Page 26 of The Christmas Romance Wish

“My roommate is getting married soon and although I could keep our three-bedroom apartment all to myself, my brother offered me his penthouse. The problem is, I’m afraid of heights. I hardly look out my apartment’s windows and I’m only on the fourth floor.”

As she gazes at the rolling hills, coated with snow, she lets out a pleasant sigh. Something like peace relaxes her features as if she truly likes it here.

“So, you’re considering the upcountry? It’s not a bad life, but I’m biased.”

“How’d you find your way out here?”

“My grandparents left me this property. Used to come out here to camp and hunt between deployments. About ten years in, I built a cabin.” I point at the nearest one.

“That’s the one I stayed in.”

“And my favorite. Slowly, I added on the barn and some outbuildings. Then about five years ago I had the house built. Just about sunk my life savings into it. But then I had the idea for Wild Warriors and everything fell into place as I led wilderness experience expeditions, adventures, and hunting trips. It was a reminder of God’s provision.”

Emmie nods slowly as if she’s surprised someone like me, who’s seen the evil in the world up close and personal, would be a man of faith.

I add, “It’s the only thing that got me through.”

We’re quiet as I make my way through each cabin, making sure everything is in order before the cleaning crew comes later this morning and I shut off the power.

“Will you have more guests soon?”

“Not until the end of January. I wanted to lighten my load around the holidays and keep things simple. This was the last hoorah for the year.”

“Any big plans with Ginny?”

“Oh, I’ll spoil her, that’s for sure. How about you?”

“I’m surprising my brothers with a visit.” She tells me about their recent marriages and how she missed a few of them, most recently on Thanksgiving. “I promised to be there by New Year’s. Usually, I spend it with Dylann, but we’re breaking tradition this year so I figured I may as well go a few days early.”

She’s mentioned Dylann a few times, and I bristle but remind myself that her love life is none of my business.

As we exit the last cabin, I glance at the sky, darkening with heavy clouds. “Good thing the guys left last night. Hopefully, your flight isn’t delayed or canceled.”

Her spirits seem to dive. “You probably can’t wait to get some alone time with Ginny after hosting all weekend.”

“Not really. I like the periodic company. I go to headquarters in town on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, which just about fills up my people-ing quota. The rest of the time I tend to things here and work from home. Trust me, Ginny gets plenty of attention.”

“Lucky girl,” Emmie mutters.

Considering she’s rescued, that’s the truth.

As Emmie joins me on the path toward the barn, my gaze travels from her sparkling eyes to her rosy cheeks. I wage an inner battle with the part of me that wants to thoroughly enjoy what I see and the other half that barks,Move along, soldier.Hands off, Eyes up.

When we get to an area with a clear view of the mountains, she pauses, “It’s amazing here. You have a special spot.”

“Nothing like fresh mountain air and simple living,” I answer.

“You must’ve missed Ginny over the weekend.”

“A bit, but she probably missed me more.” I chuckle.

Emmie drops back slightly. “Are you sure about this? I don’t want to intrude.”

“About meeting Ginny? Don’t be silly. She’d love to meet you.”

“I bet.” Still, Emmie slows as though traipsing through the snow isn’t her favorite way to travel, reminding me that she’s a self-proclaimed city girl.

Although she’s on the shorter side, I don’t doubt that she could’ve kept up with us on the hike. On Friday night, some guys were showcasing their jiu-jitsu skills. Emma watched carefully and when Paxton lost, she muttered something about how he should’ve used the kimura lock.

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