Cassie’s heart ached for her. “I’m so sorry, Montana.” Being involved in all of this, facilitating, organizing the launch, knowing she wouldn’t be able to enjoy her passion herself had to be torture.
“It’s just something I’m going to have to learn to live with. And don’t think for a second that I’ll be leaving you high and dry. I’m still with you on this.”
Cassie squeezed her hand again. “Are you sure?”
She looked worried. “That is, if you still want me to be.”
“Absolutely.”
Montana smiled for real for the first time, reaching for Cassie’s laptop. “Perfect... Then, let’s send out that email blast with the good news.” She paused. “Here...you should do it,” she said.
“Go ahead. I trust you,” Cassie said, suddenly not as exhausted as she moved her chair closer to Montana’s and they started compiling the email.
Montana’s smile was wide as she started to type. “Fall 2020—Prepare for the experience of a lifetime...only from SnowTrek Tours.”
* * *
“SORRY, THE BAR’S NOT... Oh, hey,” Tank said as Montana entered. He knew she’d gone to see Erika about a program at the hospital—a research trial Erika was leading that might be able to help her further, and they’d agreed to work out some sort of visitation schedule for Kaia. Despite her scare in the woods, she was staying in Wild River. And he was happy about it.
They were all in this together now. Montana was an integral part of SnowTrek Tours’ growth with the jump site getting approved that morning and she was still part owner of the bar until he could save enough money to offer to buy her out. He’d figure out a way, but for now he was rolling with it. One day, one new challenge at a time.
“Hi. Sorry to just pop in. I would have texted, but I don’t have anyone’s numbers programmed into my new cell phone yet.”
“You’re welcome anytime. What’s up?” She looked much better that day—rested, refreshed, ready to start her new life. Her dark hair was slicked back and, dressed in a pair of jeans and white blazer, she gave off the same air of confidence she always had, but looking closer, he could see the slight apprehension and uncertainty in her demeanor. He hoped in time she’d get her self-assurance back.
“That’s actually why I’m here.” She sat on a bar stool and opened her oversized bag. She took out a manila envelope and his heart raced.
Shit, was she planning to go through the courts to gain access to Kaia? He thought they were on the same page with coparenting in a positive way. He’d loaned her all his parenting books and promised not to micromanage how she developed a relationship with Kaia. Promised to try his best, at least.
But his shoulders relaxed as she laid the legal documents on the bar. The ownership buyout papers he’d drafted years before. She still had a copy, as well?
“Give me a pen. I think it’s about time I signed these,” she said.
Damn, wouldn’t he love that? “Unfortunately, Montana, I can’t afford this deal anymore. Back when I’d drafted these, I had savings...but over the last ten years...” His voice trailed off. He wasn’t ready to detail the list of expenses that owning a bar and raising a daughter on his own had cost.
“Give me a pen,” she insisted.
He took the one from behind his ear and handed it to her. “Look, you can sign, but I can’t. I’m sorry, but the money just isn’t there and my bank loan wasn’t approved.” He’d calculated that with some cutting back, he might be able to buy her out the following year, and he was determined to make it happen.
But as he watched, she amended the buyout clause and turned the papers toward him. The fifty thousand dollar amount had been changed to a dollar. She reached into the tip jar on the bar and took out a dollar bill, folded it and grinned. “There. Done.”
If only he could allow her to do that. “This is an amazing gesture, but I can’t ask you to just sign over the rights to the bar like this without being compensated.”
“You’re not asking and Tank, you’ve been sending me money, profits, for ten years. You’ve more than repaid my initial investment. And I did nothing. I did put that money away...and you’re not getting it back,” she said with a teasing grin, “But you don’t owe me anything else.”
She scrawled her signature at the bottom of the page.
He hesitated, staring at her. “You’re sure about this?” She couldn’t possibly understand what she was giving him right now.
“Yes. Absolutely. You can’t build a future with Cassie when you’re still financially tied to me.”
Okay, so maybe she knew exactly what this meant to him. And she sounded perfectly okay with the idea of him building a life with Cassie, which was a relief because that was the only life he wanted moving forward. Montana was right—he needed to be free of the financial ties with her. He cleared his throat. “And me and Cassie...together...” He didn’t need Montana’s seal of approval on his relationship, but he wanted it.
“Long overdue. Now sign it!” she said, checking her watch. “I’m meeting with the lawyer to file these in twenty minutes.”
He laughed, huge relief flowing through him as he signed. “Thank you. This means a lot.”
“Trust me, it’s nothing compared to what you and Cass were able to give me,” she said, touching his hand quickly on the bar before gathering the papers and standing.
“Um...and about Kaia and the visitation?” Was this an olive branch just to hit him up for more than he was prepared for on that front? Life had taught him things were never this easy.
“Every second weekend she spends with me...and I’m included in all of her important life events... Sound good to you?”
Shit. Had he really hit the lottery that it could all be that easy? Then, thinking of Kaia, he nodded slowly. “With the clause that if Kaia wants more time...we allow it...work with it?” Their needs, their daughter’s needs, would change over the years, but as long as they could work together on this, Kaia would reap the benefits. And it was her they needed to think about.
