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CHAPTER 1
Juniper ‘Juni’ Brooke
I glance at my phone for what must be the hundredth time. Still no response.
Chill out. You know how he is. A sigh escapes my lips. My luck he’s up on the mountains on a rescue or hunting or whatever he does when he disappears.
Okay, the worst that happens is I have to get a room in town or call one of Dad’s other friends. It’s just.... I really need this to work out. Dad is going to be so pissed.
I rub my forehead. It’s the guilt. I know it is. I’ve never lied to my father, before or my mother for that matter, but I knew the answers even if Dad didn’t. If Micha would have gotten the letter, he would have refused.
This is the most important decision I’ve ever made. I can’t accept no for an answer. In truth, this is make or break time and my whole life depends on making this work.
“Young lady, you’ve been sitting on that bus bench and checking that phone every three minutes for a good half hour. You got trouble?”
The white-haired woman in the skewed ball cap, oversized yellow framed glasses, and bright blue jacket looks down on me. Despite her somewhat avant-guard appearance she reminds me of my most demanding teachers. She won’t go anywhere until I answer her.
“I-ah, I can’t reach my ride.”
“Name’s Gerdie. Since I’ve lived hereabouts my whole life, why don’t you tell me your ride’s name and maybe I can help you find them.”
“Micha. Micha Hale.”
“Ahh.” She nods her head. “Figures. He know you were coming?”
I glance at the crumpled letter in my hand. Her gaze follows mine. “I-ah-I have a letter for him. I texted him and tried to call but he may not recognize my number.”
“Humm. Boy’s not real good at looking at phone messages. He knows if it was a SAR notice they’d be beeping him. He know you?”
“Since I was born. He and my dad served together. They’re best friends. I’ve known him all my life. He’s — important to me.” I have to look away from her steady stare.
“That there letter meant for him?”
“I was supposed to mail it, but... But I figured it would be better if I hand delivered it.”
“So he couldn’t say no to your visit.” Gerdie raises a knowing eyebrow.
“I ah, I...”
“You were right. He’d would of said no. Just like if he gets you on the phone. So, we best get you into my truck and I drive you up there. How long you plan on staying?”
“I applied to the local forest rangers, and they said I’d be notified for an in-person interview in about ninety days. Micha knows these mountains like no one else. I thought three months with him will get me ahead of the other applicants.”
“Did you name drop who you’d be with when they decided?”
“Yes, ma’am, I did.”
She releases another of her cackles. “’Bout damn time someone called that man’s dour bluff. Don’t you let him try to drive you off, girl. He needs someone like you.
“Might need to stop and pick up some extra food and maybe a blanket and pillow. Boy just finished building his cabin home. I don’t know much about what he needs yet. Tell me what you like to eat. Hamburgers, steak, chicken?”
“Uhm, I’m vegetarian.”
Her eyes go wide and she starts laughing so hard she bends at the waist, putting her hands on her knees to catch her breath. “Ma’am, are you okay?”
“I’m just happy child. So happy. I’ve known that boy better than most since he was eleven. It’s about damn time he meets his match.” She straightens. “We’ll put your stuff in my truck then hit the home goods store and the grocery. We don’t want to give him an excuse to turn you away. What’s your name, girl?”
“Juniper Brooke. Juni.”
