“My parents knew what they were doing, so it wasn’t too bad. The worst thing was when our solar panels got covered in snow and the generators became jammed with ice.”
“I’m surprised you didn’t continue the family tradition.”
“If I lived somewhere warm, like California, I might live off the grid. But once I moved to Nashville, I was spoiled. I became too used to soaking in bathtubs full of unlimited hot water.” When they reached the top of the mountain, Willow walked to the edge of the plateau. “This view of the lake is stunning.”
“It’s one of Montana’s best kept secrets.” Zac took off his backpack and sat on the grassy slope. “Do you ever wonder what your life would have been like if you hadn’t grown up in Sapphire Bay?”
Willow sat beside Zac. “Sometimes. If I’d grown up in New York City or Las Vegas, everything about my half-hippie lifestyle would have been different. What’s one thing that could have changed your life?”
“If Dad and Granddad hadn’t been doctors, I don’t know if I would have chosen medicine as a career.”
“Let me guess—you would have become an astronaut.”
Zac laughed. “Close. An astronomer. Granddad’s enthusiasm for the stars and planets rubbed off on me.”
“He sounds like an amazing man.”
Zac’s smile disappeared. “He was. Granddad died eleven years ago.”
“I’m sorry.”
“He had bone cancer. It wasn’t a great way to die, but he had a great life. One of the main reasons I joined Doctors Without Borders was because of him. Even when he was really sick, he never stopped wanting to make a difference in other people’s lives. After he died, I was devastated. Working in refugee camps was my way of paying forward everything he taught me.”
Tears stung Willow’s eyes. “My grandma was like that. Her cupboards were always full of home baking and preserves. Whenever we went to see her, the house smelled like cinnamon and apples.”
“Is that why you enjoy making jams and preserves?”
Willow nodded. “It also makes people happy when they eat them. There’s nothing like enjoying big, juicy peaches in the middle of winter.”
“Talking about food…” Zac opened his backpack and took out two plastic containers. “While I was in Sapphire Bay, I stopped by a café and bought lunch. I hope you like chicken, cranberry, and Brie croissants?”
“They sound delicious.” Willow smiled as Zac pulled out even more food and drink. “I wondered why your backpack was so big.”
“That’s the other thing Granddad taught me.” Zac handed her a wine glass. “Always be prepared, especially if you’re sitting with a beautiful woman overlooking a picture-perfect lake.”
Willow grinned. “I like your granddad even more.”
“And I love you.”
Zac’s kiss was as gentle as the spring breeze blowing across the lake. Willow didn’t know what would happen in the future but, right now, she was the happiest she’d ever been.
Chapter Fifteen
Willow stoodon the shore of Flathead Lake and stared at the activity happening around her. In the middle of the organized chaos stood Pastor John. With his clipboard in one hand and a cell phone in the other, he was supervising the installation of the seating areas.
Ryan walked toward her. “When did you arrive?”
“About ten minutes ago. I can’t believe how much has happened since this morning.” Willow had driven into Sapphire Bay at nine-thirty to see Megan, Nora, and baby Rebecca. The trucks carrying the temporary seating were supposed to be here at the same time. And, like clockwork, they’d rumbled into town with everything the construction crew would need.
“It’s been slightly crazy,” Ryan said. “But John has got everything under control.”
The first concert was on Friday night. That gave John two days to get everything finished. “Do you think it will be ready on time?”
“We’ve organized similar-sized concerts in Bozeman. As long as it doesn’t rain, we should be okay.”
Willow hoped so.
“Don’t look so worried. Everything will be all right.”