“I like that,” Montana said. “I’ll see you both tomorrow at the Passing of the Leash ceremony,” she said with a wave as she left the bar.
Tank released a deep sigh as he stared after her.
The Passing of the Leash ceremony and his and Diva’s official certification was the last loose thread on his list now...
And he knew the perfect way to wrap that up.
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
“OH MY GOD, this is so silly, but I can’t stop tearing up,” Cassie whispered to Erika as they sat in the Wild River fire hall the next day. Chairs were set up in front of a wooden stage and dozens of people had gathered for the Passing of the Leash Search and Rescue Dog ceremony.
Diva’s successful rescue had been her passing test. Frank Jennings had said that her actions under the pressure of a real-life situation proved far more than any simulated rescue he could have challenged her with in training.
All over town, Diva was receiving the star treatment she deserved that week.
A row of soon-to-be-retired search and rescue dogs and their human partners, dressed in their S & R gear, lined up along a wooden stage. Dutiful canines sat at attention, looking proud and slightly sad, knowing the significance of the ceremony. On the other side, eager expressions lit up the faces of the younger pups, though they also waited respectfully as the ceremony started.
Erika lowered her sunglasses to reveal teary eyes of her own. “I don’t know how that dog did it, but she certainly weaseled her way into my heart.”
“She has that effect on everyone,” Kaia said, sitting next to Cassie.
Montana nodded. “She certainly does. And I for one am eternally grateful for her. She saved my life.”
Cassie’s pride was at an all-time high as her friends praised her dog.
On the other side of Erika, Reed sniffed and Cassi
e shot him a look.
“What? Allergies,” he said.
“Sure,” she said with a laugh. They were all such saps. She was so happy for Diva and Tank, but a little sad for herself. She’d known this day would come, when she’d have to be selfless and allow the dog to move in with Tank, but she’d been hoping...
She sniffed and wiped a tear from the corner of her eye as the head of ASARD, Mitch McDonald, stepped up to the microphone. “Hello, everyone. We are once again honored to perform this ceremony of passing the leash from one generation of rescuers to another. As these new teams follow in the foot and paw prints of the brave rescuers before them, we wish them safety and confidence...”
He continued on, but Cassie’s attention was on Tank and Diva. They looked so great up there. They made a wonderful team and her heart was full seeing them reach this incredible achievement. Tank had really helped Diva reach her potential and the dog’s loyalty to Tank rivaled Cassie’s own.
Frank Jennings approached the new teams, a certificate in one hand and a new official vest for the dogs in the other.
Tank looked a little nervous being the center of attention, but Diva sat proudly, soaking it all up when it was her turn.
“As Diva comes full circle from rescue to rescuer...” Mitch continued, “we are proud to announce Wild River’s newest canine rescuer and her partner.”
A round of applause echoed through the fire hall and Cassie clapped loudest of all.
Kaia stood on her chair and let out a whistle that had all the dogs turning to look. “Oops, sorry,” she said, climbing down and sitting back on the chair.
Cassie smiled and held her hand.
“Thank you to everyone for being here today as we honor our new ASARD Team—Theodore ‘Tank’ Wheeler and Diva. They have completed their training and excelled with flying colors, and we are proud and excited to have them on the team.” Frank handed Tank the certificate and shook his hand. “Great job, man.”
“Thank you. Couldn’t have done it without you,” Tank said.
Frank handed Tank the new vest and leash for Diva. “You can do the honors,” he said.
Tank bent on one knee and fastened the new vest to the dog. Then he petted her head and hugged her affectionately.
The lump in Cassie’s throat nearly choked her and she heard Kaia’s heavy sigh.
“Yeah, I can totally see why you love him,” Erika whispered.
“Right?” Cassie whispered back.
“And you’re totally fine with Montana staying in Wild River?”
“More than fine,” she said, wiping a tear from the corner of her eye as Tank smiled at her. She was. She was confident in her relationship with Tank. She loved him and he loved her. No one could come between them.
An hour later and barely a dry eye in the room, everyone dispersed.
Cassie hugged Tank and Diva as they joined her in the back of the room. “Congratulations. You did it,” Cassie said, petting Diva’s head. It was hard to believe this sixty-pound hero sitting in front of her was the same little pup with narcolepsy that she’d found on the side of the highway a year before.
So confident and special.
“You did great too,” she said to Tank. He looked amazing and she longed to crawl into his arms and kiss him, but there were still a lot of people around. And this moment was about him and Diva.
“I was nervous as shit up there and man, it was heart-wrenching watching those other dogs retire.”
“Well, you two have a long career together before that happens.” Cassie cleared her throat. “Speaking of which, I have some of her things in the truck outside if you want to grab them.” It was easier to do the hand-off now. If she’d brought Diva back home with her that day, she might never let the dog move in with Tank.
Erika had reminded her that she could adopt a new puppy, one that needed a good home and lots of love, and maybe she would eventually, but no one could replace Diva.
Tank led the way outside and Diva hung back, walking next to Cassie. To reassure her that things would be okay, and maybe also a little sad knowing what was happening. Either way, it did give Cassie comfort.
