“He lives in a tiny wooded forest valley that he calls Dark Hollow. It’s far from any trails and in a location that no one willfind. He found it using military maps and a drone. He has a tiny cabin tucked in a dark wood and lives there with his family.”
“His family?”
“Beryl is his jenny mule. And, of course, Bear. Then there’s Bella and Blitz.”
Everyone was laughing. Kitty finally asked, “And who is Bella?”
“Bella is his lynx. Bear found her as a kitten after her mother was killed by coyotes. Bart and Bear raised her. Bart built her a shelter not far from the cabin and she lives there with her mate. She’s expecting a litter soon.”
Cassie said, “I’m afraid to ask, but who’s Blitz?”
“Blitz is his hunting falcon. Blitz brings pheasant, duck, and chucker for dinner.”
All three ladies were laughing.
Cheyenne said, “You might have to change your name to Bolly.”
They made a fast return, brushed down the horses, boarded them at the stables, and walked to Molly’s cabin. The ladies wanted to freshen up for the evening party, but decided to first check out Molly’s place. Molly hadn’t expected the afternoon ride to last so long, so she was feeling badly about not being at the cabin when the family arrived. She was hoping Bart had taken charge.
The four ladies walked into the open door and went right to the kitchen. Molly was relieved to see that the party was underway. Western music was playing loudly, folks were milling around with drinks, and she noticed with relief that the ribs were in the oven. Bart was busy cutting cheese and meat andorganizing it on a platter. Molly went right to him, wrapped her arms around from behind, and said, “Thank you for putting the ribs in the oven.”
He turned and focused those beautiful blue eyes on hers and said, “Hi, I’m Brett.”
Molly screamed and jumped back. That’s impossible. She was looking at Bart. Then she looked to see another Bart walking into the kitchen. She moved her eyes back and forth to the two identical Barts, figured out what was going on, and shouted, “You’d thinksomeonecould have told me the guy I’m dating had a twin brother.”
The ladies were chuckling. Cheyenne said to Kitty, “I don’t think Bart will be getting lucky tonight.”
Molly said, “You got that right.” She was glaring at Bart, who was walking over to her with a sheepish grin.
“Really, you couldn’t tell me you had a twin brother?”
“I didn’t think it was important.”
“How about when I just wrapped my arms around him? Did you think it was important then?”
The scene was fun and playful. Molly wasn’t angry, just embarrassed.
She stuck her hand out to Brett and said, “Hi Brett, I’m Molly.”
Brett brushed her hand aside and moved in for a full hug, then pushed back. “Hi Molly, pleased to meet you.”
Molly turned to the ladies, shaking her head. They were all enjoying the scene.
Exasperated, Molly said, “Are there any more surprises I need to be prepared for?”
The ladies excused themselves to freshen up and change. Molly took a quick shower as she had guests waiting. She selected embroidered jeans, a bright red western shirt, a bolo tie, and the leather hat, vest, and moccasins that Bart made. That was what he was wearing. After checking herself out in the mirror with approval, she ventured out.
Bart was waiting in the kitchen and took her outside for introductions. It was a hot day, and she decided on a cold beer, seeing it appeared to be the drink of choice at the moment. Waylon Jennings was loud on the sound system. Cassie, Kitty, and Cheyenne had not returned yet, so she steered Bart toward Darcy who was standing with Brett, Chet, and Brad.
Bart did introductions.
Molly said, “Did you hear I attacked your husband in the kitchen?”
Darcy was five or ten years younger than Brett, a pretty, petite, artistic, dark-skinned woman, adorned in jeans, western shirt, and Native American jewelry.
“I heard the whole story. Not to worry, you aren’t the first to make that mistake. It still happens at the grocery store in Kalispell. I’m pretty used to it.”
She had a soft, pleasant manner. Molly instantly liked her. “Some of the ladies took a ride today. I’m sorry we left before you arrived.”
