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Lincoln
I frown in concentration as I add the finishing touches to the sketch before finally sitting back to scan the finished result. Once I’m satisfied, I scribble a note on the back.
Marion Retreat Adventure Course
I’ve been trying to perfect this idea for a week, and I think I’ve finally nailed it. Ever since I moved back to Crave County a few months back, I’ve been throwing myself into my work for the Marion Retreat. It’s a mountain getaway for people who have been dealing with cancer treatment—a place for them to relax and have fun—and my job is to come up with outdoor activities to help them keep fit. It’s rewarding as hell to watch our guests get stronger and more confident every day, and I’m honored to be a part of it.
It was my brother, Nash, who founded the retreat, along with his wife, Ava. He named it after our mom who died of cancer over ten years ago. It’s been a tough road since then. Nash and I didn’t speak for a decade. I resented him for the way he behaved when Mom got sick, and after she died, I joined the military. I wanted a new start, and I got one. For ten years, I served overseas, running from the past. Then my brother reached out. He sent a letter apologizing for his actions and asking to see me. That’s when I knew it was time to come home. I visited him at his cabin last January, and we talked for the first time in a decade. It was a tough journey, but forgiving my older brother was the best thing I ever did. I had to spend a few more months finishing my stint in the army, but I was honorably discharged back in September. Nash helped me to build my own log cabin on Snowfall Ridge where we both grew up, and now I’m slowly readjusting to civilian life in Crave County. I missed this place. I missed the trees and the mountains and the rivers. I missed Nash. I missed Brett, my best friend. I missed it all.
It’s good to be home.
I get out of my chair and stretch, the muscles in my back aching after so long hunched over my drawing. It’s barely 4 p.m., but outside, the sky is beginning to darken as I leave my home office and close the door behind me. I’m running low on firewood, but there’s still enough light to hunt for some in the woods surrounding my cabin, so I head for the door just as my phone starts to buzz in my pocket. Nash’s name flashes up onscreen.
“Hey, buddy,” I say, lifting the phone to my ear and opening the front door. “What’s up?”
“Hey.” My brother sounds frustrated, and I hear a car horn beeping in the background. “Listen, can you do me a favor?”
I stop walking. “Sure.”
“I’m stuck in traffic,” Nash says. “Just outside Rose Creek…STOP YOUR FUCKING HONKING ASSHOLE, CAN’T YOU SEE THERE’S A LINE?” He sighs. “Sorry, Linc. Anyway, it’s Ava’s birthday tomorrow. I ordered her a cake from Heavenly Cakes, you know? The place in Winterdale?”
“Sure, I know it.”
“Well, I was wondering if you could go and pick it up for me? It will be closing soon, and I need it by tomorrow morning.”
I’m already heading toward my truck. “I’ll go.”
“Thanks buddy you’re a…HONK AT ME AGAIN, JACKASS, I FUCKING DARE YOU!...you’re a lifesaver. I really appreciate it.”
I chuckle. “No problem. I’ll bring it over once you’re home.”
“I owe you one, Linc.”
We end the call and I begin the drive down Snowfall Ridge. A thick blanket of snow covers the landscape, coating the trees and the frozen mountain lakes. Winters are harsh in Crave County, but they’re also beautiful as hell. Once I reach the bottom of the mountain, I make a left toward Winterdale, the closest town to my cabin. Heavenly Cakes is tucked away down a side street, a small white shop with elegant lettering and large windows displaying a variety of mouth-watering cakes. They look expensive as hell, but I’m not surprised. My brother loves to treat his wife.
I walk into the shop, looking around at the counters laden with cakes until a woman’s voice makes me jerk my head forward.
“Hi!” she says.
The world seems to freeze, the walls of the store closing in on me.
Holy fuck.
Behind the counter at the back of the shop is an angel. She’s tiny, barely five-two, with the most gorgeous curves I’ve ever seen. Wide hips, thick thighs…fuck, it’s enough to make my mouth go dry. She’s got a little green apron stretched across her body, and her hair is parted into two golden-brown braids the color of molten chocolate. As I get closer, I can see that she’s young—barely into her twenties. Her pretty green eyes blink at me beneath thick eyelashes, and my gaze drifts down to her plump lips—red and juicy, begging to be kissed. She’s so fucking beautiful…the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen. I can’t stop staring at her. I can’t force my mouth to form words.
“Oh my God!” the girl exclaims in that sweet little voice, making me draw in a breath. “Lincoln?”
My heart stutters as she says my name, and instantly, my brain goes haywire.
This girl knows my name? How does she know me? And if she does know me, why don’t I know her? It’s not like I could ever forget this angel.
“Yeah,” I say, my voice coming out in a throaty growl. “I’m Lincoln…”
The girl’s eyes are wide as she says, “I knew it was you. I recognized you straight away.” She looks at me nervously, her cheeks pinkening. “I’m Daisy. Daisy Capello?”
I almost fall over. “Brett’s sister?”