She was such a great dog. Cassie would miss her, but so many other people would benefit from Diva’s generous spirit and determination of heart.
At the truck, Cassie opened the back and handed Tank the bag of Diva’s belongings. “Her bowl and favorite bed, and a bunch of toys...”
Tank smiled as he took the bag from her and put it in the back of his truck. “Well, it appears she’s all set to come live with me.”
Cassie refused to cry. The dog was just going to be staying at Tank’s house. She’d see her every day. She was practically at Tank’s all the time now. This made sense for everyone. Especially Diva. Cassie couldn’t be selfish.
“Now we just need to get your things all packed up,” Tank said.
She blinked. “What?”
Tank took a step toward her. “Did you honestly believe I was going to steal your dog and not you, as well?”
Cassie stared at him. Was he serious? “You want me to move in with you?” They’d never discussed it before. Things had only just recently moved out of friend territory. Was Tank really ready for that?
“With me, Kaia and Diva.”
“Eventually...” He couldn’t mean right now. Could he?
“Nope. Now.” He took a step toward her and wrapped his arms around her waist. “I’ve given this a lot of thought, Cassie, and I want to start a real life with you.”
“What about Kaia?”
“She’s thrilled about it.”
“Really? But she wanted you and Montana to be together.”
“She understands that isn’t for the best and it’s not what I want. A relationship of convenience is not the message of love and what a union looks like that I want Kaia to experience.” Tank touched her cheek gently, but his words were sure and strong.
“Wow.” When had Tank gotten so intensely deep about this? Clearly, he was better with emotions than he gave himself credit for.
“I want Kaia to have a relationship with her mother and with me, but trying to pretend to be a family isn’t in anyone’s best interests. Not Kaia’s. And definitely not mine.” He wrapped his arms around her and she moved in closer. “For the first time in ten years, I want to consider what I want,” Tank continued. “And I want you. And I honestly believe that you and I together is the best thing for Kaia. We can provide an example of what real love looks like.”
Cassie’s mouth dropped. She barely recognized the man standing in front of her. The changes in Tank and his attitude about them over the last few days had turned everything upside down...in a fantastic way. “And Montana?”
“I think she was about ready to kick my ass if I didn’t ask you.” He kissed her nose. “So? What do you say?”
She could barely speak above the emotions strangling her. This was more than she’d ever expected. Getting Tank to open up and be committed to her was enough... This was everything she’d ever wanted. “I say yes. And it’s about damn time.”
“I love you, Cassie Reynolds,” Tank said.
Too many emotions that day. Many wonderful, amazing, long-overdue emotions. She hugged Tank tighter and kissed him hard. She never wanted to stop. The last few months had been full of twists and turns and life’s uncertainties, but now their future looked better than she ever could have hoped.
“Well?” He pulled back to look at her, tucking her hair behind her ears.
“Well what?” she teased.
“Do you love me?”
“Only for the last five years...and only for the rest of my life,” she said, jumping into his arms as he lifted her off her feet and into the air. Sometimes, life was full of the unexpected...in all the best ways.
* * *
If you’ve fallen in love with Jenni
fer Snow’s
Wild River series, you’ll want to keep reading for
a special preview of her next novel,
A Sweet Alaskan Fall!
A Sweet Alaskan Fall
by Jennifer Snow
PROLOGUE
SHE’D DONE SOMETHING TERRIBLE.
Fear wrapped around her heart the minute Montana Banks opened her eyes and scanned the familiar surroundings of her bedroom. How’d she get here?
She shut her eyes tight, clenching her fists at her sides.
Remember... Come on, remember!
The last memory that flashed in her mind was driving into the parking lot of the grocery store. A familiar song had played on the radio. She’d felt good...happy... She had parked the car in the spot and glanced in the rearview mirror...
“Kaia!” She sat up straight in her bed. “Kaia!” She looked around the room but she was alone.
Footsteps sounded down the hall, then the bedroom door opened and Tank entered. Montana jumped out of bed, a wave of dizziness and nausea hitting her like a freight train. She swayed off balance, the room swimming around her, the floor wavy beneath her feet.
Tank’s arms went around her as her legs gave out from beneath her. “Hey...relax,” he said soothingly, but there was fear and pain and unease in his voice.
It terrified her. Struggling to focus, to rebalance herself, she gripped his arms and stared up at him. “I left her in the car...in the parking lot.” How long? Outside it was now dark. The clock numbers blurred. What day was it? Where was Kaia?
Tank held her close, but his sigh was deep, resolute... “I know. She’s okay. We found her.”
Before it was too late. Before something terrible had happened to her baby girl. Her precious baby girl.
A sob escaped her throat and tears left a deep pool on Tank’s shirt. She’d done the unforgivable. She could have lost Kaia. This wasn’t the first time her injury had caused her to black out...to not remember... She wasn’t getting better since her fall out of the sky; she was getting worse. She couldn’t keep pretending to be okay. Or that she wasn’t a danger to her daughter.
Under an Alaskan Sky Page 30
