Dylan shrugged. “I guess I’ve never thought about it. I can’t think of any friends I’ve wanted to cross that line with.”
Laurel’s face fell and she turned away again, her shoulders hunched. She stood gazing at the scenery, but Jamie was pretty sure she didn’t see any of it. He couldn’t understand how Dylan could be so blind. Didn’t he realize Laurel was completely head over heels for him? Or maybe he did know, and this was his way of deflecting her attention without having to outright reject her.
He cast around for something to say when Rachel’s parents, Diane and John, stepped onto the deck. To his surprise, Rachel leaned back against him and drew his arm around her waist.
Diane’s eyes widened slightly, but Jamie thought he saw a smile touch her mouth.
“We’re together,” Rachel said, looking at each of her parents in turn. “I know this probably comes as a surprise, but we discovered something over the last two weeks. We belong together.”
Diane smiled broadly. “Well, I’d be lying if I said I hadn’t hoped this might happen. I’m very happy, for both of you!”
Rachel’s father cleared his throat, and looked uncomfortable. “You’re both adults. You certainly don’t need our permission, but I will say I’m glad you finally unloaded that worthless piece of crap you called a husband, and found yourself a good man.” Leaning forward, he shook Jamie’s hand. “I guess this means we’ll be seeing more of you, son.”
Dylan snorted. “As if he didn’t practically live at our house growing up.”
Jamie laughed and tightened his arm around Rachel. “See?” he said, looking at her. “I told you it was meant to be.”
The tension went out of Rachel’s body and she gave him a brilliant smile and curled her hand over his. “You were right.” She narrowed her eyes at him. “So what is this about starting your own adventure company?”
Jamie looked over at Dylan. “We’ve always talked about starting our own business, but then we went our separate ways and it never materialized.”
“But if I can’t jump again—” Dylan began.
“And if the Marines won’t let me rejoin my unit,” Jamie said, “then that’s something we could consider doing, instead.”
“Hmm,” Diane mused. “What kinds of adventures would you offer?”
“Well, there’re plenty of options right here in Montana,” Dylan said. “Rock climbing, parasailing, white water rafting, snowboarding, and that sort of thing.”
Rachel considered for a moment. “If you’re really serious, then you should consider going even more extreme.” At their questioning looks, she smiled. “I’d offer scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef, or heli-skiing in Canada, and mountain biking in the Alps.”
There was a momentary silence as they each considered what she said.
“That sounds great,” Dylan finally replied, “but who would handle the logistics? We’d need hotels, and equipment, and guides, and—” He broke off as Jamie gave him a meaningful look. “Ah. Of course. Rachel could do all of that.”
“I could,” Rachel agreed. “I may not be part of Elite Concierge Services anymore, but I still have connections. I’d love to help you plan some adventures.”
“We’ll need an office, and staff members,” Jamie said. “And all of that requires capital. I have some money set aside we could use, but I doubt it will be enough.”
Rachel shifted to look at him. “I think I can help with that. You see, I have this car I’m trying to sell—”
“Not the Porsche!” Jamie protested.
Rachel laughed. “Yes, the Porsche. You don’t really want me to keep it, do you?”
“Not if it reminds you of Deke in any way,” he grudgingly admitted. “In fact, I kind of like the idea of that bastard’s money underwriting our business venture.”
Rachel laughed. “Then count me in. If it means keeping you here in Glacier Creek, then I’m all for it.”
“This calls for a toast,” Diane said, smiling. She raised her glass of wine, and the others joined in. “To the start of a wonderful partnership—” she looked meaningfully at Rachel and Jamie “—both professionally and personally.”
Rachel turned and, as everyone cheered, cupped Jamie’s face in her hands and kissed him sweetly. “I love you, Jamie Colter,” she said softly. “Here’s to a lifelong partnership.”
Jamie’s expression was tender as his gaze traveled over her face. “Oh, the adventures we’re going to have, Rachel.”