Everyone started talking at once. Flynn heard fresh, exciting ideas springboard from other ideas. He could almost see fledgling concepts grow wings and take flight. He was sorry Justin and Tucker weren’t there, but he had no doubt they’d be onboard as soon as he invited them.
When he found a break in the hum, he said, “Speaking on behalf of myself and my best friends, Tucker Montgomery and Justin Oberman, count us in. We’re new to Montana, but we’re not slackers when it comes to charitable outreach. And, if you have room under the Big Sky Mavericks umbrella, Katherine just wrote two grant applications designed to help train our next generation of wilderness and forest conservators.”
“Absolutely.”
“Hear, hear.”
“Well put.”
“Exactly the sort of activism we’re looking for.”
The last came from Austen, who walked across the room to shake Flynn’s hand. “By the way, we never got the chance to talk after the rescue. I want you to know how impressed I was by the way you handled everything. I’m damn glad to know you’re in charge of SAR.”
Flynn was pleased. The validation felt good. He couldn’t say why exactly, but Austen’s acknowledgement helped confirm what Flynn had been thinking for several weeks. He’d made the right decision to move to Marietta. Montana was where he belonged. He could almost picture his dad grinning, a martini in one hand, and his fly rod in the other.
A moment later, Katherine pulled him aside as the others broke into small groups and split off, the women headed toward the kitchen. “You surprised me. I thought those grants were for SAR.”
He shrugged. “As long as they happen, I don’t care who administers them.”
“This is about that older lady who died when you tried to rescue her, isn’t it?”
He blinked in surprise. Was it?
“You tried your best, Flynn. That makes you a hero in my book.”
“The thing I can’t quit thinking about is: she didn’t need to die. Our forests are virtual tinderboxes thanks to years of unnatural fire suppression. People who choose to live in close proximity to national forests need to know how to protect themselves. She died defending her animals and her way of life. I respect that, but with the right preparation they could have all made it out alive. I want to do something to honor that kind of bravery and commitment while educating the next generation.”
Meg walked up at that moment. “Great idea, Flynn. Henry and I have been talking about a way to honor his late daughter’s contributions to the world. Maybe we could collaborate. I’m big on collaboration right now.”
Paul was careful not to show that he understood the innuendo. He simply nodded and said, “I’d be honored.”
She left a moment later to talk to Austen. Alone again, Flynn and Kat faced each other. “You realize, don’t you, that we may be looking at one of those I-was-there-when moments,” he said. “The energy in this room is tangible. Good things are going to happen in the name of the Big Sky Mavericks.”
Her gaze never left his. “I can’t believe I’m part of this family by blood. It’s crazy. I don’t even know how to process that fact. Roger is making plans to take Brady and me to Disneyland this summer. Mia wants Brady to be part of her wedding. Apparently, Tucker’s volunteered to direct all the kids in some kind of show. Something with sparklers, I think.”
Flynn chuckled and pulled her close. “The craziness will get easier once you get to know them. I was pretty overwhelmed the first time Ryker brought me to a Zabrinski family dinner. You’re right where you belong, sweetheart.”
She slipped her arms around him and pressed her cheek to his chest. “Yes. Now, I am. And in case you’re wondering, I took that job with the Sheriff’s Department. I called him this morning and said, ‘I can’t work for my old boss…because I’m going to marry him.’”
His heart did a three-sixty. “What?” he shouted, accidentally drawing everyone’s gaze their way.
Because he couldn’t pretend he wasn’t the happiest man on the planet, he took her hand with the Montana sapphire on it and held it aloft. “She said, yes.”
After a boatload of high fives and congratulations, they made their way toward the basement to tell Brady the news. At the landing at the top of the stairs, Flynn paused to pull her into his arms for a quick kiss. “I need to make sure I’m not dreaming. You’re really going to marry me? And move out to the ranch I just bought?”
“I’ve never been more sure of anything. This is where I want to grow old, with you.”
“What about your health worries?”
She shook her head. “A wise man once told me if you live honestly and with passion, the future will take care of itself.” She looped her arms around his neck. “I think we have that passion thing down pat, don’t you?”
“Definitely.”
She grinned and wetted her lips with the tip of her tongue. “Then, I can’t wait to see what the future has in store for us. I’m sure it’ll be unforgettable.”
“Us,” he repeated as he kissed her. “The best two-letter word in the English language.”
Us. As in the two of us creating memories that will last a lifetime. Flynn couldn’t wait.
The End
If you enjoyed Montana Hero, you’ll love the other Big Sky Maverick stories!
The Big Sky Mavericks Series
Book 1: Montana Cowgirl
Buy now!
Book 2: Montana Cowboy
Buy now!
Book 3: Montana Darling
Buy now!
Book 4: Montana Maverick
Buy now!
Don’t miss the next Big Sky Mavericks!
Montana Rogue
Coming soon – October 2015
Montana Miracle
Coming soon – November 2015
Montana Rebel
Coming soon – early 2016
About the Author
Former award-winning newspaper journalist Debra Salonen is a nationally bestselling author with 26 published novels for Harlequin’s Superromance and American lines and one single title release for Harlequin Signature. Several of her titles were nominated for “Best Superromance,” including Until He Met Rachel, which took home that honor in 2010.
In 2006, Debra was named Romantic Times Reviewer’s Career Achievement “Series Storyteller of the Year”.
Debra lives in the foothills near Yosemite National Park in California with her husband and two dogs. Luckily, her two children and three grandchildren live close by to keep Debra connected to the real world.
Visit her website at www.debrasalonen.com
Join her newsletter
Follow her on Facebook and Twitter @DebSalonen
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