to know each other better. I think we need to, you know…date. I mean, I don’t even know what your favorite flowers are. How am I supposed to woo you without that crucial piece of information?”
“For the record, Gerber daisies. But I’m a little worried about the dating thing. What happens if you get to know adult-me and don’t like her as much as teen-me?”
Zach grabbed her shoulders and pushed her to arms-length. “Are you kidding me, woman? Look at what you’ve created.”
He waved at the schematic for the Alpine Village.
“I haven’t done anything yet,” she said with a laugh. “That’s just a drawing. What if it all falls through? Will you still love me then?”
Now she was teasing him, but he apparently took it as a challenge. With a single swipe of his arm, Zach swept all the pamphlets and papers — including the schematic — to the ground, then jumped on top of the table. For a second, it looked as if it might topple over, but once he got his footing, everything stabilized.
“Can I have your attention, please!” he shouted at the top of his lungs.
The music throbbed and pounded as the band played on, oblivious to the maniac in the back. Only the people in the neighboring booths, and a handful of blues fans who stood nearby, turned to see what the fuss was about.
“Get down from there, dorkus malorkus!” Mike hissed, which was hard to do because she was laughing so hard.
“Not a chance, chickadee. Now leave me to my manly business.”
Zach cupped his hands around his mouth and took a deep breath, just as the band played the song’s final notes. In the split second between the end of the song and the audience’s applause, Zach’s voice echoed over the park.
“I LOVE THIS WOMAN!”
This time, at least a hundred revelers looked their way, and the lead singer pulled the mic back to his mouth. “Don’t let her go, man!”
The audience erupted in cheers and applause, mostly for the band, but some directed toward Zach and Mike. He hopped down from the table, gathered her in his arms, and stared deep into her eyes.
“I don’t intend to.”
10
THREE MONTHS LATER
“I want to thank you all for coming out for the first annual Mike Roberts Training Camp!”
Nearly a hundred people, including at least a dozen members of the press, had turned out for the camp’s launch day at the ski resort, not including the million or so nut-jobs that made up the Roberts clan. Mike stood facing them with a mic and a small amp to boost her voice.
“I think you mean ‘inaugural,’” said a snooty woman standing in front. Her press badge showed she was from a Denver newspaper.
Mike grinned at the correction. Nothing would ruin this day. This was her day.
“Sorry. I was too busy winning an Olympic medal to go to college!”
The crowd laughed and clapped, and some of the sour-looking reporter’s colleagues nudged her. She didn’t seem amused, but Mike ignored her.
“This is the culmination of my desire to not only help up-and-coming skiers achieve their dreams, but to also introduce young people — who might not otherwise get the chance — to a sport that could change their lives.”
More applause sounded, and the clicks of cameras could be heard snapping shots of the group of smiling kids clustered next to Mike. This first batch of students were all from Colorado, but she was already sifting through applications from around the country. She’d even come across one from Japan.
The kids were a fifty-fifty mix of top-notch racers and underprivileged kids who’d never strapped on skis or a snowboard. She would train the first group for high-level competitions, while Zach and Spike would teach the second group the fundamentals of skiing and snowboarding. If any stood out as naturals, the plan was to offer them scholarships to return each season, in hopes of grooming them into future superstars.
“I couldn’t have done any of this without the immense support of my family, my friends and my community,” Mike continued, “and especially my fiancé, Zach McCormick.”
She choked up for a moment when she caught sight of Zach’s huge grin. She’d spent her life chasing her dream, and while it had been incredibly fulfilling, none of it compared to the life she was living now. Even when she’d been at the top of her game — winning trophies, prize money and accolades from her peers — an underlying current of loneliness traveled with her wherever she went.
Since returning to Silver Springs though, the love of her family — and Zach — had lifted her to greater heights than she could have ever imagined. Mike took a moment to collect herself, before going on to thank every sponsor, politician and business that had contributed to the project.
“But it doesn’t end here. This is just the beginning of a grander plan. The Silver Springs Alpine Village will bring tourism and jobs to the area, even as it helps the most under-served in our state by generating donations for a variety of youth-based charities.”
The rest of the press conference was a whirl of answering questions, joking with the crowd and introducing the kids one by one. Then there were the short TV interviews to give the stations more personal sound bites to use in their news segments — anything to get more publicity, but by the end, she was growing a little weary of it all.
Zach exhibited his eerie mind-reading trick by interrupting an interview with the snooty reporter. Mike had saved her for last in hopes of cutting out early anyway.
“Babe, it’s time,” Zach said with a wink.
“I’m so sorry,” Mike said to the reporter, not meaning a word. “I hope I gave you enough, but if not, be sure to contact our director of marketing, Amy Sanderson. She’ll get you anything we didn’t cover.”
