Above the Bridge

by Deborah Garner

  “And the rest?” Paige asked, too surprised to even hide her curiosity.

  “Oh, the rest?” Jake tapped his forehead, as if trying to remember what he did with it. Paige drummed her fingers on the table, barely able to handle the suspense. “Ah, the rest, now I remember.” He leaned forward across the table and motioned with this finger for her to lean in, as well.

  “Well, I’m not crazy, you know,” he whispered. “Of course I kept the rest. Legends only carry so much weight.” With that, Jake sat back, a grin on his face.

  Paige laughed and shook her head in amazement as Jake waved for the bill. Paying it quickly, they stepped out onto the sidewalk. Soft lights glittered above shops and galleries. Small spotlights sent light filtering up into the trees. The neon sign of The Million Dollar Cowboy Bar cast a warm glow into the night air.

  Jake slid his arm around Paige’s shoulders as they walked across the street and into the town square. Stopping near the center, he reached for Paige’s hand and lifted it, slowly uncurling her fingers, which still clutched the gold locket firmly inside. He took the locket and slid the delicate chain around her neck, fastening the clasp securely.

  Together they breathed in the cool mountain air, crisp and clean as it filled their lungs. Muted conversation and laughter flowed across from the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar. A breeze rustled through the trees overhead, sending a few autumn leaves floating to the ground.

  Paige turned briefly to glance around the square. For a split second she thought she saw a faint light coming from the antler arch, but when she blinked and looked again, it was dark. Just like the surrounding trees, the arch was simply a shadow in the night. Closing her eyes, she rested her head on Jake’s shoulder, felt the warmth of his arms wrap around her and said a silent thank you for the magic of Jackson Hole.