by Vella Munn
“Then don’t. We need to take things one day at a time, get to know each other better.”
She wanted that.
In every possible way.
Chapter Twenty
“Henry’s going to have to get himself some new binoculars,” she told Terron. “These are amazing.”
“How would I know? You won’t let me use them.”
Giving him a mock frown, she handed Terron the binoculars so he could take in what was visible from near the top of Mount Lynx. Countless shades of green contrasted with multiple browns, all of it intoxicating. In the past three weeks, it had snowed a couple of times. Very few flakes had stuck but that would soon change.
Their friends had told them they’d officially lost their minds when they announced they intended to spend their day off mountain climbing. What they didn’t understand was that she needed a break from what had consumed so much of her time lately. Besides, when she was with Terron, she didn’t feel cold.
He indicated the darkening sky that warned they should start their descent. “I’m relieved you got the last of the old trailers out of there and the new ones in place. Some of the tight spaces you had to deal with—everyone’s singing your praises, but I don’t want my woman taking chances in a blizzard.”
“It’s supposed to snow, not blizzard.”
“Whatever.”
He studied the world to the south and below them as Shadow sprawled inches from his feet. Maybe it was because the dog had bonded with his humans; maybe his night alone on the mountain had done the trick. Whatever it was, Shadow never stayed out of sight for more than a few minutes. At the same time, he was game for whatever his humans wanted to do.
Even if they hurried, they might not get back before it started to snow. Still, she wasn’t interested in rushing because between his work schedule and her agenda which included numerous trips to and from Kalispell hauling trailers in addition to seeing the physical therapist, nights had been the only times they’d been able to be together since they’d become lovers.
Lovers.
Committed.
Falling in love.
And spending their rare joint day off climbing a mountain that had come close to claiming Shadow and would soon be buried under snow.
“Too bad Shaw doesn’t have clout with that environmental group,” Terron said as they started descending with Shadow leading the way. “If he did, maybe he could get them to loosen the purse strings sometime before the next century.”
She hadn’t wanted to think about that today. She wanted to be content with Terron’s presence, but even up here with the wilderness all around, reality had come with them.
“I made my pitch,” she said unnecessarily because Terron had helped her plan her talk. “All I can do is wait. I just wish those decisions didn’t take so long.”
Terron draped an arm around her shoulder. “I’m waiting, too.”
A number of people were rooting for her; something she’d never thought would happen. Much as she loved Lake Serene, and that love was growing with every day, the people she’d met here were even more important.
Terron most of all.
“Speaking of the new double-wide, which we weren’t,” he said, “I trust you’ve noticed there isn’t much furniture in it. I have too much room while you’re meeting yourself coming and going in that kitchenette.” He ran his fingers through her hair. “What I said about our living together makes even more sense now, not that I’m pushing. Once Shaw pays you, you’re going to be rich.”
“Temporarily rich. Melinda told me she doesn’t plan to resign until the first of the year so even if Shaw and Robert pick me to take her place—”
“They will.”
“I know,” she admitted followed by sighing. “I just…”
“Don’t you want to live with me?”
“Of course.” She meant it with all her heart.
“Then what’s on your mind?”
“I’m torn between settling for the good enough to get by job while holding out hope that eventually I’ll get what I really want.” She gave herself a mental shake. “I have to stop thinking like that. If the offer still holds, yes, I want to combine our pitiful excuse for furniture.”
“Then I guess I should take that as your less-than-romantic response to my earnest if awkward suggestion that we live under the same roof.”
“I accept.”
“And I accept your acceptance. To state the obvious, I’m looking forward to tonight with my woman in our domicile.”
A little overwhelmed by the recent changes in her life, she put distance between herself and Terron and scanned their surroundings. She’d never been this high up Mount Lynx. Being here separated her from the rest of the world and united her with Terron. This morning he’d said he had a suggestion for how they might spend the day but first he wanted to hear what she had in mind. She’d told him about her desire to look down at Lake Serene while the trail to the top was still accessible. Smiling, he’d enveloped her in a hug her shoulder wouldn’t have been able to handle a few days ago.
That, he’d admitted, was exactly what he’d been going to suggest.
Well, they’d climbed and looked and it had been wonderful, but now it was time to get serious about the descent.
Home. The place they’d share. One she wouldn’t completely feel comfortable in as long as she didn’t have a job.
“I don’t suppose you brought a tent and sleeping bag,” he said. “If you had, we could spend the night up here.”
“We’d be alone. Just us and Shadow.”
