Page 52 of Where She Belongs

She was so far out of his league. There was no way he would have caught her eye if they hadn’t known each other when they were younger. He couldn’t mess this up. Everything he did from this point forward would have to be perfect.

Tate brought her hand to his lips and brushed a kiss across her knuckles.

They pulled into the parking lot of the Overlook Grand Mountain Lodge. Rylee’s eyes widened as she took it all in. As far as luxury went in Rocky Ridge, this was at the top of the list. It had been built shortly after Rylee had moved away and based on her reaction, it was safe to say she hadn’t seen it yet.

He hurried around the truck and helped Rylee to her feet but refused to release her hand as they headed for the entrance. They bypassed the reception area as he directed her toward the restaurant that was located in the resort.

The hostess glanced up and smiled brightly at each of them. “Welcome to The Aviary. Do you have a reservation?”

Tate nodded. “For Dennison.”

“Ah, here you are. Table for two? Right this way.” She led them to a table in the corner with some of the best mood lighting. The bird theme ran throughout the restaurant and at their table, it felt more like they’d entered a rainforest. The sounds of birds came through speakers along with relaxing instrumental music. If it wasn’t so late, he would have asked for a seat on the veranda so they’d have a view of the birds the lodge kept on the premises.

“This place is something else,” Rylee whispered as soon as the hostess took her leave. “It’s gorgeous.”

Tate could have been happy watching Rylee all day long. She was like a child on Christmas morning. Her eyes darted in every direction, soaking in the rustic décor while the restaurant also paid homage to the avian wildlife.

She was the first to reach for her menu and immediately she gasped and dropped it on the table. “Tate, these prices⁠—”

“Don’t worry about it.”

“I’m not,” she insisted. “But are you sure⁠—”

He chuckled. “This is the nicest restaurant in town. I wanted to make a good impression on you.” This was where it got a little embarrassing. He turned his focus to the menu in his own hands so he didn’t have to see her reaction. “I know you’ve had a lot of experiences since leaving Rocky Ridge as a child. I didn’t want you to…”

She placed a hand over his. “Tate.” That singular word was so full of something that made his insides twist. Not pity, not exactly. He didn’t want her to feel bad for him. Or see him as someone who wasn’t worthy of her. And even though he fought it, that was exactly how he felt.

Tate flashed her a smile even though he didn’t feel it. “Like I said. I can handle it. I make more than enough to take the girl I like to a nice dinner.”

“You don’t have to worry about impressing me, Tate.”

He searched her face for any sign that she was lying. When he found nothing, his smile turned more genuine. “Doesn’t change the fact that I want to. So let me do this.”

She nodded. “Okay.”

“Okay?”

Her smile was the one thing that put him at ease. “Okay.” One word. Two syllables. And they dove past that hurdle.

Rylee chose pasta with specialty noodles and a tender steak while Tate opted for a duck dish. They chatted about his family and the girls she’d met. It felt so… normal—like this was exactly where they were always meant to end up.

They opted to skip dessert and Tate wasted no time driving Rylee to the outskirts of town. Rylee peered out the front window, but she couldn’t see anything even with the headlights shining. “Where are we?”

“You’ll see.” Tate pushed open the door and climbed out. Then he opened the back and pulled out several blankets he’d stashed back there. Rylee climbed out as he walked to the back of the truck and lowered the tailgate. She stood there curious while he laid out the blankets one by one. Then a smile stole across her face as she lifted her eyes to the sky.

She gasped. The sound must have been louder than she expected because she covered her mouth with her hands and released a giggle. “Sorry,” she whispered.

Out here, noises seemed to echo. It was strange, and it made him feel smaller. He gestured toward the bed of the truck with a jerk of his chin. “Hop up.”

She glanced from the truck to him and grinned. “Why, Tate Dennison. Have you taken me stargazing?”

He lifted a shoulder. “I pinky promised, didn’t I?”

Rylee’s cough had gotten worse. Her face was pale and each time she tried to take a deep breath, another fit started.

Tate frowned as he glanced over to her from the doorway.

“I’m sorry, son. Rylee can’t come out tonight.”