Her Rocky Mountain Hope

by Mindy Obenhaus

No, he had definitely kissed her. Though the girls probably thought she’d gotten in trouble for coming down on them.

  Back in the cabin, Carnie, the girl with the scarf, approached her as she entered. “I’m sorry for being a jerk.” One slight shoulder lifted. “I guess you really do understand. I mean, being that you had cancer and got dumped on by that camp.”

  “I do, Carnie. And I hope when you look back on your camp experience here that it’ll be the fun times you remember, not having to leave early because of something out of our control.”

  “Where are they taking us, anyway?”

  “To the school in Ouray. Which reminds me.” She stepped back, cupping her hands around her mouth so everyone could hear her. “Everyone needs to be at the flagpole in thirty minutes.”

  Chapter Twelve

  Daniel did not want to do this. He hated even the thought of disappointing these kids by taking them away from camp. A camp they had been looking forward to, where they were having fun and getting to partake in adventures they might never get to have again.

  But thanks to that wildfire, he didn’t have a choice.

  Standing beside the flagpole, he stared out over the group of teens gathered on the grass around him, their bags at their feet, their eyes on him. Two school buses had already pulled in and rumbled in the distance, waiting to transport them to Ouray. Meaning he’d better go ahead and say what he needed to say so they could be on their way and out of this smoke that seemed to be growing even thicker.

  “All right, gang. I’m really sorry, but there’s nothing we can do about the weather, so let’s consider this another part of the adventure, all right? I mean, just think about it. We’ll have the whole school to ourselves with no teachers. I don’t know about you, but when I was your age, that would have been a dream come true.”

  That garnered a round of cheers.

  “I need all of you to stay with your companions, so we can make sure everyone is accounted for. Okay?”

  “Yes, sir.” The group responded collectively, though not necessarily enthusiastically.

  “Good deal. You can start boarding now. If you need help with your bags, just ask any staff member for assistance.”

  As the kids started for the buses, Blythe came alongside him. “Good job. You always manage to put a positive spin on things.”

  At least he had somebody fooled. Because he certainly wasn’t feeling very positive. “I can’t let these kids down.” Unfortunately, he already had.

  Turning away, he headed for his SUV.

  While companions rode on the buses with the kids, Daniel and most of the staff drove their own vehicles. Alone in his SUV, away from the chaos of the evacuation, the weight of the situation grew heavy.

  “God, I don’t understand.” Daniel hadn’t been able to pull off two weeks of camp. How would he be able to even think about expanding to four or six weeks the next year? His plans, his dream, seemed to be falling apart. “Why, God?”

  He’d been so certain about Camp Sneffels. Everything had lined up perfectly, from the camp itself to the funding, the renovations and building...and for what? A measly eleven days.

  Daniel had failed. And disheartened a lot of kids in the process.

  Trust.

  His mother’s favorite word had been engrained in him since he was old enough to know what it meant.

  Continuing down the highway, he eyed the mountaintops in the distance.

  Trust usually wasn’t an issue for Daniel. Some might call it blind faith. Pressing on with what he knew to be right, without knowing what lay ahead. So, what was his problem now?

  Because he wanted so badly for the camp to be a success and for the kids to be happy.

  Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. The verse from Proverbs played across his heart, the way it had so many times before.

  Daniel let go a frustrated sigh. Today he’d been presented with an opportunity to trust. And, so far, his answer had been a big fat no.

  He slowed at the Ouray City Limit sign. Forgive me, God. I may not understand, but I can choose to trust. So, from this moment on, that’s what I’m going to do. Because if he lost hope, the kids would, too. And he couldn’t allow that to happen.

  He pulled up to the school before the buses and hurried inside for a quick look at the arrangements. They’d likely have cots set up, maybe some tables and chairs.

  Tugging open the gymnasium door, he saw a handful of people inside, scurrying back and forth, doing who knew what. Then he did a double take.

  Brown paper gift bags with green tissue paper sticking out lined a table to the right of the door.

  “Daniel.”

  He turned as two of his sisters-in-law, Carly, Andrew’s wife, and Lily, Noah’s wife, made their way toward him.

  “Ladies,” he acknowledged with a nod. “What are these?” He pointed to the bags.

  “Just a few things we thought the kids might need.” Carly grinned.

  “You know they’re bringing their stuff with them?”

  “Doesn’t matter.” Lily tucked her reddish-blond hair behind her ear. “One can never have enough toothbrushes, toothpaste, socks—”

  “Socks?” Color him confused.

  “To keep their feet warm.” Lily rested a hand on her growing belly. Come October, Daniel was going to be an uncle again. Just in time for Noah and Lily’s first wedding anniversary.

  “There’s also a small bottle of water and some snacks,” added Carly.

  “Speaking of snacks...” Lily motioned for Daniel to follow them to one side of the gym where two tables were overflowing with homemade cookies and brownies, chips, snack mixes and granola bars. “People have been dropping off stuff since we got here three hours ago.”

  He couldn’t help laughing. “You did tell them the kids likely wouldn’t be here for more than twenty-four hours, if that?”

