Page 65 of Love in the Time of Wildfires

“Okay.” He pulled back to study her as though he could memorize her in detail to sustain him through the distance. “River, I . . .” It was clear he wanted to tell her something important. She could see it written across his face.

“What?”

“I . . .” He swallowed. “I just want to kiss you.”

“Okay, well, I don’t know what’s stopping you. I want you to kiss me too.”

Logan ducked his head, taking her lips with his. She slid a hand to his jawline, kissing him good and hard. It was over too soon, but it was probably unrealistic for her to hope it would have lasted forever.

Then he was gone, and she didn’t feel strong at all.

Chapter Twenty-one

Mimi

Are you still going hiking with your friend from work today?

She canceled due to her kid being sick. I still want to go hiking though.

River had planned to go with Melissa, who was familiar with the Cody Lake trail she and Logan had marked on their map. But her friend had texted her this morning that her son, Branson, woke with an ear infection and fever. River tried to be understanding, but she’d been disappointed because it felt like everyone was bailing on her these days.

Either way, the universe or fate wasn’t going to control her. She was determined to go out and do something rather than sit at home on her day off, which was what she told Mimi, even if her sister didn’t see it as a good idea.

Mimi

Not by yourself???

River wouldn’t do the Cody Lake trail because she wasn’t comfortable hiking some place unfamiliar, especially when Melissa had warned her that the pothole-covered road wasn’t marked or easy to find. She still had options though.

Stop. I’m just going to one of the places I’ve already been with Logan. I’m only going for the afternoon. It’ll be fine.

Mimi

Text me when you get back.

Sí, mamita. I will.

Mimi

Te quiero, papita.

She grabbed her fox backpack, threw in a lightweight jacket, her water tumbler, a bag of carrots, and a couple granola bars before putting on her hiking shoes. Her hair wasn’t quite long enough to put in a real ponytail, but she was able to do two small pigtails. It would be nice for her hair to be off her neck since the days were unseasonably warm, especially for September. River slipped on her sunglasses, grabbed her phone and keys, and left.

She was proud of herself for finding the old logging road, parking near where Logan had before. She almost wanted to laugh, realizing how things had been so different between them in those days. Never would she have imagined they would have ended up together, as they were now. It was weird how things worked out.

Similar to the last time, the hike was gorgeous and peaceful. There wasn’t anyone around. She followed the same direction Logan had taken her before, finding the spot where they had stopped last time. Still no foxes, but it was probably for the best because it didn’t feel fair to see one without him.

River took several pictures along the way, finding the exact spot where he’d taken his photo. She snapped a selfie while flexing with a much smaller stick, hoping he’d get a kick out of it. She thought it was funny at least.

Not wanting to return yet, River hiked further and came across the most gorgeous view. It almost took her breath away. She took a picture from the edge of the mountain path she was on. She did her best not to focus on the steep drop off the side from where she stood. River wasn’t that afraid of heights, but it would be better not to take any chanc—

A twig cracked not too far behind her, and she spun to face it. Any thoughts it was a fox vanished quickly.

Bear.

Trying not to panic, River knew black bears were the most skittish of all the bears. If she sneezed, it’d likely scare it off and, thankfully, the chonky animal seemed surprised to see her as well. It froze. River had only seen a bear in the wild one other time several years ago, but it had been in the distance. Definitely not within chomping range. Despite trying to stay calm, her heart beat hard against her rib cage.

The general rule was to make oneself as big and loud as possible. She kicked herself for not making an effort to buy bear spray, wishing the phone in her right hand could magically transform into the repellent.