“Tommy Westin,” Holly supplied. “Terrible kid. Used to steal lunches and push smaller kids into mud puddles.”
“Ivy decided he just needed a friend,” Reed explained to Henry. “Spent months being nice to him until he finally stopped being such a terror.”
“He wasn’t terrible,” Ivy protested. “His parents were going through a divorce, and he was acting out.”
“See what I mean?” Holly said to Henry. “Always looking for the good in people, even when they’re being absolute monsters.”
Henry’s expression shifted subtly as he processed this information, his eyes studying Ivy with new understanding.
“She was always the peacemaker too,” Ash added, joining their circle with Eli perched on his hip. “When the rest of us would be ready to tear each other apart, Ivy would somehow find the perfect compromise.”
“You make me sound like a pushover,” Ivy said, feeling her cheeks warm under Henry’s steady gaze.
“Not a pushover,” Ash corrected. “Just someone who genuinely believes people are worth the effort. Even the grumpy ones.” He winked at Henry, who actually cracked a small smile in response.
“Food’s ready!” Corey called, breaking the moment.
They gathered around the outdoor dining area, a long table. The spread was impressive—grilled steaks and hamburgers, ears of corn still in their husks, colorful bowls of potato salad and coleslaw, a platter of roasted vegetables, and a basket overflowing with cornbread.
Henry followed Ivy’s lead, filling his plate and finding a seat beside her. The family fell into familiar patterns, passing dishes, telling stories, laughing easily. Ivy participated naturally whilekeeping a watchful eye on Henry. He ate quietly, listening more than speaking, but the set of his jaw relaxed incrementally as attention shifted away from him.
“Henry,” Ash said during a lull in conversation, “Ivy mentioned you found evidence of sabotage at the nature center site.”
Henry nodded, setting down his fork. “Someone’s trying to disrupt animal movement patterns.”
“Sounds familiar,” Ash replied grimly. “Eliana’s orchard had similar issues a few years back. Fires deliberately set along property lines during the driest part of summer.”
“We caught one of the arsonists,” Eliana added, “but he claimed to be working for someone else. Police never found a connection.”
“The Fate Mountain Brewery had water contamination problems too,” Reed said. “It was definitely deliberate.”
Henry leaned forward, his ranger instincts engaged. “These aren’t random acts. There’s a pattern—targeting sustainable businesses, conservation efforts, family operations with deep ties to the mountain.”
“But why?” Holly asked. “Who benefits from attacking local businesses?”
“Follow the money,” Rolo suggested, his former police chief experience evident. “Someone wants Fate Mountain’s resources. If local businesses struggle, property values drop.”
“Corporate development,” Henry said suddenly. “Force out small operators, buy the land cheap, then develop it for maximum profit.”
Ivy watched the conversation flow, Henry becoming more animated as they discussed theories. His expertise commanded respect, his observations insightful. Her family accepted his input without question, incorporating him into their problem-solving as if he’d always been part of the group.
Later, as the afternoon progressed, Ivy tugged Henry away from the group. “Let’s take a walk,” she suggested, leading him down a path toward the lake.
The dock extended into the clear waters of Fate Lake, offering a perfect view of the mountains reflected on the surface. Behind them, Reed’s guitar music drifted on the breeze, accompanied by Zoe’s raucous laughter at what was undoubtedly one of her infamous dirty jokes told to Rolo.
“Your family is...” Henry began, then paused, seeming to search for the right word.
“Overwhelming?” Ivy supplied. “Loud? Intrusive?”
“Different than I expected,” he finished. “They’re very...” he gestured vaguely, “connected.”
Ivy smiled, understanding what he meant. “We’re close. Always have been. Dad made sure of that after Mom died.”
They stood side by side, watching sunlight dance across the lake’s surface. “I know they can be a lot to take in at once,” Ivy said. “But they mean well.”
“I can see that,” Henry replied, surprising her. “Thank you for bringing me. For wanting me to know them.”
The simple gratitude in his voice touched something deep in her heart. Ivy reached up, her hand gently cupping his cheek. Heleaned into her touch, then surprised her by dipping his head to capture her lips in a kiss.
