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“Here, put this on.It’s way too big for you, but it’s better than nothing,” Maverick says, handing me a huge raincoat.
“Thanks.”
Maverick then gets a duffel bag out of his truck and swings it over his shoulder.“Let’s go.”
I try to keep up with his pace.I can’t believe how bad this storm has gotten in only half a day.Bear and Quinn live further down the mountain than Maverick.Had I driven back to the bar as intended, I’d probably have encountered a lot of trouble.Fallen trees, high winds that would have me lose control of the wheel… I shiver.It’s best not to think about these worst-case scenarios.For now, I’m safe, and that’s all that matters.
My foot slips on a muddy patch, and I yelp.Maverick is like a hawk, seeing everything.Right before I hit the ground, his strong arms catch me.
“Careful, Little Sloane,” he says, worry crossing his face.He steadies me and wraps his hand around mine.“For balance,” he claims.“We don’t have time for another casualty.We have to focus on Quinn and the baby.”
“Right.Thanks.”
The chilly wind hitting my face doesn’t bother me as much anymore.The heat from Maverick’s hand flows through my body and is enough to keep me warm for hours.Even though it’s a purely practical gesture, Maverick holding my hand was something I dreamed about when I was younger.If only I could travel back in time and tell my sixteen-year-old self that my dream would one day come true, I wouldn’t have had to perform that stupid love spell that nearly burned the house down.
Then again, my sixteen-year-old self probably wouldn’t have believed the future me.
We reach Quinn and Bear’s cabin, and Maverick thumps on the door.Inside, footsteps barrel toward us, and the door flies open.
“Thank you for coming,” Bear says.His gaze flicks to me in surprise.“Oh, hi, Sloane.”
“I was sheltering from the storm at Maverick’s place.A tree fell on my truck, well, Benson’s truck, while I was delivering for The Grizzly Grove,” I explain.
I imagine my explanation is futile.As if the guy cares why I’ve been hanging out with Maverick.Bear has more serious things to worry about.
I follow the two men inside and hang my coat by the hooks on the door.The fireplace is lit, casting a warm glow over the living room.Quinn rocks on all fours on a blanket in front of the fireplace, with Bear next to her, rubbing her back.
Seeing the amazing life Quinn and Bear have made for themselves is heartwarming.I was there when he proposed and was so happy for them.They were the perfect fit for each other.Still are, of course.
“I’m so glad you guys came over.The storm has nicked one of the telephone cables, so we can’t get a doctor here,” Bear says.“I didn’t feel comfortable bringing this baby into the world all by myself.”
“Can I do something to help?”I gently ask.
Maverick is already busy getting medical supplies from his duffel bag and spreading out whatever they need to get this baby earth side.I don’t know where he got this stuff or where he learned to use it, but I guess living on an oil rig for years gives a man extra skills.
“Something to drink,” Quinn says in a hoarse voice.“Please.”
I nod.“Of course, coming right up.”
I hurry to the kitchen and let some water boil.I search the cabinets for tea bags and make a few cups—one for Quinn and a couple of extras for Bear, Maverick, and me.
By the time I get back into the living room, Quinn is yelling something about a ring of fire, and a few seconds later, a baby’s cries fill the space.
“It’s a boy,” Bear says, choking up.“We have a son.”
I put the drinks on the table and keep a respectable distance from the happy couple.Even though we’re friends, I doubt Quinn would want me to see her in this state.
Maverick pushes himself up and quietly walks to me with a big smile.“Isn’t this amazing?”he beams.
I nod, trying to swallow the lump in my throat.“Yes.”
“It must be a dream come true for Bear.First, he finds the love of his life and marries her.Then she births him a son.”
“Where did you learn to assist in a delivery?”I ask him.
He grins.“Nowhere.I took First Aid courses before I went out on that oil rig because I wanted to take care of myself or my colleagues if needed.But I never learned anything specific about childbirth.Just being there and having clean towels available was enough.Bear did most of the heavy lifting.”
“Let’s get them something to eat.Quinn must be starving.”
