Page 31 of Cowboy Mountain Man

“Maybe.”

“And me.”

I don’t answer quickly enough. Her fingers tighten on the horn. I put the phone away and cover her hands with mine. “They don’t get either.”

She nods once. I feel it against my chest. Then we keep moving.

We find Alden waiting at the edge of the clearing with a flashlight pointed at the ground. He’s tall and rangy with dark hair and a long beard. He wears a rain jacket over his Equinox shirt, and EPG’s communal SUV, “Black Maple,” is backed up beside the little ranger cabin.

No other vehicles. No movement near the gate.

I check anyway. “Road clear?”

“All the way up. Gate’s locked behind me.”

I dismount, then reach for Hope. She turns carefully, bringing one leg over the saddle.

“My knees feel a little wobbly.”

“I’ve got you.”

She puts her hands on my shoulders. The injured one protests. I ignore it. I lower her to the ground, keeping her close until she’s steady. For a moment, she doesn’t let go. Neither do I.

Alden clears his throat.

“Hope. Alden North.”

She steps back.

“Hi. I’d shake your hand, but apparently I’ve been holding a saddle together through sheer force of will.”

He gives her a small smile. “You did fine.”

“You didn’t see it.”

“I trust Harlan.”

So does she. I can feel that every time she looks at me.

It’s going to make the next few hours difficult.

Alden takes her inside while I get Buck settled beneath the covered shelter beside the cabin. There’s water, and I brought enough feed to keep him occupied. I check the girth marks, run a hand down his legs, and give him a moment.

Then I go back to Hope. The cabin has two small bedrooms, a kitchen, and an old woodstove.

Alden has already lit it.

Hope stands near the heat with her hands held out. My coat still swallows her.

Alden looks at my shoulder. “Sit down.”

“Later.”

“Now.”

Hope turns. “Oh, good. It works when somebody else does it, too.”

I give her a look. She gives me one back.