Page 12 of Bearly Ever After (Bear Creek Forever #5)

Nicole breathed in deeply, filling her lungs with the rich, earthy scent of the forest. The air was cool and crisp, the scent of pine mingling with the loamy fragrance of the forest floor. This trek into the mountains on horseback had been exactly what she needed after the whirlwind of moving to Bear Creek. She felt a peace she hadn’t experienced in a long time. It was as if, with each step the horses took, the worries of her life were being left behind, replaced by something simpler and more profound.

The ride had also given her a first-hand glimpse of what she came here to do—help the ranches, farms, and businesses that were part of the co-op thrive and grow. She could already see the potential, the untapped beauty and possibilities Bear Creek held. But beyond her work, this ride into the wilderness she now called home showed her that she had made the right decision for Mila as well. Her daughter looked radiant, her face glowing with excitement as she guided her horse along the trail. Occasionally, Mila tilted her head up to admire the canopy of trees overhead or looked to the forest floor to spot small animals scurrying through the undergrowth. Every so often, the sweet melody of birdsong would drift through the air, as if they were singing a special welcome to their two new arrivals.

And then there was Klein.

He was everything she could ever want in a man. Strong, kind, gentle, and attentive. In the twenty-four hours since meeting him, Klein had become a constant presence in her thoughts. And she would like him to become a constant presence in her life.

But, as usual, her internal arguments surfaced. She needed to prioritize her new job, her daughter’s happiness, and building a stable life for them here in Bear Creek. Romance, as alluring as it was, had to take a backseat.

But what about her own happiness?

They headed through a wooded valley, the sound of a stream bubbling alongside them adding to the serenity of their morning ride. Klein led them to the water’s edge, where they paused to let the horses drink. Nicole leaned forward, patting Dusty’s neck, her eyes drifting to Klein. He looked so at ease here, in his element, and she wanted to tap into that part of herself, too.

“It’s so peaceful,” she murmured, meeting his gaze. “I never imagined the forest could feel this serene.”

Klein’s lips curved into a gentle smile. “It does something to you, doesn’t it? Almost like it reminds us to slow down and just...breathe.”

After the horses had their fill, they continued along the trail. Eventually, they broke out of the trees, the meadow opening up before them, and the horses instinctively turned their heads toward home—the Thornberg Ranch. Nicole looked at the sprawling property in the distance, and she felt a pang of longing. What she wouldn’t give to live in a place like that.

“So, what do you think?” Klein’s voice cut through her thoughts, making her jump slightly.

“About?” she asked, glancing over at him.

Klein gave her a half-smile, his eyes twinkling. “The ranch, the mountains...” He paused, his gaze lingering on her face. And she sensed he was leaving one more question unspoken. Me?

Heat crept across her skin that had nothing to do with the sun as it rose higher above the mountains, and she let out a soft laugh. “I love it here,” she said honestly, her eyes drifting to the horses, then back to him. “You have a wonderful home,” she added, sighing deeply as she patted Dusty’s neck. “And wonderful horses. You know I’m not going to be able to keep Mila away.”

Klein cracked a wide grin, as if this had been his plan all along. “You and Mila are always welcome here.” He nodded, their eyes meeting, and the intensity of his gaze sent a thrill through her.

“Thank you,” she said with a nod. “It’s...been a while since I felt like I belonged somewhere.”

“You belong,” Klein replied with conviction. “At least, I hope you will.”

After a moment, he sighed, breaking the silence. “We should get back for lunch,” he said, although there was a hint of reluctance there.

Nicole nodded, feeling the moment slip away. “Yes, we don’t want to keep your mom waiting,” she said with a smile. “It’s so kind of her to prepare lunch for us.”

Klein chuckled, nudging Maverick forward. “My mom misses having a house full of boys to feed,” he said affectionately.

Nicole smiled knowingly. “I can imagine. I’m not sure what I’m going to do with myself when Mila goes off to college.”

Mila turned in her saddle at the sound of her name. “I never want to leave,” she said firmly. “I want to stay here forever.”

Klein chuckled, shaking his head. “You might not think that when you’re out here in the driving rain or a couple of feet of snow,” he warned.

“And anyway, I thought you wanted to be a veterinarian,” Nicole added, her voice gentle. “That means college.”

Mila switched her attention to Klein. “There’s a college in Bear Bluff, right?” she asked hopefully.

Klein nodded. “There is,” he confirmed.

“See? I can live here and go to college,” she said, as if the deal was sealed.

Nicole shook her head, her smile growing as she looked at Klein. “It seems you have everything we could ever need right here.”

“I hope so,” he said, and Nicole knew he meant it.

