by Elle Linder
For Izzy and himself, he needed to move on with his life. After all, he had full custody, and Renee wasn’t showing any improvement in her recovery.
He had to think of Izzy. He had to get on with his life.
five
A Drink and a Song
Lauren boarded the plane, relieved to be on her way out of California. Ten phone calls, sixteen texts, and a dozen pink roses had barely been tolerable, but adding two unexpected visits to the inn during the same week had made it a suicidal death wish. Trent had turned into a creepy stalker dude one day after their one and only hookup.
Granted, most women would find him charming, even extravagant and sexy, but not Lauren. Her love could not be bought. Cliché gifts paired with excessive texting was the fastest way to lose her interest. There wasn’t enough patience in the world for her to consider anything other than calling 911 if he dared show up at the inn again.
And then there was the matter of Teri. Lauren had dodged her questions as best she could, but one more day of her intense prodding and she would have been forced into confessing all the sordid details. That was something Lauren didn’t want to do, at least not before telling Julia. Her loyalties were to Julia, and telling Teri first would be like betraying Julia a second time.
Lucky for her, she would have four days of frolicking in the mountains with Julia, her Greek god, and his two munchkins. If Trent didn’t get the message loud and clear in her only response to his madness, they would have a serious talk, which would include vulgar language and maybe a butcher knife. If only Luke’s cabin were near the inn so she would have a place to bury Trent’s body.
A wicked, semi-homicidal giggle rolled out of her as the flight attendant approached. She stopped with a look of concern. “Can I get you something to drink?”
She contemplated a vodka cranberry. “Water, please.”
“Okay.”
Julia would be proud that she hadn’t gone for booze. After her own fiasco with drunk texting Trent, she had said, “Alcohol is of the devil.” Lauren had swallowed her mocking response during Julia’s mournful confession; she could be just as melodramatic as Lauren sometimes.
Lauren was struck then with an epiphany: if alcohol was of the devil, then it wasn’t her fault she had drunk fucked Trent. She was merely a victim, right? She snorted to herself. Julia and her crazy talk.
The flight attendant placed a plastic cup of water on her tray along with a bag of pretzels. What extravagance, not even two mini-bags. The inner rumblings of her cranky, obnoxious self rapped on the walls of her psyche, begging to be released. She needed to get a grip before the plane landed or Julia would smell her brazen stench the moment the cabin door opened for the passengers to deplane.
“Excuse me.” She waved her hand in the air. The flight attendant returned with an expectant look. “I’ll have a screwdriver.”
Lauren finished off her second drink before the plane landed. Now she felt relaxed and ready to begin her vacation. Did four days in the wilderness count as a vacation? Even if it didn’t, she would be with her best girlfriend and would not speak of Trent. That talk—that confession, really—would have to wait for another time.
After getting her rental car and a strong cup of black coffee, she hit the road east into Idaho. The second leg of her trip would be in the car with the mountains around her. If she could ever afford a second home, it would be here. The topography of lakes, mountains, valleys, rivers, and pines was breathtaking. She would relish four distinct seasons too. And who wouldn’t mind their own hunky Greek god to keep them warm during winter?
As much as she liked Luke, he wasn’t her type at all. Before he’d swept her off her feet, Julia would have said the same thing. A bearded man dressed in flannel wouldn’t have gotten a second look. There had to be something in the water in Faithful Falls. Or maybe love had knocked Julia over the head, changing her forever. That kind of thing only happened in books or movies, and for people like Julia. Not Lauren.
Not that she wanted to fall passionately in love.
Who had time for that?
Phone calls, texts, remembering birthdays and anniversaries, knowing all the personal, intimate secrets about each other…it all sounded like a lot of work. And then there was the minor fact that your life would not be your own with someone else in the picture. Wouldn’t it eventually breed resentment, like in her parents’ marriage?
