Page 26

Chapter 26

April

I stand under the steaming water until my fingers start to prune. But if I had to choose, I’d rather be in the cabin letting Ford dump a tepid pot over my head than be here.

Only one more day.

It was bittersweet waking up nestled in the warmth of his scent, yet without him.

Today might take forever knowing he’ll be here tomorrow.

Sliding into a pair of jeans, fresh sneakers, and a hoodie that actually fits is a luxury I always took for granted.

Never again.

I’ve officially been to absolute zero. The only direction is up.

The walk isn’t too far to the main house, and gives me a chance to really take in the scope of the Black Gulch.

This place is huge. It makes the college campus look like a children’s park in comparison. Several massive barns look like they’re straight out of a magazine seated against the craggy mountains.

A postcard.

Normal sized houses are tiny when I look at the main lodge.

That’s what it sure seems like.

There was a Swiss Alps style hotel in the mountains of Colorado I remember my mom taking me to when I was younger.

She said it was so I could learn to ski.

I think it was so she could spend some quality time with the instructors without Dad around.

Mom messed up. A ranch is such a better option.

Cowboys are much hotter than the wannabe surfer dudes who ride the powder.

Dang, I forgot to look for gloves.

The frozen wood of the front door is rough against my knuckles as I dance side to side trying to stay warm.

A lean guy who looks my age, and bears an unnerving resemblance to Sophia, opens it wide.

His white teeth flash in an easy smile. “Hi, I’m Sawyer. You must be April?” He extends his palm.

“I am. Thank you for giving Ford a vacation.” I take his hand in a quick shake.

He tips his baseball hat further back on his head, revealing wild dark hair that falls over his forehead, nearly covering his bright blue eyes. “I get it. I’d want a break too if I had a girl waiting for me.” Red tinges his cheeks. “Sorry. I mean, come in. Lori’s in the kitchen.”

Sawyer awkwardly steps backwards, nearly tripping over a pair of cowboy boots in the entryway.

They look suspiciously his size.

He’s adorable. Is he even old enough to date?

“April? Perfect timing.” Lori leans over the counter and gestures to me to join her. “Pull up one of the chairs here so we can gameplan.”

An overwhelmingly delicious smell of sausage, eggs, and fresh biscuits hangs in the air as I get closer.

“Thank you again for inviting me to breakfast.” I didn’t realize how empty Ford’s kitchen would be.

She must have though, because last night she was sure to insist that I come over this morning.

“Sawyer? I think there’s two more small gas cans in the shed by the pole barn.” Mason moves behind Lori carrying their baby boy, then wraps his palm over her lower belly and kisses her under her ear. “I’m going to pass Jack off to Sophia, then help him get the generator loaded.”

Seeing his affection for his wife sends a flash of heat up my neck.

It’s so foreign to me to see people so in love, and so normal about it.

The baby fixes his big green eyes on me warily, then tucks his head against his dad’s shoulder with a toothless grin.

“He’s so adorable. How old is he?” I’m not used to being around babies, but as cute as he is, I can see the appeal.

Would I even want kids?

Easy girl, one step at a time.

“Six months.” Lori smiles, and drops her fingers over Mason’s knuckles. “There’s a pretty good chance he’s going to be an Irish twin.”

Mason chuckles as he walks away, his fist pumping the air. “Back to back champions, baby.”

That makes me giggle. “What does that even mean?”

“The next baby is due before Jack will be a year old.” Pink rushes over her cheeks.

My mouth drops open. “Oh.” Then the reality of the truth behind her statement hits. “You guys didn’t wait long.”

Her shoulders rise and fall in a small shrug. “He’s impossible to resist.” She gives me a wink, then giggles. “Any-who, we are running to the grocery store today to get some staples for Sawyer and Scotty to take out with them. I was going to ask if you wanted to go? We can pick up some stuff for Ford’s place so you guys don’t starve when he gets back.” Her emerald eyes narrow. “That is, if you’re still comfortable? I want you to know you have a safe place here. We have plenty of extra rooms if you need it until we can get you back home.”

Is she offering me an escape…from Ford?

“I appreciate the offer, but I think I’m fine. He’s had more than ample opportunities in the last week if he wanted to turn into a jerk.” I wave my hand idly, struggling not to let my thoughts turn to the conversation I had with him last night.

My rapid heart beat isn’t letting me forget.

“The grocery trip sounds amazing though.” I got to spend most of the day with Sophia, Dixon, and Char yesterday. It will be nice to have the chance to get to know Lori and Mason some more.

