Before Wren could finish unbuckling her seatbelt—the process slowed down by her stiff shoulder—Elias was already out of the truck and opening her door. He held out his hand and helped her down.
As soon as they turned toward the cabin, the front door burst open and a mountain of a man stepped out, his beard thick and wild, his expression gruff and unwelcoming.
“Elias, you son of a—” the man boomed, cutting himself off as he spotted Wren. His stern eyes flicked to her, sizing her up.
Wren froze, her heart skipping a beat. Confrontation was the last thing she wanted.
But then, to her surprise, the man’s face split into a wide grin. “—gun!” he finished, his deep voice rumbling with laughter. “You brought a guest. My Ellie’s gonna be so happy.”
So this is the grumpy Jon Behr.
Laughing, Elias hugged the big man. “Bear, meet Wren Stapleton. Wren, this is Bear. He doesn’t actually bite.”
Jon Behr extended a hand that engulfed Wren’s. “Nice to meet you, Wren.”
Still trying to process the shift from intimidating to friendly, Wren shook his hand. “Nice to meet you too, Mr. Behr.”
“Just Bear like the animal,” he said. “Not Jon, not Mr. Behr.”
Elias chuckled at her confused expression. “It’s his nickname. It suits him, don’t you think?”
Wren nodded, her smile widening as she relaxed. “Definitely.” Then she put two and two together. “Oh, you’re part of Elias’ old friend group, the one with all the animal nicknames.” She grinned at Elias. “Or should I just call you Lion now?”
Bear’s eyes widened and the corner of his mouth curled up. A low grumble started in his chest but by the time it got to his lips it had morphed into a deep belly laugh. He winked at Elias.
Just then, the cabin door opened again. A petite woman with sun-streaked hair and a warm smile appeared.
“Don’t let him scare you, Wren. He’s just a big softie,” she said, coming down the steps to join them. “Elias called and told him that you all were coming and Bear was just putting on an act, like this prankster wanted.” She winked at Elias. “Not that we would have turned you away or anything if we didn’t know who you were,” she said in a mock-stern tone directed at her husband. “We’re very happy to have guests, aren’t we?”
Bear snorted.
“I’m Ellie.” She stuck her hand out for Wren to shake.
Wren felt the last little bit of tension drain from her shoulders as she shook Ellie’s hand. “It’s great to meet you. Your place is amazing.”
“Thanks! We love it here.” Ellie’s eyes sparkled with enthusiasm. “We’ve been dreaming up all sorts of projects, and that’s where you come in. I heard through the grapevine that you were the one flying a drone around this morning.”
Wren almost staggered. “Wow, yeah. Word travels fast.”
Ellie shrugged. “Small town, even though we’re miles and miles away from it.”
Bear wrapped his arm around Ellie. “Distance don’t matter when April’s got gossip.”
“Bear!” Ellie frowned.
But Wren laughed. “Don’t worry, I get it. I’m glad she let you know I was okay.”
“I was on the phone with her right after Bear got a text from Elias. She likes you.” Ellie’s smile widened. “Let’s get you something to drink inside, and then I’ve got some ideas I’d love to bounce off you.”
Wren felt the familiar thrill of creative potential bubbling up. “I’d love that. And I can already picture how I’d photograph your lake.”
As they headed inside, Wren glanced back at Elias, who was grinning from ear to ear. She shook her head, a smile playing on her lips.I should have known.
And that I can trust him.
“So… There’s a house nearby for sale?” Ellie asked once they were all inside. Bear raised an eyebrow at her inquisitive tone that went beyond casual conversation. Wren wondered too.
“Yes. It’s getting re-listed. It was on the market with no bites so the owners switched Realtors to Chase, the guy you met. Don’t tell me you want to sell all this and buy that one instead.”
