Page 96 of Love You Truly

Never.

I kiss her temple and pull her close.

We take a minute to look out over the valley from the top of Buttercup Hill, which gave our winery its name. It’s the tallest peak in the area, and it’s a popular hiking destination. Just not at seven in the morning, which is another reason I don’t mind the early hikes.

Today, however, we have company. The heavy breathing of a jogger nearing the top of a steep climb disrupts the quiet. A moment later, we’re joined by a tall guy in a backward baseball cap and a long-sleeved workout shirt that has to work to stretch over his chest and shoulders. Athlete, clearly.

He jogs in place at the top of the hill for a few seconds, taking in the view but never taking his earbuds out or stopping to stretch or chat with us.

As he turns around, we make eye contact and I realize I know him. His eyes widen and he extends a fist to bump. We nod at each other before he heads back the way he came.

“You know that guy?” Mallory whispers even though we’re a hundred yards away from the guy.

“Yeah. Hockey player.”

“That explains it.”

“Explains what?” My possessive reflexes spring into action. I suppose they always will around Mallory because she’s mine, and I don’t care who I need to fight off in order to prove it.

“Relax, caveman.” Just as quickly, Mallory settles against my chest and tames my baser instincts. I wrap my arms around her and rest my cheek against her hair. This is what happiness feels like. Good to know.

“That’s Dave Calhoun. Plays for the Sailors. Used to date my sister.”

“Which sister?”

“Trix.”

“Huh. Good on her.”

”Yeah. Whatever.” I know she loves me, but I’d rather delude myself into believing she doesn’t notice other men.

What I don’t tell Mallory is that my sister’s relationship with Cal didn’t end particularly well. She’s dated other guys since him, and she doesn’t bring him up. But like I’ve said, I’m good at reading people. I’ve been with my sister at the Dark Horse more than once when a Sailors game came on the TV and she wasted no time asking for the channel to be changed.

“I think I read something about him. Just bought the Dalehurst winery near Calistoga. Did you hear anything?”

“Nope.” And for my sister’s sake, I really hope it’s not true. Then again, it might not be the worst thing to have Dave Calhoun back in her life. He’s the one guy she never got over, and I do enjoy watching people. If he’s in town, the two of them will give me something to watch, for sure.

But for now, I swing an arm around my wife’s shoulder, and we start making our way down the hill. “I don’t have to be at work for over two hours,” I say. “Breakfast in bed, Marshmallow?”

Mallory nods. “Anything you want.”

“I want you. That’s all.”

She smiles. “Good. Because you can have me. Forever.”

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