“I think I might know what it is, Mom,” said Nina, with a little impish smile.
“Well, let me tell you anyway,” Mavis said. Wilson could see the expression reflected back: like mother, like daughter.
Mavis drew in her breath. “Wilson and I are mates,” she said.
Nina’s smile broke out into a wide grin. “I knew it.” Her voice was still soft—Wilson didn’t think he’d heard it raised—but heartfelt. “I knew it. Oh, Mom, I’m so happy for you.”
She did look happy. Good. That was good.
“I’m looking forward to getting to know you, Nina,” Wilson said. “On whatever terms you’d like. Maybe we could start out as friends.”
The idea of being a father figure to Nina—and from what Mavis had said, perhaps even also her mate, Joel—filled Wilson with a combination of apprehension and excitement.
He wanted it. He’d always appreciated the opportunity to mentor young soldiers, to feel as though he was making a difference in a young person’s life. It filled him with purpose, and a sense of warmth.
That was something a man had to build up to, though. No one stepped up and immediately gained someone’s trust and admiration; that was the sort of thing that was established over time.
And he was looking forward to spending time with Nina.
“That sounds good to me,” Nina said. “Maybe we could go for a run together in the Park sometime.”
“What a wonderful idea,” Wilson said, heartfelt. “I was just telling your mother about how I’d like to learn more about the terrain and the wilderness here.”
“Oh,” said Nina, “well, actually, someone just walked in who would be better at that than I would.” She waved, and Mavis turned to look. Her face lit up.
A middle-aged woman came over to the table, a broad smile on her face. She was stocky and muscular, with tightly-curled blonde hair and tawny golden eyes.
“Well, if it isn’t the Williams women,” she said warmly.
“Wilson, this is Lynn,” Mavis said. “She’s the woman I mentioned to you the other day, the one who has the guide business. She knows the Park better than anyone out there.”
“So much so that she’s got more business than she can handle,” Nina put in.
Lynn smiled, the corners of her eyes crinkling. “That’s why I’m looking for new hires every chance I get.” She raised her eyebrows at Nina. “You thought about my offer?”
Nina smiled shyly. “Maybe.”
Lynn shook her head. “You let me know if that ‘maybe’ turns into a yes. Nice to meet you—Wilson, was it?” she said, turning.
Wilson shook her hand. “Wilson Hanes. It’s a pleasure.”
“Wilson and my mom are together,” Nina put in.
“Well, you’re a lucky man, then,” Lynn said sincerely. “This woman’s one of the best people I’ve ever met.”
“I couldn’t agree more,” Wilson said. “Since you’re clearly a person of taste, I’ll definitely be engaging your services the next time you’re free. I’m new in town and I want to learn the lay of the land.”
“Wilson’s a snow leopard, too,” Nina confided in a low voice to Lynn.
Lynn nodded. “I’m a shifter as well. A lynx. Don’t ask me what my parents were thinking when they named me; I’ve already heard all the dumb jokes.”
Wilson hid a smile. “Wouldn’t dream of it.”
“We’ll have to go for a run sometime, then. I’ll show you all the best spots.”
They shook hands all around, and Lynn strode off to her table. “That’s an impressive woman, I can already tell,” Wilson said.
“And she’s made it all alone in the world,” Mavis said. “Never married, not much family, no real pack—just her and her determination. I never cease to be amazed by her.” Then she turned back to Nina. “What’s this about a job offer?”