Shadow was looking back at them. Everything was so simple for him, simple and safe.
“I love you, you ugly mutt,” she told Shadow. “I hope you know how much.”
“He does.”
Terron was right. For a man who hadn’t had a dog for years, he was keyed into Shadow. That was where her thinking needed to stay, on the growing, deepening love between the three members of her small family. Worrying about a job got in the way of that. Solved nothing.
They were nearing an overlook with a spectacular view of Lake Serene when the cell phone in her pocket vibrated. Surprised that there was reception here, she fished it out and held it up to the cloud-draped sky.
“Hey, kid, for the record, Henry, Shaw, and I have been working behind your back.” Echo had texted. “I have it on good authority that the decision-makers at Nature One have committed to paying your salary as the center’s director. Welcome aboard!”
Numb, she swiped at her eyes and handed her phone to Terron. He read.
“How do you feel about this?”
“I can’t believe…”
“Can’t believe what?”
“I put everything I had into trying to sell myself to the group, but I was prepared to have my pitch ignored because of my lack of credentials.”
“Don’t ever sell yourself short, honey.”
Honey. “I’m realistic.”
He indicated the phone. “Then be realistic about this.”
He was right. For the first time in her life, she was going to be paid to do what she truly wanted to do. She’d have to work with individuals and groups with sometimes divergent agendas but she would focus on advocating for what she believed in, which was educating people about what made Lake Serene a vital part of Montana.
“My mind’s spinning.” She wiped at her tears. “This is a special place. Getting people to understand just how truly special will be my primary goal.”
“Well said.” He tucked her phone in his coat pocket which freed him to place both hands on her shoulders. “I’m so proud of you.”
He was. She read his admiration and respect not in just his expression but his entire body. She felt the same way about this man who’d put love of his parents ahead of his own life. She trembled as she tilted her head upward and met the lips he was offering her. Today represented the beginning of a new adventure for her and a deepening to their relationship. She felt fuller, richer, more r
ealized. Eager to share those changes with the man she loved.
They held onto each other until Shadow started bumping their legs. Still together, they reached down and placed their hands on Shadow’s head with their fingers touching.
“He’s right,” Terron said. “Whatever we’ve started here will have to wait to be played out until we’re home.”
She stroked his hip. “Then let’s get going.”
“What’s this? My woman’s getting bossy now that she’s gainfully employed.”
“I’m not employed yet but, yes, there are some things I intend to be bossy about.”
“For the record, I have no objections.”
They were deliberately keeping the conversation light, focusing on the two of them. Career talk would wait because their relationship took priority.
She thought about that as Shadow led and she imagined what Terron and she would do to put each other first. The new trailer had a decent-sized kitchen which meant she could truly cook for her man. More importantly, the bedroom was the perfect size for two. She’d suggest waiting until she’d gotten her first paycheck and then pooling their finances for a new bed.
Their first joint purchase.
“Terron,” she started, “I have an—”
Shadow stopped so abruptly they nearly ran into the dog. They were at a spot that provided another incredible view of Lake Serene and the surrounding wilderness. Shadow was staring fixedly at something partway down.
After putting a warning finger to his lips, Terron took the binoculars from around his neck and brought it to his eyes. He did something to the focus followed by going utterly still. His breathing became slower and deeper. Then he handed the binoculars to her.
She zeroed in on where man and dog had been looking. At first all she saw were shadows. Then something in the shadows moved. The object was about a quarter of a mile away yet she had no doubt what she was looking at.
A wolf.
No, not one. Two.
“Terron,” she whispered.
“Yes. Yes.”
A gift to us.
The End
Find out what happens next in….
The Montana Lakeside series
Book 1: Romancing the Montana Bride
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Book 2: Redeeming Her Montana Love
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Book 3: His Montana Rescue
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Book 4: Saved by the Montana Hero
Book 5: Taming His Montana Heart
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About the Author
Vellla Munn writes contemporary and historical romances to satisfy the insistent voices in her head. She’s convinced she has the best career in the world. Also thanks to those voices, she no longer has any other marketable skills.
She’s had more than 50 books published and is beyond exited to have joined the Tule Publishing family with a contemporary romance series set at Lake Serene, Montana. The series draws on her love of the wilderness as backdrop for new beginnings and love.
Vella lives in rural Oregon, is married, has two sons, and four grandchildren. She’s owned by two bossy dogs and is working on her master’s degree as a certified hermit. email: [email protected]
Visit her website at www.vella-munn.com
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