  “Yes,” Carly nodded. “But you know how this town is, Daniel. If they see a need, they’re going to meet it in a big way. We can always hold some of it back for tonight’s campfire, though.”

  “Campfire?” He eyed Carly. “You know we’re under a burn ban.”

  Both women seemed to get a good chuckle out of that.

  “Not a real one, silly.” Lily led him to one end of the bleachers. “We borrowed this old washtub from the ranch.”

  “That was my grandmother’s.” Except he’d never seen it lined with rocks and stacked with wood with yellow and orange tissue paper shoved in between.

  “When you’re ready for the campfire effect,” Lily stooped, her hand reaching for a small box, “you simply turn it on.” Tiny LED lights glowed beneath the tissue paper, creating a glow similar to that of a campfire.

  “Battery operated?” He helped Lily to her feet.

  “That’s right. So, it’s ready whenever you are.”

  He glanced around the typically nondescript space that was now filled with an outpouring of love. “I can’t believe you two were able to do all of this on such short notice. The goody bags, the campfire...” He looked from one blond to the other. “I definitely underestimated your creativity.”

  “Since all of you will be in here together, we thought the campfire might be a nice way for everyone to reflect on their camp experience as you close things out.”

  A lump formed in his throat. While he was busy second-guessing God, his sisters-in-law and the entire community had been working hard on behalf of his campers.

  “Oh, and there’s one more thing we have to tell you.” Lily’s grin moved from him to Carly, who appeared about ready to bounce right out of her shoes.

  “Since parents aren’t picking up the kids until tomorrow, we got in touch with the people who run the hot springs pool. All of the campers, volunteers and staff are welcome tonight, free of charge.”

  Daniel
had to look away then as tears pricked at his eyes. Not only was he overwhelmed with the outpouring of support, he felt so unworthy. God, forgive me for doubting.

  Collecting himself, he faced Carly and Lily once again. “The kids are going to love that. Thank you. You two have taken what could have been an uber downer, boring experience for the kids and turned it into something I never could have imagined. Thank you.” He held his arms wide then, motioning both of them to bring it in for a group hug.

  “And just for the record, my brothers have really good taste in women.”

  * * *

  By three o’clock the following day, all of the campers had been picked up, the gymnasium had been returned to its original state and volunteers and staff were on their way back to Camp Sneffels. Yet while most of the companions rode the bus, Blythe hadn’t been able to say no when Daniel asked her if she wanted to ride with him. With all of the frenzy of the past twenty-four hours, they hadn’t had much opportunity to talk.

  “I hate to admit this—” she eyed him across the center console of his SUV “—because you’ll probably chastise me for my lack of faith, but I was afraid the evacuation and being at the school was going to be a huge letdown for everyone. Especially the kids. But what those people pulled off—your sisters-in-law, the town—was truly amazing. Those kids were so stoked over the hot springs, I don’t think they even missed the camp.”

  Both hands on the steering wheel, Daniel stared straight ahead as the corners of his mouth tipped upward. “I think you’re right. Except for the part about me chastising you. That would make me rather hypocritical.”

  “Hypocritical?”

  His blue eyes briefly darted her way before returning to the road. “My faith faltered, too. That is, until I remembered that I’m not in control. I was really humbled and convicted when I walked into that gym. My selfish desires would have robbed all those folks of a huge blessing.”

  Blythe simply stared at him, realizing that fighting these feelings growing inside of her was becoming more difficult by the day. Daniel was everything she’d ever wanted in a man and more. Not only did he have great faith, he was sincere, caring, noble... Oh, and incredibly handsome. The kind of man she’d once dreamed of marrying and spending the rest of her life with. A dream that had died long ago, never to be revived. Until now.

  Except you live in Denver and Daniel lives in Ouray.

  She should have known he was too good to be true.

  Clearing her throat, she said, “God sure knows how to do things in a big way.”

  Daniel chuckled as he turned at the light in Ridgway. “He certainly does.”

  “So, what do we do now?” she asked. “I mean, when we get back to camp.”

  “Well, the original plan would have allowed volunteers to head home Saturday night or Sunday. Some have to be back to work on Monday.” He shrugged. “So, I guess I’ll let them leave whenever they like. The staff and I will be meeting tomorrow to go over things to see what worked, what didn’t and any changes we’d like to see.”

  “Could I be a part of that?” She was discovering that she really liked being involved in the planning and operation of the camp.

  Smiling, he said, “I’d actually like that very much, especially since you’re apt to have some insight into both campers and companions.” His grip on the steering wheel relaxed. “I think everyone might prefer to just chill tonight, though.”

  Having talked with many of her fellow companions, she knew most of them planned to hang around tonight, too, and head out in the morning when they were fresh. That had her recalling the fun of their team-building exercises and how they’d all gotten to know one another since then. “I have a thought.”

  His grin tangled her insides.

  “What if you had a going away party tonight? They are volunteers, after all. It would be a nice way to let them know how much you appreciate them. Besides, it would be kind of a last hurrah for us adults. A chance to say our goodbyes.”

  “You’re just full of good ideas today, aren’t you?”

