“What the hell are you doing here?”
“It’s so early, I didn’t want to come out to the ranch in case you were sleeping in. I came back.”
“I see that. Why?”
“What can I getcha?” Shirley asks Remi.
“Coffee and corn beef hash, please.”
“You got it.”
Shirley walks away, and I stare at the love of my life, who just materialized as if I wished her into existence.
“I made it to Pocatello last night,” she says and sips my coffee. “And once I was there, I started to think it all over. Decided I didn’t really want to go do this stupid challenge. I only agreed to it because I felt obligated, and that’s not a good reason. I missed you, and this is where I want to be right now. So, I called my agent and told her to get me out of it, and then I turned around and came home.”
“They won’t fine you or anything?”
“No.” She shakes her head and thanks Shirley when her food comes out so quickly. “I’m sure they’re not pleased, but they only gave me a few days’ notice. They’ll be fine. What did I miss? What are you guys doing?”
“He dragged me out of bed before the sun came up because he was lonely,” Gage says, pointing at me. “So, I took pity on him.”
“Aw, that’s so sweet,” Remi says with a satisfied smile and chews on her breakfast.
All I can do is stare at her. She’s here. I was up all night, thinking about how much I wished she was next to me, wanting to hold her, talk to her, make love to her.
And here she is.
Because she wants to be here, too.
“Aren’t you going to eat that?”
“Yeah.” I take a bite of bacon. “So, I guess Annie won’t be strapped for help this week, after all.”
“Nope.” She’s damn happy with herself. I wish I didn’t have to work today so I could scoop her up and take her home. Strip her bare and worship every inch of her.
But there will be plenty of time later.
“Didn’t you eat at all on the road?” Remi is inhaling her food as if she hasn’t eaten in weeks.
“Not really,” she says. “I stopped for gas, grabbed a banana somewhere in Idaho. I just wanted to get home, you know?”
Home.
She wanted to get home.
Gage’s gaze meets mine, and he raises a brow. I just smile back at him and wrap my arm around my girl.
“I get it,” I reply. “And I’m glad you’re home. You should have told me you were going out of obligation. I wouldn’t have suggested you leave.”
“I thought I wanted to.” She shrugs and pushes her empty plate away. “But then, I didn’t. So, here I am.”
“Did you run into any bad weather?” Gage asks. “We could get snow this week.”
“I didn’t run into much,” she replies. “A little rain, but nothing serious. It would suck if the kids had to trick-or-treat in the snow.”
“We did it plenty,” Gage says with a laugh. “And other years, it was bone dry. You just never know around here.”
“Don’t go hiking,” Remi advises. “Crazy shit happens up in these mountains.”
“Anyone could have told you that,” Gage says.
“I told her that before she went,” I say. “But no, she doesn’t listen.”
“It was September.” She holds her hands up in exasperation. “Who gets snow in September?”
“Montana does,” Gage and I say in unison, making us all laugh.
Remi’s phone rings, and she frowns at the display.
“I don’t know this number. Hello? Oh, hi, Jillian.” Her violet eyes fly to mine. “No, I’m awake. Yeah. I’m actually at Ed’s with Seth and Gage. I know, I came home early.”
Gage and I share another look as Remi makes lunch arrangements with my mom. And I’m having a silent conversation with Gage.
“She’s making plans with your mom.”
“So?”
“How serious is this?”
“Pretty damn serious.”
“I guess I’m having lunch with your mom tomorrow,” Remi says after she hangs up the phone. “With Cara and Lauren, too.”
“Nice,” Gage says. “I’ll have to introduce you to my sister, Natasha, sometime. You’d like her.”
“I’m up for that.”
“You might meet her at the fire hall on Halloween,” I add. “I’m sure she’ll bring the kids there.”
“I get to go,” Remi says with excitement. “I’m happy to help out. This will be fun. I’m so glad I came back. Are you going to dress up?”
“As a park ranger,” I reply and tuck some hair behind her ear. “The kids think I’m cool in my uniform.”
“That’s not original,” she says. “We could go as a couple! Like, Han Solo and Princess Leia or something.”
“I look horrible with buns over my ears.” I laugh when she narrows her eyes on me.
“As entertaining as this is,” Gage says as he tosses some cash on the table, “I have to run. I’m glad you got home safe, Remi.”