Coming Out on the Mountain
Page 9
Aunt Becky and Uncle Tom came in with pans of their famous lasagna, our traditional Friday after Thanksgiving supper. We’d eat and watch a movie. No idea what it would be this year. Something suitable for everyone.
Gramps and Uncle Floyd came in through the garage, just as I’d pulled the cork from the Two Buck Chuck cabernet. I poured for Aunt Becky and held it until she’d had her turn in the mob scene, and then went to join the fray. I hugged Gramps and held out a hand to Floyd. “Good to see you.”
“Good to see you too.” Floyd’s smile was warm enough to make me believe he meant it. Whole lot better than this morning, for sure. He handed me a DVD of Toy Story 4, something Kurt and I hadn’t seen yet.
Aunt Becky’s lasagna was amazing as usual, and better for being washed down with cabernet. I was still a little nervous about my plan. Kurt eyed my wine glass and said nothing. He might not even say anything if I refilled it, but I’d been a cheap date for as long as he’d known me. The last time I’d drowned my sorrows he got into a fight with the guy who’d poured me home.
I wouldn’t scare Kurt with a hint of a replay. Even if I did want a second glass, he didn’t need to worry about me. I could do this. If he was on my side, I could do anything.
Even get the kitchen cleaned up without breaking dishes. He got right in there with a towel while Shari and I loaded the dishwasher and stowed the food.
“Go get us a seat on the couch, okay?” There’d be ten other people wanting to watch the movie—the rest would be in the kitchen or living room solving the problems of the world, but I wanted to watch the movie Gramps brought, and I didn’t want to get stuck alone in a chair.
Kurt went to stake out our spots while Shari and I finished the kitchen. I came out to find him in the middle of the sectional between Lucas and Aunt Becky, with my spot next to her. She scooted over to let me in. And she winked.
Well, all right. I winked back.
We watched the opening sequence, with Woody and Slinky Dog hanging out the window to rescue the radio-controlled car. Rescue accomplished, the familiar tune of “You’ve Got a Friend In Me” began to play. The lights were low but probably high enough to mask my blush. Kurt didn’t twitch.
The theme song was still playing when Megan came in. She eyed the space between Kurt and Lucas, about half a person wide. Of course she’d want to sit next to her husband.
This was my cue. Seize the moment. There’d be enough room for Megan.
“Scoot over,” I told Kurt, and lay my arm over the back of the couch to pull him close.
Kurt glanced sideways at me. “You sure?”
“Never surer.” I kept my arm over his shoulder and tucked him securely against my side. I snuggled him against me, thrilled with the warmth of his torso against mine, and the muscles of his arm under my hand. He rested his head against my shoulder, and I could feel more than see his smile.
He leaned against me the same way Megan leaned against Lucas, Aunt Becky leaned against Uncle Tom. Or the way Mom leaned against Dad. And Floyd leaned against Gramps.
And nobody said a word.
Because we were home. With our family.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
P.D. Singer enjoyed an adventurous life in Colorado and where she crossed over peacefully at home surrounded by the love of her husband and child.
As a writer, she was a big believer in research, firsthand if possible, so the reader could be quite certain Pam had actually skied down a mountain face first herself, been stepped on by rodeo horses, acquired a potato burn or two, and she kept her promise to never, ever, write a novel that included skydiving.
When not writing, she took joy in playing her fiddle, or skiing, or tucked away in a favorite spot with a book in hand.
Pam managed to complete three more books before catching a Pegasus ride to Heaven, entrusting the care of her final works in the loving hands of her best friend and co-writing partner, Eden Winters. The final conclusion of the Mountain series published posthumously.
ALSO BY P.D. SINGER
Fire on the Mountain
Snow on the Mountain
Fall Down the Mountain
Blood on the Mountain
Return to the Mountain
Running to Him
Spokes
The Rare Event
A New Man
Diving Deep
Concierge Service
WHAT’S COMING NEXT
ON THE MOUNTAIN SERIES FANS!!
Jake and Kurt need your help. Their next adventure only had a temporary working title, Clinical Rotation, so it’s been decided: YOU, the Readers, get to put the finishing touch to the final book left by Author P.D. Singer.
What to do:
Read the blurb then find Eden Winters in her Facebook fan group, Eden’s Diversions. If you’re not already a member, request to join, (its lots of fun in there). Then send her your Best Title ideas with the ‘…the Mountain’ tail, if you can make it work.
Deadline for entries is December 31, 2020. After gathering up all those great ideas you’re about to send, Ms. Winters will be kicking off the new year with a chance for everyone to vote on their favorite title entry. So be sure to keep in touch. <3
“______?_______ THE MOUNTAIN.”
Kurt Carlson gave up the great outdoors for city life while his lover Jake pursued a pharmacology degree. Graduation and a white lab coat will bring status, a great job, and a decent salary. Jake will go from eating ramen in their shoebox apartment to rubbing elbows with handsome doctors. He couldn’t possibly still want a ski bum and parttime forest ranger for a partner.
Just when Kurt feels their time is coming to an end, he comes home to something he least expects.
And really needs.
This story involves lots of hotness and a lab coat.
ALSO FROM ROCKY RIDGE BOOKS
THE DIVERSION SERIES FROM EDEN WINTERS
Diversion
Collusion
Corruption
Manipulation
Redemption
Reunion
Suspicion
Decision
THE WRESTLING SERIES FROM D.H. STARR
Wrestling With Desire
Wrestling with Love
Wrestling With Passion
Wrestling with Hope
THE DARK ANGELS SERIES FROM Z. ALLORA
With Wings
Tied Together
Finally Fallen