Page 48 of On the Slopes of Tahoe
“Oops.” She covers her eyes with both hands.
“Grab a towel and help me clean this up.” He’s gentle but firm. “And apologize to Rory, please.”
“Sorry, Rory,” she says, quiet and timid.
“It’s okay, Bug. Accidents happen.”
She slips in next to me to mop up the coffee and asks, “Will you come play outside with us?”
“I’ve got a few more things I need to finish up for work, but if you’re still out there when I’m done, I’m all in.”
“Okay!” She runs off in the direction of the laundry room with the damp towel, and then up to her room to get ready.
“I didn’t mean to insert myself into your time. I can go home after I finish up here. The sidewalks are mostly cleared now I think.”
“We need to work out the details for this weekend, right?”
“Yeah, I guess we do. I don’t want to impose though.”
“You’re not imposing. You’re invited.” He leans down close, breath coasting against my ear. “Wanted.”
My breath catches in my chest, awakening something deep inside me.
What have I gotten myself into?
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
Breck
The week flew by and I’m almost surprised to find myself driving down a windy road in the Jeep, headed for the valley on the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe and the elopement that awaits us. The view as we crested the ridge took my breath away, and I couldn’t believe this hidden gem of a town was nestled on the other side of the mountains we’ve been snowboarding down for a month.
We bump along toward a small ranch surrounded by fields, but it’s the mountain backdrop that leaves me speechless. They loom over the valley, tall and proud. Majestic.
“Have you been here before?” I ask Rory, my head spinning as I try to take it all in.
“Yeah, the owners are friends of the family. I used to come here as a kid,” she tells me before turning in her seat to look at Willow. “They have chickens. And peacocks. And ostriches!”
“Really?” Willow’s voice jumps an octave. She’s never been to a real ranch before and was already excited.
“Yup.” Rory pops the P, wearing a wide grin, eyes alight. I cut the engine outside a building that’s half-barn half-home. “You ready for this?”
I nod and reach for the door handle. We’ve gone over the plan countless times since Monday. The ceremony isn’t that different from what I did for Wes and Joss.
Cold air hits my face and I pull my jacket tighter around me. I round the hood to open Rory’s door, then Willow’s. The sound of boots crunching on frozen snow is interrupted by Rory’s curse when she slips on a patch of ice. Her feet go out from under her and I catch her around the waist, pulling her tightly into my chest. I’m grateful for the superhuman reflexes they issue when you become a dad—though there is nothing dad-like about the way my scorching eyes trail over Rory.
“Thanks,” she breathes, gaze dropping to my lips before looking sideways at Willow. It’s all the reminder I need to loosen my arms.
“Welcome,” I husk, giving my attention to Willow, who’s eyeing us. I pull her into my side and ruffle her hair with one hand. “You ready to be Rory’s special assistant, Willow Bear?”
Her nod is emphatic, excitement taking over her sweet face. I love when she smiles, showcasing how much of me there is in her. Talia’s unmistakably there too, with her straight dark hairand olive skin tone, though the sparkle in Willow’s baby blues is all me.
“Alright, let’s go scout our location,” Rory says, hefting her mint green camera bag out of the car and leading us past the house. We cross an arched bridge over a dry creek, where two large trees jut up to frame the view of the mountains standing in sharp relief above the valley floor.
Rory rotates on the spot, glee and anticipation illuminating her face, and I know she’s happy with this location.
“Let’s run through it one more time.”
With the ceremony concluded and nothing but pictures left to take, I stand to the side and watch. It’s clear this is where Rory’s heart lies. There’s an energy beneath her skin when she has her camera in hand. She’s focused and determined, constantly moving to find the best light, the best angle, the best shot. She doesn’t falter, doesn’t waver, and her confidence is something to behold.