Now older and wiser, Lauren understood why her parents’ marriage had failed. They were only eighteen when her mother had gotten pregnant with her. They’d thought it would be fun to play house. And for ten years it had been a rollicking good time for them. But for Lauren, it had been lonely being the only kid among her friends whose parents were a couple of imbeciles trying to maneuver parenthood while learning to be adults. None of her friends’ parents had trusted Paige and Wes Daniels, and it had made for a solitary childhood.
Lauren turned the radio on to distract her from wandering into the tunnel of resentment. Naturally, country music filled the inside of the sedan. For the next few days, she would embrace country living as Julia had and leave her California-girl tiara behind. Donning a pair of faded jeans and an apricot halter with her hair pulled up in a casual ponytail, she was ready to get her nails dirty.
Being someone else, every now and then, was just what the soul needed.
“What in the hell kind of song is this? Siri, what song has when I die, I don’t want to go sober?”
“It’s ‘Sober’ by Little Big Town,” the virtual voice answered.
“Huh, nifty. A song about love being like a drug. My kind of song.” She laughed for a while as she replayed the lyrics in her head. “If love were like drinking from a never-ending bottle, I might be down for that! Drunk on love, instead of plain ol’ drunk—bartender sign me up!” She giggled some more.
The next couple of hours driving to the resort flew by quickly as Lauren jammed to country music. Several struck a chord with her emotionally. Why were country songs so sad and so dang real? The craziest part about listening to the down-home music was that she found herself dreaming about a simpler life. One filled with horses, chickens, a dog, and children.
Children? She had never wanted kids, but something down deep inside her wanted to feel life flourish in her belly and a small voice calling her mama.
Holy hell, I’ve gone and lost my mind!
Maybe she had and maybe she hadn’t. Either way, it didn’t matter without a man in her life.
Lauren pulled into a parking spot right next to Julia’s Lexus. Beside it was Luke’s Chevy. She wondered if once they were married, they would trade in the Lexus for a minivan. Lauren roared with laughter. Not in this lifetime. With most things, Lauren was the snobbier of the two, but when it came to cars, Julia swore she would never own a minivan. Maybe she would trade her luxury sedan in for an Escalade. No, more like a Range Rover. That would suit Julia’s style, but not Luke’s. Lauren giggled. She would love to be present for that conversation.
She tightened her ponytail, adjusted her halter, and swiped a little gloss on her lips. She grabbed her handbag and put her wide-brimmed sunglasses on upon exiting the car. She screamed tourist, and she knew it. So much for leaving the California-girl behind. She shrugged. If nothing else, she could act like a local even if she didn’t look like one…yet.
“Ms. Daniels, is that you?” a male voice called from behind. Lauren stopped, slowly looking over her shoulder. “It is you!”
“Calvin?” Lauren squinted at the young and handsome guy as he approached.
He looked different from the last time she’d seen him, more masculine with a little scruff on his nicely chiseled chin. His polo shirt was pulled tight around his biceps, and his chest appeared broader. The finishing touch was a nice tan. Wowzers. The last several months had done him some good.
“Did you just arrive?”
“I did. It’s good to see you. Are you headed inside?”
“Yes, ma’am. Need help with your luggage?” he ask
ed politely.
“You’re joking, right?” She smiled her best flirty grin, extending her hand out in front of her and dangling the keys.
Calvin took them, jingled them back, and strutted over to the car. “Go on in. I won’t be long.”
“Thank you, Calvin.” She studied him a bit, then brushed the thought away. He was too young for her taste, but damn had he changed and for the better.
Lauren continued to the doors. She inhaled before crossing the threshold. Once inside she removed her sunglasses.
Julia squeaked from behind the reservations desk upon seeing her. “Lauren!”
Let’s do this.
six
Progress
Rick lifted Izzy out of her car seat. His heart raced as he stared up at the lodge, but it quickly slowed when an unexpected peace blew over him. Something felt different this time than the last time he and Izzy visited. That visit had started off rough, but thanks to Julia, it had ended smooth as silk. It could have been a miserable weekend. And now, after meeting with the realtor and touring the brick building, his heart was set on putting in an offer and moving to Faithful Falls.