Ford speaks so highly of Mason, maybe I’ll learn more about Ford from him.

Lori slips me a sly grin. “Don’t get me wrong, Ford is a sweetheart. I just wasn’t sure if maybe you wanted someplace, well, quiet after everything.” She pushes a plate full of food across the counter to me, then carries her own around to sit at the big oak table that dominates the dining room.

“Sometimes I think he carries more trauma than I do.” I stir up the yolks and dip in a piece of hot bread dripping with butter.

Heaven.

“Did he ever tell you what happened to Sarah?” I want to see if she pities him.

But she shakes her head gently. “Mason just gave me the barest of details. Ford doesn’t talk about it.” Her fingers cover her mouth as she chews, and her eyes get a distant focus. “I can tell you one thing, Ford is the most fiercely loyal man I have ever met. He’d do anything for Mason, and he has. ” Her cheeks pale before she glances at me, then down to her plate. “All I know is, I’ve seen what he does for a man he respects, I can’t even imagine the lengths he’d go to for someone he loves.”

The pallor fades into bright pink. “I mean…um…not that, uh,” she stammers with her brows knotting in her forehead.

My laughter seems to ease her discomfort. “I totally get what you’re saying. I’m glad. I’d rather hear that then he’s a total playboy and has a different girl every week.”

“Oh, I don’t think he’s had anyone since…Well, not like Ford is the ‘kiss and tell’ type. He’s good at keeping secrets though.” Her nose wrinkles. “I think Mason would have told me if Ford had met someone.” She gestures with the last piece of egg hanging off the end of her fork. “You’re the first one I’ve heard about.”

I had a feeling that was the case, but the weight of knowing I’m his first after that big of a gap is wild.

“I guess he just needed someone to crash at his doorstep before he opened his eyes.” I give her a broad smile as I stand and pick up our empty plates.

“Is that what happened?” Her mouth drops, then she follows me with our empty cups.

“Yea, after I, um, escaped, I stole a snow machine and wound up at Ford’s cabin.” I can barely remember the trip now, I was so damn cold.

“That’s incredible. You’re a total badass.” She reaches out and pulls me in for a quick hug. “I think it was fate,” she whispers, then steps away. “Let me go track Mason down, we can pick you up in about an hour?”

“That’s a lot of food.” I can barely squeeze into the backseat of their extended cab truck, even with a bunch of the grocery bags already tied and filling the bed.

Mason laughs, glancing at me in the rearview mirror before turning around and pushing back some of the avalanche that’s trying to cascade over me. “You haven’t seen two teenage boys play video games. I swear they inhale it.”

“Sawyer and Sophia are twenty, dear.” Lori pats his arm then leans in and gives him a light kiss on his cheek.

He turns, his amber eyes widening. “Shit. This last year has flown by.” He touches his lips to her forehead and settles into his seat. “I ain’t complaining though.”

“Wait, Sawyer and Sophia are twins? And Char is having twins, too?” They must really run in this family.

Lori giggles and sets her elbow on the middle console to see me. “Isn’t it crazy? There’s going to be so many babies running around soon.”

“It serves Dixon right. He was at residency when Sawyer and Sophia were babies. Now he gets to enjoy the full scope of it…with a toddler.” Mason laughs, shaking his head.

“Oh no.” Lori’s smile droops. “I’ll still be pregnant for their birthday. But—” She draws out the word. “—she’s going to be out of state this year at a rodeo, so after the baby’s born we can go celebrate.” She flashes a triumphant grin.

I just love how in tune everyone is.

A family to aspire to be like.

“So, speaking of alcohol…” I remember that night in the cabin when I finally got Ford to open up. “Is there a chance we could stop and pick up a bottle of whiskey? I forgot to get one, but promised Ford a toast when he got back.”

Mason chuckles from the driver’s seat. “Sure, we can stop at the Hilltop. Val knows his favorite poison.”

My stomach twinges with a touch of jealousy.

Don’t be silly. If Ford wanted to be with her, he would be.

Right?

Mason pulls the truck in front of a row of big bay windows and puts it in park. “Just tell her who it’s for, she’ll know what to give you.”

“Um, I don’t have an ID.” I kind of figured he’d just run in?

He turns, raising a brow. “Val will want to meet you.” His wink isn’t very reassuring.

Maybe she really is an ex?

Fuck.

Not how I expected this to go.

“Take your time, we’ll wait.” His grin is genuine, yet like a Cheshire Cat, knowing something he isn’t sharing.

God, I hope I don’t regret this.

