Page 11 of Longing for the Ranger (Shadow Mountain Forest Rangers #2)

Izzy

The pile of lumber in the backyard is gradually growing smaller.

The playset for the boys is almost finished.

I watch out the kitchen window as I do the dishes.

Shawn and Rylan let the boys help them assemble the structure, which had started out as a simple swing set and has grown a life of its own.

The monstrosity now has monkey bars, a slide, and not one but two above ground forts.

Shawn won’t tell me how much it’s costing, insisting they are saving so much doing it themselves.

I should put a stop to it seeing how the boys will probably lose interest in it in a year or so, but seeing them all working on it together has my heart melting.

He’ll never replace David and doesn’t even try, but he is an amazing bonus dad.

He often gathers the boys and then asks to see pictures and hear stories about the man who left us far too soon, getting to know him the only way he can.

The boys love hearing the stories and getting to remember their father.

I can’t believe a few short months ago I was trying to do it all and barely keeping my head above water. I thought for sure that first camping trip was going to be the end of me, but then a rugged, handsome ranger changed everything for me again, only this time for the better.

When I glance up, Rylan and the boys are headed around the house. Shawn comes inside through the sliding glass door.

“Hey beautiful. We realized we forgot about a climbing wall, so we’re headed to the hardware store to get more supplies.”

My head shakes as I laugh. “Of course you did.”

His hands hit my hips as he pulls me to him before throughly kissing me. “Want to come with us? We’re stopping by Darcie’s for a midmorning pick me up.”

“Hmm,” I tap my chin, pretending to think about it like I might actually turn that down. “I suppose a coffee would hit the spot.”

“Tease,” he swats my behind before pulling me with him out the front door.

The boys talk excitedly about their climbing wall and what treat they are going to pick at Darcie’s Drip, the local coffee shop. I smirk, knowing they’ll talk Shawn into more than they should have.

Shawn parks and we climb out. The boys are arguing about which muffin to get when the door of the shop swings open.

A woman with short blond hair who looks way too dressed up for Coyote Creek stops in the doorway, her hazel eyes widening when she sees us.

Rylan blinks several times, as if he’s not sure what he’s seeing.

“Hi Rylan,” she says softly, finally stepping through to the sidewalk.

“Harper. Didn’t know you were visiting.” He responds after clearing his throat.

She chews her bottom lip. “Actually, I’m back for good. I’m a partner at a law office here now. Just heading back to work. I’m sure I’ll see you around.”

She nods to us before striding down the sidewalk, Rylan’s eyes glued forlornly to her ass until she turns the corner. As soon as she’s out of sight, he shoves the door of the coffee shop open and disappears inside without a word.

I bring my gaze to Shawn, who just shakes his head before ushering the boys in after him.

Find out how Shawn proposes with the boys in this bonus scene here .

Read Dominic and Chelsey's story in Sparking for the Firefighter and Boone and Laura's story in Pining for the Ranger here . You will also find Rylan and Harper's story there soon in Wild for the Ranger.