He only hoped Luke wouldn’t have any complaints about it or flat-out squash his plans.
“Ready to see your brother and sister?” Izzy wiggled in his arms to get down, nodding like a bobblehead toy. “Nope, no down in the parking lot. When we get inside, I’ll put you down.”
“K.” Izzy stopped struggling. Her little hands opened and closed as they neared the doors. Rick pushed the door open, chuckling to himself as Izzy’s legs twitched with each gasp she took.
“Dang, you’re excited, aren’t you?” he teased.
“Ulia! Ulia!” Izzy yelled.
Julia appeared in the doorway of her office, looking even more radiant than the last time Rick had seen her. She truly lit up a room with her warm, caring aura and bright eyes that were like a virtual hug from afar. He envied Luke more than ever, the lucky son of a bitch.
“Well, hello there.” She sang her words as she darted around the reservations counter. He put Izzy down. She bolted to Julia and was swept up into her arms. “Hi, sweet girl. Oh my, have you grown!”
Rick stood, mesmerized and choked with emotions, watching Julia peck kisses over both of Izzy’s cheeks. Rarely did Renee gush over any of her kids the way Julia did over kids that weren’t even her own. She was remarkable.
“Hey, buddy.” A hand gripped his shoulder. Luke.
“Hey,” he returned, surprised by Luke’s calm demeanor. “We just arrived.”
“I see that.” He jerked his chin toward Julia and Izzy. “Looks like they’re catching up.”
“Old friends reuniting.” He laughed awkwardly. “Um, I mean—”
“I know what you meant.” Luke patted him on the back, directing him to the counter. “Erika has you ready to go.”
“Yup. I was ready for you two hours ago. Did you run into some traffic?” Erika quipped, handing him the key.
“No, no traffic.” Erika laughed, and then he realized she was joking. There wasn’t traffic in these parts. “I was taking my time enjoying the scenery. Every time I come out here, it’s more beautiful than the last. I might consider moving here.” He looked sidelong at Luke, who didn’t appear fazed by his comment.
“Would you really consider moving out here?” Julia asked. Now Luke took some interest in his answer.
“Well, sure. It seems like a good place to raise a family, and Izzy’s brother and sister are here. The locals are friendly, and the area seems safe.”
“Heather and Brice are returning to Alaska once Renee gets better,” Luke informed him in a firm tone. “You might want to consider that before making the move.”
“I, for one, would love having you both here,” Julia interjected. “But Luke’s right; the kids will be returning to Alaska, and don’t you want Izzy growing up with them…and Renee?” Sweet and logical all at once, Julia’s directness scored major points with Rick. While most women danced around a topic, Julia didn’t hesitate to reveal the elephant in the room.
“Julia’s right. Izzy should be with Renee. But for what it’s worth…I wouldn’t mind you living in Faithful Falls.” Luke put his hand on Rick’s shoulder again. Stunned, Rick didn’t know what to say. Luke would never utter such a thing unless he meant it. “Let me show you to your room. I’m sure you want Izzy to nap before dinner.”
“Dinner?”
“Yeah, at The Peak. Julia suggested it.”
“I did, plus it will be a great place for you to meet Lauren. My dearest friend and business partner.”
Rick raised his brows. Lauren. He remembered Luke’s warning. “Sounds great.” He reached for Izzy. “Come on, Little Miss, naptime.”
Izzy brushed his hands away. “No.”
“Oh, but you need a nap before we go out to dinner. And dancing. Do you want to go dancing tonight? It’ll be so much fun,” Julia enticed. Izzy eagerly nodded. “Well, you gotta take your nap first.”
“K.” Izzy went to Rick willingly.
“I don’t know how you do it,” he confessed with a smile.
