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11
Connor
We haphazardly stripped the bed linens and packed up the rest of her scattered belongings and food. It was a relief to know she would be safe with me at the ranger station and my focus wouldn’t be as divided as it had been the last few days.
As we stepped outside the cabin, the storm seemed to be lifting at last. A sliver of golden light broke through the dark clouds, painting the sky in vibrant shades of pink and orange. A sense of renewal formed in my chest as if the storm had washed away some of my doubts and fears. When I was a kid, my parents were always fighting. My dad drank too much, and eventually, my mom left. I hadn’t seen or heard from her since—and honestly never trusted women because of it—but Rebecca was different. She was the same as I had always known her to be, but braver, smarter, and even more beautiful than I remembered.
“Wow,” Rebecca breathed, her eyes wide with wonder. "It's gorgeous."
“Almost as gorgeous as you,” I murmured, unable to resist teasing her. However, the truth behind my words stung more than I cared to admit.
“Very funny,” she replied, rolling her eyes, but I caught the hint of a smile tugging at her lips.
“Come on,” I said. “Let’s get to the ranger station before it gets dark.”
She nodded and then sat in her car ready to follow me to the station. I hopped in my truck and took the lead. God, what the hell was I doing? This was Matt’s sister.
He was like a brother to me, and I didn't want to jeopardize our friendship by pursuing his sister. But the more time I spent with Rebecca, the harder it became to ignore my feelings for her. She was funny, intelligent, and kind-hearted—everything I didn't know I needed until now.
Guilt sat in my stomach like a lead anvil. I gave Becca a half smile when we parked. I unpacked her belongings into the spare bedroom at the station. We were short-handed. Not an ideal thing, but that meant we had space for a visitor.
"Connor?" Rebecca's voice broke through my thoughts, and I looked up to find her watching me with concern. "You're really quiet all of a sudden. Are you okay?"
I hesitated, unsure if I should open up to her or continue keeping my feelings bottled up. I didn’t want her to get the wrong idea.
"Rebecca, I need to talk to Matt," I admitted, my heart pounding in my chest. "And I'm afraid it might change things between us."
“Change things between you and Matt? Or you and me?” she asked, her eyes searching mine for the truth.
“Both,” I whispered, feeling both terrified and relieved to say it out loud.
“Ok,” she said and strolled toward me. “Well, let’s tell him when there’s something to tell.” She stared up at me with her round doe eyes. I would say yes to anything when it came to her.
I nodded. “Hey, now that you’re somewhat settled, wanna go check on your baby deer?”
Her eyes immediately lit up with giddy delight.
We found Rosie curled up in a makeshift pen near the edge of the clearing, her soft brown fur glinting in the warm rays of the setting sun. As soon as she caught sight of Rebecca, the baby deer struggled to her feet and hobbled towards her, her dark eyes filled with affection.
"Hey there, sweet girl," Rebecca cooed, reaching out to gently stroke the fawn’s fur. "You're looking better already."
I smiled, watching her tenderly care for the injured animal. It was clear she had a deep connection with nature, one that I was beginning to appreciate more and more.
"Connor, do you think she'll be okay?" Rebecca asked, concern evident in her voice.
“I think so,” I reassured her. “She's a fighter, just like someone else I know.” I shot her a meaningful glance, and she blushed.
“Thanks,” she mumbled, her cheeks turning an even deeper shade of red.
“Anytime, Scooter,” I replied with a grin, and she swatted at me playfully.
“Stop calling me that,” she protested, but the laughter in her eyes betrayed her.
“Fine, fine,” I said, holding up my hands in surrender. "But you have to admit, it suits you."
She stuck her tongue at me and then smiled softly as she continued to stroke Rosie's fur.
“Connor, come in.” Dan’s voice was urgent over the radio.
