Page 46 of Perfect Storm

The ranger steps forward.

“I'm Dawson, your guide for today. We’re heading up to the Ouzel Falls, which is about a thirty-minute hike at a good pace,” he tells our group. “The falls are forty feet high, with several viewing platforms to take pictures and admire the incrediblewaterfall. We’ll stop for something to eat or take breaks if required.”

“Sounds so good, I can’t wait!” Elsa claps her hands.

It’s after two. I reckon with the hike there and back, pausing for food and pictures, we’ll be back around dinnertime.

I hope Jordan has something fun planned for our last night here. As much as I’m not a hiker, this seems like it is gonna be fun. Especially watching Brooke as she glares at Jordan and Alessa.

“Okay, is everyone ready for the best fucking afternoon of their lives?” Jordan shrieks.

“Bold statement buddy,” Adam deadpans.

“Trust me, you fuckers are gonna love this.”

We follow Dawson onto the trail. Despite it all, I smile at the surrounding chatter.

I have to give it to Jordan and Alessa. This has been one hell of a trip.

Chapter 13

Sandy

Shit, I feel old following behind all these kids. Although, they’re not exactlykids. Sometimes, I still find it hard to believe my daughter is in her late twenties. It only feels like yesterday I was holding her as a newborn in my arms. I’d been twenty, but in love, married to a man I adored.

James would be so proud of our daughter, happy with this family she’s built around her. And now a baby. I am going to be a grandma. I burst with joy when I found out.

Jenna was so upset that everyone knew before me, but I told her to hush her silliness. I am overjoyed and would be no matter when or how she told me.

Adam is the man I could have only hoped to love my baby girl. He worships her, but he doesn’t take over. I’ve raised her well enough to know she is her own person, and he respects that. His protective instincts are kicking up a notch. I get it, she is carrying precious cargo, but he is walking a fine line already, same as her father did with me.

I can’t help the huge smile. It’s been one hell of an adventure out here. And I adore being part of the plans.

Jordan, what will I do with that boy? If we’d had a son, Jordan would be how I wanted him to be. Obviously, I frown upon his behavior of the past, but seeing him with Alessa is another great joy to me.

Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be a part of this family, too. They’ve welcomed me just as much as Jenna.

I’m so busy all up in my head that I misstep and stumble over a loose rock. Large hands grab ahold of me and stop me from going ass over teakettle. I look up at Stone, his eyes full of concern.

“You okay?” he asks.

And I blush. Like a fucking teenager. But I preen too, having his hands on me, helping me upright.

“I’m such a klutz,” I say with a laugh. “But I’m fine. You saved the day just in time.”

A frown mars his brow as he checks me over, making sure I’m telling the truth. Ocean and Dylan are behind us and stop to make sure I’m okay. I wave them all off, feeling a little embarrassed.

“Typical. The old lady is the one who takes a tumble,” I mutter.

“You’re not old,” Stone’s deep voice rumbles and I look up at him. He isn’t in his usual attire today. He’s way more casual than I’ve ever seen him, dressed for the hike. “Don’t put yourself down, Sandy.”

I admire his arms underneath his flannel shirt but look away, rubbing my lips together as I do. Jesus, it’s been a while since a man made my heart flutter. And not just my heart. Jenna will kill me if she knows how this guy is setting all manner of my exciting parts in a tizzy. Or maybe she won’t. She periodically questions me about finding a man.

I never told her, she was too young, and heartbroken over her father’s death, but there have been men over the years. Nothing meaningful.

My heart will always remain with James Montanari. Losing him the way we did makes it that much harder.

He was so young, so vital and full of love and life, and he doted on both of us. When he died, a hole opened up inside of me that no one could ever fill.

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