She blinks, surprised, then her expression shifts to gratitude. “Thanks. That kiss was exactly what I needed.”
I turn to leave, feeling lighter.
The next morning, I brew a pot of coffee and prepare two travel mugs. Steeling myself against the cold, I head to Eliza's cabin.
When I get there, she's already outside, pacing anxiously on her porch. The moment she spots me, her face lights up, and my heart skips a beat.
“Matt,” she says, surprise clear in her voice. “What are you doing here?”
I hold out one of the travel mugs. “Thought you could use some coffee.”
She takes the mug, her fingers brushing mine, and that simple touch sends a jolt straight through me. We stand there in the crisp morning air, the steam from our coffees curling and mingling between us. There’s anxiety in her eyes, but beneath it lies a spark—something that sets my pulse racing and makes the moment feel electric.
I lean in. Our lips meet in a tender kiss. It's brief, but it carries a promise—one that says there's more to come. Not now, not while today's test is heavy on her mind. But later. After.
When we part, I tell her, “You've got this, you know,” I whisper. “You're smart, you're prepared, and you're going to do great.”
Eliza swallows hard, probably fighting off the lump in her throat. “Thank you, Matt. For everything.”
“Good luck,” I manage, my voice rougher than I intended. “I'll be here when you get back.”
Her expression brightens, a glimmer of hope in her eyes. “I'm counting on it.”
As she steps back, I hear the unmistakable rumble of an ATV approaching. I glance over my shoulder, and sure enough, Kane pulls up, his expression unreadable as he watches us. He kills the engine, but remains silent, his attention shifting briefly to Eliza before turning back to me.
“Well,” she says, sounding a little breathless, “looks like my ride's here.”
I step back as Kane dismounts. There's a tension in the air now—nothing aggressive, merely an unspoken acknowledgment between us. He saw the kiss—that much is obvious—but he doesn't comment on it.
“Good luck,” I say again, this time a little louder, as she walks over to the ATV.
“Thanks,” she says, giving me one last look before she hops on behind Kane.
As they ride off, I stand there for a moment, the cold biting into my skin, but all I can think about is what that kiss means and the hope that after today, there will be time for more.
The day drags on. I throw myself into the repair work, hammering and drilling with more force than necessary, trying to keep busy. But I can’t help thinking about everything Eliza’s been through today. A ride to the pier, a floatplane to Craig, the pressure of the test, and then making the same trip back—all in one day. It’s a lot, but if anyone can handle it, it’s her. Shedoesn’t give up, no matter the obstacles, and that determination is something I can’t stop admiring.
Late in the afternoon, the rumble of the Polaris cuts through my thoughts. My chest tightens as I spot it coming up the drive. Dropping my tools, I make my way down from the roof, wiping my hands on my jeans and trying to look casual.
Eliza steps out, her posture showing the burden of the day, but her eyes tell a different story. There’s a light there—a quiet flicker of triumph that sends a wave of relief and pride through me.
“How did it go?” I ask, barely concealing the anxiety in my voice.
A slow, genuine expression of relief spreads across her face. “I think ... I think it went well,” she says. “I won't know for sure for several days, but ... I feel confident about it.”
The relief that washes over me is almost physical. Without a thought, I sweep her up into a tight hug. “I knew you could do it,” I say.
As we pull apart, I notice Kane watching us, but for once, I don't care what her brothers think. Eliza's done what she set out to do, and I couldn't be prouder.
“Matt,” Eliza says, her voice soft but determined. “Can we talk? There's something I want to tell you.”
“Of course.” My heart races. “Do you want to take a walk?”
She agrees, and we head toward the creek, leaving Kane behind. The sound of rushing water fills the air, a soothing counterpoint to the tension I feel.
We stop at a fallen log, sitting side by side. Neither of us speaks. Then Eliza turns to me, her blue eyes serious.
“Matt, these days with you, they've changed everything for me. And I don't only mean the avalanche and the repairs. I mean you.”