The wind is biting when I climb out, it reminds me of the storm we had to endure out at Ford’s cabin. As much as I miss it, it still makes me pull my hood up over my ears.

A dented, rusty bell jangles when I push through the worn wooden door.

There’s only a handful of people, and most are sitting together on one side laughing amongst themselves.

It smells like beer and deep fried, with a hint of pool table felt.

Oddly comforting.

Hard wooden stools dot irregularly along the length of the thick rough slab bar.

My fingers play over the smooth surface, waiting on someone to appear behind the counter.

“I’ll be right there!” The throaty woman’s voice yells loudly enough to be heard over the low din of music.

Seconds later, a dark pink shock of hair appears behind the swinging barricade, then pushes through to reveal bright green eyes and full red lips.

She sets her tray down, and smiles. “What can I get you?”

“I’m, um, I’m here to pick up whatever Ford drinks?” I wonder if I said it right, because she freezes, staring at me.

“You?” Her mouth rounds into a circle.

Shit, I really messed up.

But then her cheeks split into a broad grin and tears begin to rush out as she rushes around the end of the bar to crush me in a hug.

“Oh my god, I’ve been waiting for this for so long!” She squeezes tighter, forcing my face against the tattoos of her bare shoulder.

This is not what I expected.

“Um, hi?” I can barely breathe.

She backs up, holding my upper arms. “I’m sorry, I wasn’t expecting you here today. Scotty told me why they were going out to relieve Ford, and I couldn’t believe it! But it’s true!” With a teary smile, she takes a long inhale. “I’m Valerie, but you can call me Val. All my friends do.”

“I’m April.” I am so confused.

As if she can read my mind, she leads me to a stool and pulls out one next to it then sits. “You don’t know how long I’ve waited for this.”

“Um, it’s not like he and I are getting married?” I try to laugh, although I still have no idea why she’s reacting like this.

She waves her hand. “Girl, I know. Ford is like a cruise ship trying to turn. Look, did he tell you about, you know, his past?” Her green eyes bore into mine as she studies me.

Under the intensity of her gaze, all I can do is nod.

But the way she bites her lip, I’m really starting to wonder if they had a relationship.

“I don’t know everything, though. Were you two a, um…” I don’t want to know.

The wrist flips again. “Fuck no. Okay, he didn’t tell you everything. My husband, well, ex-husband, was Chris. I’m the one who told Sarah to leave with him, that she could trust him.”

Wait.

I remember that name.

Ford’s friend.

The one Ford said he got revenge on.

Ice water runs through my veins.

Is she going to hurt me?

“Your face is like watching a movie,” she laughs, then she turns serious. “I had no idea what a piece of shit I had married. I’m glad he’s gone. But I’ve always felt guilty that I’m the one who ruined Ford’s life. He put her trust in my hands.” She flattens her palms up for emphasis.

Holy shit.

“I had no idea.” I don’t even know how to respond.

“You are a sign that he’s healing, and that makes me very, very happy.” She jumps up, shifting behind the bar. “So the bottle is on the house. Let me go grab a new one.”

“Thank you.” This is so insane.

It’s like everyone wants us together.

Well, my father hasn’t met Ford yet.

“Here you go. Be sure to bring that asshole by while he’s back.” Val grins at me from behind the amber liquor.

“I will. It was very nice to meet you.” I tug my hood back up and aim for the exit.

I see why Mason suggested I come in. It was very worth it to see that smile on her face. And I can see now why there’d never be anything between them.

Too many negative emotions would cloud that pair up.

But it does make me feel a little better knowing that she’s safe.

My fingers are just touching the worn door when I see two figures on the other side that rip my breath from my body.

No!

I’ll never forget Davy’s face.

Or his brother’s a few feet behind.

And they’re both heading this way.

Fuck.

Turning quickly, I dart towards the musty hall leading to the bathroom and dive in.

My hands shake as I dig out the phone.

“Hey, you’re early.” Ford’s calm voice is laced with the wind.

“It’s them, they’re here.” Terror raises my tone louder than I want.

“April, where are you?” he growls.

“I’m at the Hilltop Bar. I stopped to get you some whiskey.” I stare down at the square glass, not really sure if it’s worth it now.

“Where’s Val? She can help. She has a pistol.” He keeps his words measured, but I can hear the tint of frustration.

“They’re inside, between us. I’m scared, Ford. What if they see me? What if they take me?” My heart races as the flood of jagged memories fastens me to the ground.

The pain and fear clench me in their icy grip, making me cling to the sink to stay standing.

I can’t catch my breath, no matter how fast I pant.

I have to get out of here.