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“That’s good because you’re stuck with me now.”
She leans into my lips, kissing me gently, the salty taste of our pleasure on her mouth. “You’re sure about that?”
“I’d bet everything on it.”
She laughs. “So… you’re gambling again? What have I done to you?”
“Ah, I’d guess this is the safest bet around.”
I grip the back of her neck and pull her close to me, landing my lips on hers again and again until the sweet moan I’ve been working for echoes into my mouth.
For some people, a sign from God is in the patterns of the trees or a message in a dream. For others, like me, it’s a gut feeling. A late night call. A bowl of pumpkin soup.
Epilogue
Lily
Two Weeks Later
“Have you seen Grace? She said she wanted to be a part of opening day.”
Chap looks toward me with bloodshot eyes. He’s exhausted. Every day this week he’s been at the lodge late getting everything ready for the grand opening. Of course, there were last-minute changes that needed to be made with electrical and there was an issue getting enough salmon in from local fisherman for the first night menu, but I think everything is worked out now.
“I’m sure she’ll turn up. She took the job in the kitchen because she wanted the experience. She wouldn’t miss opening day, right?”
“I don’t think she would, but it’s not like her to have missed a day calling me either. Should I try her cell again?”
“You’ve already tried three or four times, right?”
I nod and shake off my worries. Today is about the guys at the MC. They’ve worked for months to get this lodge open and today is finally the day. We need to celebrate. And the truth is, Grace is probably fine. She was hanging off some guy the last I saw her. I’m sure she’s busy getting all the rough sex she can handle. That’s her thing. I know because she talks about sex nonstop. Mostly from the books she reads. Now she’s into big, burly kidnappers. Go figure.
I tip up onto my toes and kiss Chap. We’ve only been married for a week, but it may as well be a lifetime. When he shared the news of his desire to no longer pursue the priesthood, his bishop sought an exception for him to remain a married, permanent deacon. It fit everyone’s motivations. As a result, we had to be married before they gave him the permanent role. But trust me, I’m not complaining. Every day since has been a dream.
“You’re going to do great today.” I tip up onto my toes and kiss his lips. “You’re great at everything.”
He narrows his brows playfully. “I don’t know where you get your information, but I feel as though you’re misguided.”
“Not true! You managed to get Austin to behave so well in school that they gave him another chance, you got Grace a job in the bakery here so I could take my dream job at the library, and you love me. I’d say you’re winning at life.”
He smiles and pulls me against his chest as the guys take to the front porch to give a welcome speech to the crowd of people camped out in front of the lodge.
The crowd is large. I’d guess around five hundred in attendance. Today kicks off not only the opening of the lodge, but Henry, the guy who owns most of the land up here, will be naming off a few of the winter festivities that are happening up here this year.
“Before we get into everything, I’d like to hand the mic over to my good buddy Chap who has something he’d like to share with all of you.” Henry waves Chap toward the stage.
My heart stiffens. I didn’t know Chap was talking today. I’d have made him a bigger breakfast, and wished him luck. God, have I been so absorbed with figuring out where Grace ran off to that I let this slip?
Chap kisses my hand and takes to the porch, standing toward the microphone, but his body is still facing me. How does he look better and better with each passing day?
“As many of you know, my path in life has always been with the church. But recently, I found God taking me on a new journey. A path with a woman you all know and love, Ms. Lily Waters. Well, recently Mrs. Lily Byrne.” He waves me toward him, and though my stomach hardens into a knot, I follow his lead. “Thank you to those of you who made it to our wedding down by the river last week. We were so happy to have shared that experience with you.”
I can’t figure what this is about. Chap tells me everything. I wouldn’t have missed this.
“Most of you know that Lily has a son, Austin. He’s seven years old, and boy has that kid quickly become a son to me.” Chap glances toward me. “Today, I’m lucky enough to make that official.”
My stomach tightens and tears spill off my cheeks as Chap shows me the paperwork he’s holding.
“The lawyer said this would take months. How did you…”