  Heat crept into her cheeks. It surprised her how much she’d enjoyed planning all these parties and events. Made her wonder if she’d missed her calling. “I try.”

  “How would you suggest I execute something like that?”

  She lifted a shoulder. “We had parties in the chow hall for the kids. Why not for the adults?”

  He eased off the highway onto the dirt road that wound its way up to the camp. “Do you think Juanita would mind? I mean, I know she’s making dinner for tonight, and it’s kind of short notice to throw in a party.”

  Juanita had brought the enchiladas she’d prepared early yesterday to the school for last night’s dinner, then whipped up some tasty breakfast tacos in the school’s kitchen this morning.

  “Not necessarily. We never touched any of the party snacks she’d planned for yesterday afternoon because we had to leave. So, we know she’s got nacho stuff and popcorn.”

  “And probably a whole lot more, if I know her.” He nodded. “I like that.”

  “Of course you do. We all do. Because when it comes to junk food, we’re all just big kids.”

  “You got that right.”

  “Why don’t we go talk to her first and let her know what the plans are?” Blythe pulled out her phone. “In the meantime, I’ll text Teri and tell her to let everyone know we’re planning a going away party for tonight.”

  “Sounds good.” He wound around the final bend that approached the camp office. “Hey, maybe we could come up with some kind of award for everyone. You know, silly awards, like the Peacock Award for the biggest show-off.”

  “Levi. Especially when Teri’s around.”

  “Or the Fourth and Long Award for the person most likely to come through in a clutch.”

  “Teri.”

  “Or you.”

  “Me?” Brow lifted, she faced him. “Hardly.”

  He brought his SUV to a stop in front of the office and killed the engine. “Do you know how many times you’ve come through for me since you got here? You’re one of those people I know I can count on. Just look at what we’re doing right now. Collaborating on this impromptu party.” His blue eyes bored into her, doing a real number on her heart rate.

  “It wouldn’t be polite for me to suggest it and then not be willing to help.”

  He smoothed the back of his hand over her cheek. “I really like that you suggested it.”

  Fortunately, he opened his door and stepped out of the vehicle then. Giving her a moment to rein in the crazy thoughts his touch ignited.

  When she emerged a few moments later, she noticed a haze still hung in the air, though the smoke smell wasn’t as noticeable as yesterday.

  “Look at this.” Daniel pointed to the golf cart beside the office.

  Rounding his SUV, she saw a layer of ash now coated the once shiny green paint.

  Eyes wide, she looked up at him. “I’m glad we got the kids out of here when we did.”

  “Me, too.” He scanned the rest of area before sending her a killer smile. “I’m going to run over to the chow hall and talk to Juanita. You’re welcome to join me.”

  “Sure.” She fell in step beside him, fully aware that spending time with Daniel was like playing with fire and she knew her heart would likely be burned. However, until a few weeks ago, she’d walked her whole life on the safe side of the street. Now that she’d crossed over to where all the fun was, not to mention one really cute camp director, she wasn’t sure how she’d feel about going back.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Blythe couldn’t believe they’d done it again. Pulled off another wildly successful party with little time to prepare.

  Last night’s event had gone on until nearly midnight. Seemed their impromptu farewell party was just what everyone needed after camp had come to a premature end. It gave volunteers
an opportunity to talk about their experiences and share how they’d been impacted with those who would understand best. Memories had definitely been made in these past two weeks. Happy memories, touching moments, even a few tearjerkers.

  In the end, everyone agreed that their experience at Camp Sneffels was one they would cherish for the rest of their lives, and many were already prepared to sign up for next year. Including Blythe. Especially after the staff meeting she’d just come from.

  The staff had been huddled in the chow hall since ten o’clock this morning, comparing notes, discussing what worked and what hadn’t, and suggesting things they’d like to add for next year. Like a climbing wall and white-water rafting trips for the older kids.

  Now, as the midafternoon sun inched across the sky, Blythe emerged from the chow hall into the blessedly haze-free air. According to Daniel’s brother Matt, firefighters had gained control of the fire during the wee hours of the morning. They just prayed that the winds wouldn’t kick up again and reignite the blaze.

  With the staff meeting behind her, she was on a mission. Daniel had invited her to his father’s wedding tomorrow night, and she didn’t have anything appropriate to wear. Which meant it was time to go shopping.

  “Once again, you offered up some stellar ideas, Blythe.”

  She’d been so lost in her thoughts, she hadn’t even realized Daniel was beside her. His praise had her bordering on giddy. Throw in the fact that she was going to be his date, and the sixteen-year-old girl inside of her was ready to squeal. Okay, so was the twenty-eight-year-old woman. But that would definitely be inappropriate.

  Moving across the grass in the direction of her cabin, she glimpsed the handsome camp director to her left. “I wasn’t the only one. You’ve assembled a good team, Daniel.”

  “I won’t argue with you there. However, I like that you come at things from a different perspective. Did you know you have a real knack for planning?”

  She couldn’t help laughing. “That’s because I’ve done it all of my adult life. Comes with that desire to play things safe. So, it’s a nice switch to be able to throw out some spontaneous ideas.”