Page 2 of Friends are Forever (Teton Mountain #6)

R eva scurried down Main Street, her heels clicking against the wooden sidewalk planks as she made her way toward the Rustic Pine.

The early fall air was crisp, tinged with the scent of pine and distant woodsmoke, as she adjusted her blazer and quickened her pace.

She had meant to leave the office ten minutes ago, but a last-minute call from a council member about the upcoming road repair project had set her back.

Now, she was running even more late to meet the girls at the Rustic Pine. No doubt she’d hear about it.

Halfway across the street, old Mrs. Kellerman flagged her down with frantic waving, a clipboard clutched in her wrinkled hands.

“Mayor Nygard! Just a moment!”

Reva teetered to a sharp halt, her heels scraping against the wooden plank sidewalk as she fought for balance. She turned and forced a polite smile. “Mrs. Kellerman, I?—”

“The historical society is submitting a petition to protect the old grain silo from demolition,” Mrs. Kellerman said, pushing the clipboard into Reva’s hands. “I need your signature to show your support!”

Reva glanced at the clipboard, groaning internally. The grain silo was beyond saving—barely standing, home to raccoons, and a constant safety hazard. “I’ll take this back to my office and review it,” she said, already stepping backward.

When her declaration met with a disappointed stare, she quickly added, “I promise.”

“Thank you, Mayor. That silo’s been here longer than I have,” Mrs. Kellerman said, almost to herself.

“Seen more seasons than I can count, stood through storms that took down barns and fences. My husband used to say a farm wasn’t really a farm without one.

” She paused, lips pressing together before she let out a quiet chuckle.

“Truth is, that’s where he first kissed me. A long time ago.”

Reva granted her a smile. “I’ll review the petition and do all I can. You have my word.” She patted Mrs. Kellerman on the shoulder. “And sometime, I’d love to hear about that kiss.” She winked at the older woman, who smiled before nodding and lumbering away, clutching her shiny black purse.

Before Reva could get away, a stray dog ran right between her legs, knocking her off balance. She yelped, catching herself just before toppling to the pavement, and turned in time to see Albie Barton, the town’s ever-nosy newspaper reporter, jotting notes in his ever-present notepad.

“Reva, care to comment on the abandoned pup situation?” Albie asked, stepping in front of her. “I understand little Jewel Nichols found a litter out on the edge of Teton Trails Ranch yesterday.”

Reva exhaled sharply. “I’m late, Albie. And this is the first I’ve heard of it. Sorry.”

She sidestepped him and took off again, only to get caught behind a slow-moving tractor rolling down the street.

“Come on,” she muttered, practically jogging in place.

When the path finally cleared, she darted across the street, pulled open the Rustic Pine’s door, and stepped inside, breathing in the comforting scent of wood, coffee, and grilled bacon.

Unlike the rowdy cowboy bar down the street, which attracted the heavy-drinking, line-dancing crowd, the Rustic Pine was a cozy bar and grill run by Pastor Pete and his wife, Annie.

With its polished wooden booths, vintage beer signs, and old photographs of Thunder Mountain on the walls, the place felt more like a second home than a business.

It was where the locals gathered to swap stories, share meals, and find a little solace after a long day.

Her gaze swept the room, landing on Fleet Southcott, the town’s aging cop, perched at the beautiful wooden bar, chatting with Annie. His coffee sat untouched as he animatedly described a movie he’d recently watched.

“…and then this kid—the one with the freckles—he gets lost in a big cornfield, and his dog has to track him down. I tell ya, I didn’t see that ending coming.” He shook his head. “Those kids…well, they sure get to me.” He paused. “Speaking of, why didn’t you and Pastor Pete have any?”

Annie tugged the towel from her shoulder and ran it over the bar. “Well, Fleet—it wasn’t because we didn’t want any. We tried. I guess the good Lord just had other plans for me and Pete.”

Fleet sighed, nodding. “Yeah, yeah, I suppose.”

Reva spotted her friends at their usual corner table and hurried over. Charlie Grace, Capri, and Lila were all nursing steaming mugs of coffee, their conversation in full swing.

“There she is,” Lila teased, nudging a fresh cup of coffee toward Reva as she slid into her seat. “You run into half the town on your way here?”

“Don’t ask,” Reva grumbled, gratefully taking a sip.

Capri leaned in with a wide grin. “So, Charlie Grace was just filling us in on how the guest ranch expansion is going.”

Charlie Grace’s eyes lit up. “Yes, it’s been a whirlwind.

With the new cabins, we’ll have space for nearly triple the guests.

And that’s not counting the new lodge that’s in the planning stages.

Oh, and we’re considering putting in a pool.

Of course, that thrilled Jewel.” She paused.

“I’m not sure how easy it is to maintain a pool in the harsh winters we have here in the Tetons.

But we’ll figure it all out. Nick’s been helping coordinate the logistics, and the TV show exposure has been insane. ”

“That’s amazing,” Lila said. “You deserve all this good fortune.”

Reva rested her elbows on the table, her expression thoughtful.

“Charlie Grace’s expansion isn’t just altering the guest ranch—it’s changing Thunder Mountain.

Ever since that TV show put us on the map, more people have been showing up, not just for a vacation but to stay and make Thunder Mountain their home.

