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Mike held up a hand. “Whenever you can will be good enough.”
Zach faced Mike. “When we get back, you owe me a card game.”
“Oh, joy. I so enjoy losing to you.”
Cassidy laughed, loving their wonderful relationship. She could see why Mindy had said Mike was the salt of the Earth. “Well, if I’m leaving, I need to pack and clean up the cabin.”
“What can we do?” Zach asked.
“Wash the two dishes in the sink?”
“You got it.”
It took less time than she’d expected to stuff everything back into her pack and strap on her bow and arrow—not that she’d be using it in town. “Do you think people would like to learn how to hunt with a bow and arrow?” she asked.
“I bet they would, but didn’t you say you wanted a job that Doug would never guess you’d have?”
"You're right."
“Don’t worry,” Mike said. “Zach’s relatives own half the businesses in town. I’m sure we can find something for you.”
“Really?”
“Mike is exaggerating, though we are well-connected. When we get back to Wildwood, how about we stop at my parents’ house? My twin is a little shorter than you, but I’m sure there’s stuff at the house she never took with her when she moved out. You could spend the night there while Mike and I straighten up his place.”
“You don’t have to do that for me.”
“Trust me. We do. I love this big hulk of a guy, but he’s not the best housekeeper.”
Mike acted affronted. “I’ll have you know that I’m a busy person.”
“And I’m not?” Zach said.
“You’re a control freak. That’s why your place is so neat.” He turned to her. “Zach insists that I recycle my beer cans when I’m at his place.”
She chuckled. “I love it.”
Zach turned to Cassidy. “Just to be clear, what he means byneatis that I pick up my clothes instead of leaving them strewn around.”
Mike gave him the finger.
“Okay.” Zach chuckled and then faced Cassidy. “Ready to start your new adventure?”
She prayed she was doing the right thing. “Yes.”
Once Zach locked up, he led while Mike walked behind her. They didn’t have a lot of daylight left, but Cassidy didn’t mind hiking in the dark. She had her headlight to help guide her.
The walk was incredibly beautiful. Because few of the trees had leaves on them, the sky gave them a wonderful light show. She swore every star in the galaxy had come out to say goodbye.
While the air was downright cold, she didn’t mind since they were moving at a fast enough clip to keep warm. If Cassidy hadn’t been with the two men, they might have shifted, though what they would have done with their packs, she didn’t know.
It was close to seven before they emerged from the forest. Only two vehicles remained in the lot.
“Which truck is yours?” she asked, happy that Doug’s truck wasn’t there.
“The black one.”
“Mine’s the beige one,” Mike said.