The woman grumbled as Zach dragged her away by the hand. Once around the corner of the resort and out of sight of inquiring minds, he pressed her up against the wall and, without a single word, claimed her lips with his.
Mike sank into the kiss, snaking her arms around his neck and relaxing against his body. Even with all their winter gear on, she could feel his heart pounding against his rib cage. Hers echoed his rhythm. Their life together might not always be perfect, but she had no doubt he would always have the power to curl her toes.
Slowly, yet all too quickly, he pulled his lips away from hers and touched her forehead with his. They both panted like teenagers making out under the bleachers.
“Are you ready?” he asked breathlessly.
Mike grinned and pulled him into another quick kiss. When they broke apart, she cradled his face in her hands and held his gaze.
“I’ve never been more ready for anything in my life.”
* * *
“If you’ll all find a seat!”
Zach waited as all of their close friends and family filtered into the lodge’s grand ballroom and claimed their chairs at several round banquet tables. A few curious reporters tried to poke their heads into the room, but two members of the resort’s security politely, yet firmly, informed them this was a
private event and suggested they check out the bar. They all seemed quite agreeable to the idea.
“Mike and I want to thank you all for coming out today,” Zach said, once everyone had settled in. “This project is quite literally a dream come true for both of us, and we wanted to show our gratitude for all your support and generosity, whether from donating money or your time.”
Everyone in the room burst into applause and cheers. Mike’s dad, Bob, shouted, “Where’s the lady of honor?”
Zach laughed and glanced at the door behind him. “She should be here any second. In the meantime, I want to bring up my business partner and best friend, Spike.”
Spike leaped up from his seat and jogged to the front of the room like Rocky, arms pumping in the air and grinning from ear to ear. Half the people in the room laughed, the other half cheered.
“I know it seems as if all this came together easily,” Zach continued, draping an arm around Spike’s shoulders, “but it never would have happened without endless hours of help from Spike and Amy, as well as some of you out there. I’d like to give anyone who helped with this project a big round of applause.”
“Yeah, stand up and strut your stuff!” Spike shouted, whipping the crowd into a frenzy.
Pretty much every person in the room stood and grinned at each other. They all clapped, awkwardly at first, but then grew more energetic when Spike began chanting “We rock!” as he clapped. In a matter of seconds, the ballroom echoed with shouts of “We rock! We rock!” Finally, everyone sat back down and the noise settled enough for Zach to continue.
“Spike, Amy, Mike and I wanted to do something special to show our appreciation, but we had a hard time coming up with just the right thing. Amy thought a family brunch would be nice.”
The Roberts men and Zach’s dad groaned loudly at the suggestion. “Thanks for saving us, buddy!” someone shouted.
“You’re welcome,” Spike answered, bowing low. “Of course, Mike thought we should all go skiing to celebrate.”
Several of the less-athletic ladies in the room — and a few of the men — gasped.
“Again, you’re welcome,” Zach said with a laugh.
“So the girls left it to us, if you can believe that,” Spike said.
Now everyone groaned and gasped. Bekah even pretended to faint. The loving energy in the room eased Zach’s nerves. This was going far better than he’d hoped.
“Spike and I put our heads together and came up with a perfect solution. A ‘kill two birds with one stone’ kind of a thing.” Zach turned to Spike. “Do you want to tell them?”
Spike feigned surprise. “I thought you wanted to tell them.”
“Well, I don’t want to steal your thunder.”
“Nor I yours, bro.”
The clatter of a chair toppling over rang throughout the room as Mike’s cousin Chase — a Marine who’d just returned from the Middle East and was missing an arm, but who seemed to be in remarkably good humor — stood and shouted, “Somebody tell us, please!”
Zach grinned at his best friend. “Together then?”
Spike nodded and turned to the crowd. “On three. One…two…three!”
“We’re getting married!” they shouted in unison.
Zach had expected their families to go wild…or at least smile, but everyone in the room stared at them slack-jawed. Only then did he understand what they’d heard.
“Not to each other!” he clarified. “Ladies, you can come out now.”
The crowd gasped when Mike and Amy walked through a side door, each wearing a lovely white dress of their choosing. The dresses weren’t fancy — in fact, they could easily be worn to a cocktail party or luncheon, but they suited their wearers perfectly.
Mike’s knee-length, strapless number hugged her lithe frame slightly, without giving away too much, while Amy’s dress was a little more modest, with cap sleeves and a higher neckline.