Businesses are busier, new shops are opening, and folks are even buying up property.

Not everyone loves the idea of our quiet little town getting more attention, but most see the benefits.

More jobs, a stronger economy—it’s giving people a reason to stick around instead of moving away.

Growth like this doesn’t come easy, but it means Thunder Mountain isn’t just some forgotten spot on the map anymore. We’re becoming something bigger.”

Annie arrived with a pot of coffee, expertly topping off their cups. The rich aroma filled the air as she gave each of them a smile. “Looks like you girls are busy solving the world’s problems,” she said, her voice warm and familiar.

“Not yet,” Reva quipped, wrapping her hands around the fresh cup. “But give us time.”

Charlie Grace lifted her mug in thanks. “You always know exactly when we need a refill, Annie. You’ve got some kind of sixth sense for it.”

Annie chuckled as she propped a hand on her hip, her eyes twinkling with amusement. “I just know my regulars.”

Capri gave her an appreciative nod. “We’d be lost without you.”

Annie smirked, glancing at Reva. “Well, I’ll leave the heavy lifting to the mayor, but at least I can keep everyone caffeinated.”

Annie turned her attention to Capri. “So, Nicola was in yesterday. Everyone’s wondering when the big wedding day is planned. And by everyone, I mean Nicola Cavendish.” She laughed.

Capri shrugged, a playful glint in her eye. “No date set, but don’t worry—you all will be the first to know when there’s something to mark on the calendar.”

As soon as Annie had returned to the bar and was out of earshot, Capri took a sip and sighed. “I swear, if one more person asks when Jake and I are getting married?—”

Charlie Grace grinned and gave her a slight elbow jab. “So, when’s the wedding?”

Capri groaned. “Oh, stop. We’re not in a hurry. Jake and I will know when the time is right. And it will be something simple. Quiet and simple.”

“Mm-hmm,” Reva murmured. “Speaking of weddings…” she smirked, taking a sip of her coffee.

Just like that, their conversation shifted to Jason’s wedding—the event everyone in Thunder Mountain was still buzzing about.

“It was the tackiest spectacle I’ve ever seen,” Lila said, shaking her head. “The whole thing was pink and gold. My favorite was the champagne fountain made out of an actual ice sculpture of the bride and groom. Hours into the ceremony and their faces were melting off.”

Charlie Grace shuddered. “Don’t forget the sparkler send-off. I thought for sure someone’s hair was going to catch on fire.”

“And the frosting-loaded-six-tier cake was overkill,” Lila added, chuckling. “All that glittery gold piping looked more fitting for a Vegas marquee than a wedding.”

Reva laughed. “So, Capri, what’s your dream wedding, then?”

“Not that,” Capri said firmly. “No pink. No gold. Like I said, something understated and quiet.”

Reva arched a brow. “Look, friend—I’ve known you since we were high school cheerleaders. You’ve never lived a quiet moment in your life.”

Capri grinned. “True.”

Reva shot a look over at Charlie Grace. “Hey, what’s this I hear about Jewel finding some abandoned pups?”

Charlie Grace let out a soft laugh, shaking her head.

“You should’ve seen Jewel’s face when she found them—like it was Christmas morning and every present under the tree had her name on it.

She was out near the old logging road with Aunt Mo when she heard these tiny yips, and sure enough, tucked in a little hollow under some brush, were those pups.

Abandoned, no mama in sight. She scooped them up like they were made of gold and came running back to the ranch, begging to keep them before Mo even had a chance to blink. ”

“Did someone dump them there?” Reva asked.

Charlie Grace shook her head. “No, I don’t think so. There was no box or anything. Aunt Mo said they looked like they hadn’t eaten in a while.”

She sighed, running a hand through her hair.

“I told Jewel we’d have to figure things out, but that we couldn’t keep them.

But you know my daughter—she’s already named them, picked out where they’re all going to sleep, and decided what color collars they’ll wear.

If it were up to her, she’d adopt every last one.

We all know that’s not possible.” She slid her fingers around her coffee mug.

“And for the record, the pups are sleeping in the barn and not in her bedroom—as disappointing as that was for my daughter.”

Lila leaned in. “I can take a look at them, make sure they’re healthy,” she offered. “See if they’re now eating well and thriving, check for any issues.”

Reva nodded. “And when it’s time, I can put up a notice for adoption. There’s always someone in town looking for a good dog.” She formed a knowing grin. “Of course, with Jewel, there’ll never be a time. She won’t ever think they’re ready to leave.”

Charlie Grace chuckled. “Yeah, well, she’s got a heart too big for her own good. But we’ll figure it out. Somehow.”

Across the room, Fleet suddenly straightened at the bar. “Wait a second,” he said, narrowing his eyes. “Where’s my donut?”

Annie paused mid-pour. “Fleet, you already ate it.”

“No, I didn’t,” Fleet insisted, looking around suspiciously. “I think someone ate it!”

Annie folded her arms. “Fleet.”

“What?”

“You ate it.”

Fleet’s face scrunched in confusion before realization dawned. “Huh.” He scratched his head. “Well. Guess I’ll have another.”

The girls at the corner table burst into laughter, their warm chatter filling the Rustic Pine as the morning stretched on.