Page 100 of Mountain Protector

To distract myself, I run through the list of presents I bought Lark, wondering if there’s anything I left out. If there’s something special I forgot.

I may have gone a little overboard with gifts this year, but once I started shopping, it was hard to stop. So I have mountains of presents stashed at my house waiting to be wrapped—practical things like mittens and hats and a new winter coat, and fun things like an upgraded Kindle and a stack of new books.

And then the big gift, the one I really,reallyhope she’ll like.

Not a ring, though I’ve thought about it at least a hundred times. I’ve even stopped into the jewelry store on several occasions and on the last visit, I put a depositdown on a ring—something called a cushion cut diamond with tiny emeralds on each side.

If the circumstances were different, I’d propose now. Or, rather, on Christmas, since I know Lark would love it. But with her concussion, and the trauma she endured just a few days ago, it doesn’t feel like the right time. My heart says,go for it, but logic tells me to wait until things settle down.

So I’ll wait. Give Lark the chance to come to terms with everything that happened. And in the meantime, I came up with a gift I think she’ll love—a hidden library, just like we talked about weeks ago.

It’s not built yet, obviously. It would be a little hard to start major construction in Lark’s house without her noticing. But I have all the plans drawn up, plus samples of wood for the shelves and fabric swatches for the furniture, and a 3D rendering of how the room will look when it’s done.

Ithinkit’s a good idea. When Niall called the other day, I asked him what he thought. His fiancée, Jade, is a book lover, so he asked her. A minute later, he came back, laughing. “Well. Now Jade wants me to build her a hidden library in our apartment. So I’d say she approves.”

Shit. I’ve never felt this excited about the future before. Optimistic, yes. But with Lark, I can see the months and years laid out in front of us—vacations and holidays and cheering on each other’s victories, and one day, starting our own little family. Building on to Lark’s cabin so there’s room for however many kids we decide to have. Spending our lives together.

I’m reminded of something Tom said last week,when I called to tell him about everything that’s happened over the last few months. A smile in his voice, he said, “Knox, I just had a feeling coming back here was the right thing for you. I know you have some bad memories from this place, but now’s the time to make new ones. Better ones. And make sure the guest room is all set up, because once the snow melts, I’m coming to visit. I can’t wait to meet Lark.”

I can’t wait, either. All my friends are going to love her. And if they give me shit about falling in love and getting engaged, I’m more than okay with it.

As I pass the sign that readsBliss - 5 miles, I belatedly realize I haven’t worried about Lark in… at least five minutes. Which is progress.

I’ll still text her when I get to Bliss, though. Not because I’m worried. Just to check in.

After all, I need to know what kind of cookies she wants. Make sure there’s not something else she needs me to pick up at the store. We could be out of eggnog, which I’ve learned is an absolute necessity on Christmas. Or we might?—

A blaring sound fills the car.

For just a second, I think it’s a police car with its sirens on, racing to an emergency.

For just a moment, I let myself believe it.

Just as quickly, reality crashes into me.

Not the police.

It’s my phone. Sounding an alarm.

My foot comes off the accelerator, and I come to a stop in the middle of the road.

My muscles won’t seem to work.

No.

It can’t be.

Lark’s supposed to be safe.

She’s not supposed to be signaling me for help again.

A car comes up behind me, honking furiously as I fumble for my phone.

Like I’m moving through a fog, I manage to pull off to the side of the road.

I jab at the screen, my heart about to burst out of my chest.

First the tracking app, where Lark’s little dot is still at home, flashing a violent red.

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