They left the cool shade of the trees behind and rode back to the ranch in comfortable silence, the sun warm on their backs, the rhythmic clop of hooves the only sound. The horses seemed to know they were heading home, their pace steady and sure. Klein rode alongside Nicole, the silence between them feeling natural, almost intimate. Every now and then, their eyes would meet, and a smile would pass between them, a wordless understanding of the connection they shared.

A connection she longed to explore.

All too soon, they were back at the ranch, where Klein smoothly dismounted. Mila did the same, bending her knees as she slid to the ground. Nicole took her feet out of the stirrups and sat for a moment, flexing her feet as she worked through the stiffness building in her back.

“Need a hand?” Klein asked, and before she could answer, he was by her side.

“Thanks.” She swung her leg behind her and slid off Dusty’s back, into Klein’s arms. She closed her eyes and leaned back against his chest. She could swear she felt his heart hammering.

“Okay?” he asked, his hands lingering at her waist a moment longer than necessary, and Nicole’s heart skipped a beat.

She smiled at him, her cheeks flushing as she stepped back. “Yes. Thanks.”

“Let’s get the horses brushed down.” Klein stepped away from her and led Maverick to the stables. Nicole and Mila followed, each leading their horse. While they brushed the horses, Mila chatted away, asking Klein questions about the ranch, the horses, and what it was like growing up here.

Klein answered each question patiently, his answers filled with obvious affection for the place he called home. Nicole listened as she brushed Dusty. Occasionally, he would glance her way, and a small, knowing smile would tug at his lips, almost as if he, too, felt a charged current flowing between them.

She could not deny that Klein was everything she had ever wanted in a partner.

Once the horses were brushed and fed, they led them to the meadow, turning them out to graze. Nicole stood by the fence, watching as Dusty trotted off, his tail flicking as he joined the others. Klein stood beside her, his arm brushing against hers, and Nicole felt a shiver run through her. She longed for him to wrap his arms around her, to pull her close and hold her tight. She closed her eyes for a moment, letting herself imagine the warmth of his embrace, the feeling of safety she knew he could offer.

But maybe she didn’t want to feel safe. She’d spent her life clinging to safety. Now she wanted to live dangerously. To take risks. With Klein.

Klein shifted slightly, his arm brushing against hers again, and Nicole opened her eyes, turning her head to look at him. He was watching her, a question lingering there. She smiled shyly, and for a moment, she thought he might lean in, that he might close the distance between them and press his lips to hers.

But then Mila called out, her voice breaking the moment. “Mom! Look at Sailor!” she said, pointing as Sailor rolled in the grass, his legs kicking up in the air.

Nicole laughed, shaking her head as she looked over at her daughter. “He looks happy.”

Klein chuckled, his gaze still on Nicole. “He’s not the only one.”

Nicole felt uncertainty rise within her. She wasn’t sure how to respond to Klein’s words. In her heart, she knew she would love for their relationship to grow deeper, to evolve into something more, but her head kept cautioning her. She didn’t want to rush into something that might lead to regret, even though a part of her doubted she could ever regret Klein.

But then Klein stiffened, his attention snapping to the ranch house. Nicole followed his gaze just as Tammy’s truck pulled up. The passenger door opened, and a teenage boy, perhaps around Mila’s age, climbed out.

“Ah, Finlay and Tammy are here.” Klein glanced at Nicole. “I thought it might be good for Mila to meet someone her own age.”

“It would be. Starting over in a new town with no friends is hard.” She chuckled lightly. “Not that you would know.”

Klein shrugged, his lips curving into a lopsided smile. “I can imagine, though.”

For a brief moment, his expression clouded, his eyes turning distant. Nicole noticed the shadow of something that looked like sadness flicker across his face, and she wondered what memories had drifted into his mind. But before she could ask, Klein straightened, his smile returning as he inclined his head toward the ranch house.

“Come on, let’s go eat,” he said, his expression brighter once more.

“Can we come back and see the horses again before we leave?” Mila asked. “And the foals.”

“Sure,” Klein said as they turned and headed toward the ranch house.

“Great,” Mila said. “Who is that with Tammy?”

“That’s Finlay,” Klein answered. “I was just telling your mom that he’s new in town, too.”

“Oh, really?” Mila asked.

“Yeah. I figured the two of you might get along well, since Finlay likes the ranch and the horses, too,” Klein told her.

“Cool,” Mila replied.

As they approached the ranch house, Tammy and Finlay were waiting for them by the porch. Tammy raised her hand in a small wave, her smile bright.

“How was the ride?” Tammy asked, her gaze moving between Nicole and Mila.

“It was amazing,” Nicole replied.

“I love it here,” Mila said, her gaze drifting back toward the meadow where the horses grazed.

“Does this mean you’ve changed your mind about a career choice?” Tammy asked.