Of course, Zach’s breath whooshed out of his lungs at the sight of Mike. She’d insisted he not see the dress before the big day, but the outfit was only a small part of the equation. Her brown hair had been pulled up into a loose up-do. It probably had a name, but he didn’t know what it might be — didn’t care either. All he knew was that it framed her face beautifully. But what really set his heart racing, was the wonky smile she gave him as if they were the only two people in the room.
Amy’s long hair had been pulled back in an understated ponytail that allowed her radiant smile to take front stage. Zach leaned down and kissed her on the cheek on her way to join Spike. He then reached for Mike’s hand.
When their fingers entwined, heat spread up his arm and into the rest of his body. His dream was finally coming true. It hadn’t happened exactly as he’d always fantasized, but this was so much better than he ever thought it could be. They weren’t simply in love and getting married — they were building a life and a legacy together. He hoped they’d build a family too, and sooner rather than later.
“Pastor Johnson?” Spike called, his voice cracking with emotion.
The man who’d married Bekah to Hunter and Jack to Erin in a double wedding came out of the back room, holding one of Ethan’s hands. In his other hand, Amy’s grinning son carried a little pillow with four rings attached to it. Only then did everyone in attendance — including Zach — realize this was really happening.
The shock of the announcement hung heavy over the room, until Anthony called out, “Are you offering two-for-one coupons or something, Pastor?”
That broke the tension and the ballroom exploded in cheers, hoots and hollers. Several of the ladies — and a few of the men — dabbed at their eyes. Zach choked back his own emotions so he wouldn’t have to join them. It wouldn’t be seemly for the groom to cry at his own wedding.
The four of them had purposely planned for the ceremony to be short and sweet so they could move on to celebrating with their families. A simple declaration of their love and fidelity, an exchange of rings, and a kiss. But…oh, that kiss!
The world around Zach and Mike disappeared as he dipped her low and their lips met for the first time as husband and wife. For so long, this was what he’d wanted more than anything in the world. Then he’d given up on the fantasy, and that’s when their lives and love had come together, culminating in this one perfect moment.
Zach knew there’d be hundreds, thousands, millions of such perfect moments in their future, and he couldn’t wait to enjoy each and every one.
When he raised Mike upright again and gazed into his bride’s eyes, he whispered, “Hi, Mrs. McCormick.”
“Hi, Mr. McCormick,” she whispered back.
Then she reached up and wiped a tear from his cheek.
* * *
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* * *
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The Roberts of Silver Springs
Rocky Mountain Mornings – Available now
Rocky Mountain Hero – Available now
Rocky Mountain Soul – Available now
Rocky Mountain Bride – Available now
Rocky Mountain Promise – Available now
Rocky Mountain Nights – Available now
Rocky Mountain Home – Available now
Rocky Mountain Heart – April 28
Rocky Mountain Baby – May 5
Rocky Mountain Faith – May 12
Rocky Mountain Heart
A Sneak Peek of the next book in the Roberts of Silver Springs series, coming April 28!
Chapter 1
“You guys will never guess who’s moving to town to take over Chuck Levine’s KHRT radio station.”
Jack was already talking as he walked in the front door of the coffee shop, still dressed in his paramedic uniform from his overnight shift. Emma rolled her eyes as she stepped back behind the counter and poured his morning coffee.
She’d already heard the familiar roaring of the Harley Davidson engine, so she knew exactly who her brother had bumped into before he came through the door.
“Cooper Levine.”
She grinned as she saw her brother scowl, knowing she’d ruined the “news” he wanted to share with them.
Their younger sister Bri was leaning against the counter, already sipping her coffee. She often stopped in for her morning coffee at Emma’s coffee shop, Books N’ Beans, after her morning run. Emma didn’t open until six, but she always had the door open earlier for her siblings, and sometimes the occasional cousin who was already up and getting ready for their day.
“Well, I guess it’s old news then.” Jack sat down at the closest table, so Bri and Emma joined him, laughing at his pouting tone.
As she slid his coffee over to him, Emma scrunched up her face in disgust. “Sorry to ruin your news, but I’d already heard he was in town. Everyone has heard within a ten mile radius of the radio station where he roars in with his motorbike every morning.”
“Now Emma, it’s time to get over your bitterness that he never noticed you when you were younger.” Jack grinned across the table at her.
“Oh, that’s right!” Bri spoke in an excited tone. “Cooper Levine…wasn’t he the guy who used to come and spend the summers in Silver Springs working at the station with his uncle? And you had such a crush on him.” Now Bri and Jack were looking at each other, nodding their heads and grinning like fools.
Clenching her teeth together, she plastered a fake smile on her face. “No, I did not have a crush on him. He’s arrogant, and annoying, and we all know he was bad news when he’d show up in town on his motorbike, letting all the girls in town swoon over him like he was a famous movie star or something.”
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