“She’s made for motherhood.” Luke leaned in and kissed her on the cheek. “Right, baby?”
“Um…I just know how to handle people,” she replied, rolling her eyes.
Luke had told Rick during his last visit that Julia had taken kids off the table, for a few years at least. At the time, Rick had thought it was a good idea, but not so much anymore. Julia would be a wonderful mother; he was sure of it.
“That you do.” Luke winked as Julia walked back into her office, waving to Izzy. “She really is made for motherhood,” Luke quietly repeated, nudging Rick’s elbow.
“Yeah? Already planning to put your spawn in her?”
“Yes. I would love to have ‘my spawn’ growing in her belly.” Luke laughed. “But we’re in no hurry. Or more like she’s in no hurry.”
“Can’t say that I blame her. She’s not even thirty. But you…forty’s right around the corner. Are you sure you’re up for another kid?”
Luke gave him a cross look. “I’m not old.”
“I was only making a point that forty is fast approaching. You might want to get on that baby-making train before it leaves the station.”
“We’re perfecting our technique before buying a one-way ticket.” Luke flashed him a broad grin, the kind that said he wasn’t hurting in the bedroom department.
“Right, perfecting your technique. Good for you.”
They both laughed heartily, like old times.
Isabel Torres often said, “When she sleeps, you sleep.” And this time, Rick took his mom’s advice.
There was no telling how Izzy would do sleeping later tonight, so he napped right along with her after they checked into their room. Her soft little hand patting his cheek woke him, and he popped open an eye to find her gazing up at him with her blankie tucked under her chin.
“Hi,” she whispered.
“Hi. Did you sleep good?”
She nodded. “See Ulia now.”
“Of course Julia is the first thing on your mind.” He shook his head. She cracked him up. “You really like Julia, don’t you?”
“Yes. I like Ulia.”
“Well then, let’s get you changed and ready to go.” Izzy jumped up from the bed and ran for the door. “Uh-uh, you have to wait for me.”
“K.” She stood by the door to wait.
“Let’s put a pretty dress on you and brush your hair.”
“Oh, my hair?” Izzy ran her fingers through her brown curls.
“Yup, it’s a mess.”
“Oh, a mess.” She looked at him, concerned, then down at her clothes. “A dress?”
“Yup, a pretty dress for dinner.”
“Oh, pretty dress for dinner. Orange dress.”
Rick dug into the suitcase and pulled out a dress and sandals. “A pretty orange dress and sandals, yes?”
“Oh, yes!” She clapped her hands.
And he was the proudest, most doting father around.
Rick collected a few items into a bag that didn’t resemble a diaper bag but looked more like a messenger bag. The distressed-leather satchel had brass hardware and went over his shoulder as if he were headed for the office. Despite how much he enjoyed being a father, Rick didn’t want to be a frumpy father with a potbelly, stained shirt, and unkempt hair.
Ultimately, he was still on the prowl. In a less carnal way than before, sure, but on the prowl just the same for a good woman—a sexy good woman. Looking like an overwhelmed dad would kill any chances of finding such a woman and likely send her running for the hills. He hadn’t lost all his wits or Don Juan charm when he’d gotten full custody of Izzy. The only thing that had changed was his perspective on life and what was most important to him: Izzy.
If he moved to Idaho, what were the chances of him meeting a woman to share his life with? Especially since she would have to love his daughter too. Was it too tall an order?
Still, he couldn’t help but feel like his luck was changing. After everything with Luke over the last several years, they had made progress the last few months. He hoped it carried over into the rest of his life.
For now, he would enjoy this time with his daughter and healing his relationship with Luke.
“All ready?”
“Ready.” Izzy skipped over to the door, reaching up for the handle.
“Hold my hand, please.”
“K.”
seven
Introductions
Music blared inside The Peak, as Lauren had expected, but for a Thursday evening, the number of people was low compared to what was normal at her favorite club.
