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Shyla stoppedto look at the cabin as it came into view. Her father had been right on several counts. Making this hike again had been cathartic and had chased away some demons she hadn’t been fully aware she was carrying. They’d been hovering in the background, obscured by her overwhelming feelings regarding the Fortney brothers.
Little things really, like whether her ankle had healed well enough for her to make the trip. Or if it would give out on her again and lead her into difficulties.
So far it hadn’t given her any trouble, so that was one load off her mind.
She turned to the guide who had accompanied her, so she wasn’t walking alone, and dismissed her.
“Thanks, I’ll be fine from here. I’m just going to hang the curtains and stuff and I’ll be ready for the return trek at midday tomorrow,” she told the girl, reviewing their plans. She’d decided to stay the night.
Her companion waved goodbye and turned to head back down, already talking on her two-way radio to arrange a rendezvous with another guided team on the mountain, who she was walking down with.
Shyla watched her until she was out of sight, then turned back to the cabin, gently probing her emotions to judge her reaction.
She had expected a lot of different responses, but to her surprise, the most prominent one was gratitude.
That she hadn’t expected.
But as she stood here with the first signs of spring visible in that distinctive green of unfurling leaves, the early wildflowers, and the pale blue sky which still retained the hint of chill, she found she was thankful for a lot of things.
For the insistence of her father that she always be prepared for any eventuality.
For the existence of the cabin and the fact it was available to be used.
For the forethought of those who kept it stocked, not just with food, but with kindling and logs. She made a mental note to remake the fire, so it was ready to light the next time someone needed its warmth and comfort.
She was thankful for the hand of fate which had put Lazarus, Jericho, and Dante into her path that fateful day and their willingness to save a stranger.
And finally, she found she was grateful for the time they spent together. And yes, the stupendous sex, as well.
As she stood there, alone, on the side of the mountain that had almost claimed her life, she made peace with very many things.
And there was a clarity to her feelings for the three brothers who had touched her life - her heart and soul - in so many ways. She was glad to have known them, if only for a brief, brightly shining interlude. Better that than not at all.
Shyla had made a promise to herself once, and now she made it again.
When she left here, she might close the door on a short, but significant, chapter of her life, but there would be no more regrets.