“No,” Mila insisted, shaking her head. “I still want to be a veterinarian. But I also want to live on a ranch. The best of both worlds.”

“Smart,” Tammy said with a nod. She turned toward the teenager beside her. “Mila, this is Finlay. Finlay, this is Mila.”

“Hi,” Finlay said, a wary expression in his eyes.

“Hello,” Mila replied with a friendly smile. “Are you Tammy and Dougray’s son?”

Finlay hesitated, glancing at Tammy with a longing look. “No.”

“Not yet,” Tammy said, putting a reassuring hand on Finlay’s shoulder. “But one day soon, we hope to adopt Finlay.”

“Cool,” Mila replied with a smile. “Do you ride?”

“Yeah, a little,” Finlay said, gaining a bit more confidence.

“Maybe we can ride together sometime,” Mila suggested.

Finlay’s lips curved into a small smile. “Yeah, I’d like that.” The two kids headed toward the house, chatting happily together.

“That’s good to see,” Tammy said, sounding somewhat relieved. “Finlay hasn’t had the chance to meet anyone his own age yet.”

Nicole nodded, her gaze lingering on the two teenagers as they walked ahead. “Have you fostered Finlay for long?” she asked, turning her attention back to Tammy.

Tammy shook her head. “No, not long.”

“It’s an incredible thing to do,” Nicole told Tammy.

Tammy pressed her lips together, her eyes bright with tears. “He’s an incredible kid. And he was in need of a fresh start.” She looked at Nicole. “I think we all need that sometimes.”

Nicole nodded, her heart tightening at the words. “I know that feeling,” she murmured.

“Well, you’ve come to the right place,” Tammy said with a smile that chased her tears away.

Nicole returned the smile, her heart feeling lighter. “I’m beginning to see that.”

They headed into the house, the smell of Mary’s delicious cooking greeting them the moment they stepped through the door. The aroma of freshly baked bread and roasted vegetables filled the air, and Nicole’s mouth watered in anticipation. Riding Dusty had certainly worked up an appetite.

“Come on in,” Mary beckoned to them all.

Mila dropped to her knees as Scruffy came to meet her. “Hello there. Have you missed me?” Scruffy wagged his tail furiously.

“He’s looking better already,” Tammy said.

“Have you found his owner?” Mila asked as she curled her fingers in his fur.

“No,” Tammy said. “Why don’t you introduce him to Finlay?”

“Sure. Finlay, this is Scruffy. Scruffy, this is Finlay,” Mila said.

“Hi, Scruffy.” Finlay petted the little dog’s head.

“Shall we go wash up?” Klein asked.

“Yes,” Nicole replied. “Come on, Mila, let’s freshen up.”

“Can you look after Scruffy?” Mila asked Finlay.

“Sure,” Finlay replied.

“Need a hand, Mary?” Tammy asked as Nicole followed Klein to the guest bathroom down the hallway, enjoying the opportunity to see more of the ranch house. Family photographs adorned the walls, snapshots of smiling faces and joyful moments captured over the years. She paused briefly to admire a picture of Klein as a young boy, grinning broadly as he sat atop a pony, his hair tousled by the wind.

“Were you born on a horse?” Nicole asked.

“Don’t be silly, Mom,” Mila said with a snort.

“I rode before I could walk,” Klein said with a grin as he studied the photograph.

“Really?” Mila asked, sounding impressed.

“Yeah.” Klein inclined his head toward a door on the right. “Here’s the bathroom.”

“Thanks.” Nicole slid her arm around Mila’s shoulders and guided her toward the bathroom. “Come on. We don’t want to keep Mary waiting.”

In the bathroom, Nicole splashed cool water on her face, washing away the dust and sweat from the ride. As she patted her skin dry with a soft towel, she looked at her reflection in the mirror and tilted her head to one side. She was sure she looked younger.

“I’m done,” Mila said after drying her hands.

“So am I.” Nicole rubbed her hands over her cheeks and then followed Mila back to the kitchen, where Klein was waiting. But as they approached, he turned and looked toward the kitchen door, with that faraway look in his eyes.

A moment later, the door opened and Mary turned from the stove, her face lighting up as Waylan and Dougray entered the kitchen. “There you are!” she said. “Just in time. Lunch is ready.”

“We could smell it,” Dougray said, going straight to Tammy and kissing her cheek.

“Come sit down,” Waylan said, going to the table and pulling out two chairs. “Come on, Nicole, Mila. Sit down. Let’s eat.”

Nicole glanced at Klein one last time before settling into a seat. The gentle warmth in his eyes promised her that there was room for her and Mila at this table and in his life.

As she slipped into a chair next to Mila, she resolved to set aside her doubts and grasp a chance at happiness with Klein.

If he offered her that chance.