Page 17 of Montana's Bravest

“Soon-to-be Ms. Cavanagh,” Ivy clarifies.

“Ms. Cavanagh,” Mark revises his greeting.

“Oh, for God’s sake, Mark. Call me Ivy.”

My partner may be the strongest man I’ve known—in battle, in business, and in life—but in the presence of his secret love, he’s coming apart at the seams.

Ivy goes on, “Never thought I’d see you here. A new job?”

He responds, “We just needed a change.”

Recognizing a possible awkward pause, I chime in, “How’s Noah?”

“He’s alright. He’s seeing a therapist, but we’re hopeful that the trauma won’t be permanent. I can’t thank you two enough.” She smiles warmly. “And Sam, even though you hate it, what you did up there deserved acknowledgment. You’re a hero.”

I shake my head. I know she’s referring to my recent outburst at one of the press conferences. “I’m no hero, Ivy.” I take a deep breath, escaping her stare. But she soon turns her gaze to Mark anyway.

Silence follows as we’re unable to decide where to look and what to say.

“What d’you think of that?” Charlie nods at our almost-empty bottles of Fallen Angel, rescuing the conversation.

“It’s amazing!” I say.

“I thought the same, Sammy Boy. My next business venture would be to import those babies into Britain,” Charlie quips.

“Two cheeseburgers?” The waitress comes with a tray of two well-stacked and delicious-looking burgers.

“Would you care to join us?” I invite Ivy and Charlie, which prompts Mark to send a secret cringe at me.

“Oh no, you guys enjoy your meals,” Ivy says. “I just wanted to say hello.”

“Hey, Ivy.” I stop her from turning away. “We’re having a party this weekend at my place. It’s Red Mark’s anniversary. You’re invited.”

A smile paints her face while her eyes flick to Mark, as if asking whether he’ll be there—even though it should be a given.“Congratulations, guys!” she responds. “Send me the details and I’ll see if my schedule allows.”

“It’s a Saturday,” I say while my partner tosses me a horrified look.

“My job knows no weekend. You know that, Sam,” she says. “Besides, I heard the weather is going to be nasty.”

“I’ll come,” Charlie says and pats my back.

“A party?” Mark bites out as Ivy and Charlie step away. “Red Mark’s anniversary?”

I made it up. “Hey, it’s my party, and who cares what we’re celebrating?”

“Fine! I bet she won’t come.”

“Did you notice Ms. Cavanagh was sans wedding ring?” I tease him.

“Stop it, Sam.” He clutches his dinner knife. “You keep saying you’re learning to be me, and now you’re trying to make me fall in love?”

I laugh at him, and only stop to gorge a mouthful of my cheeseburger. Fuck me! The waitress meant it when she said it was the best in Montana.

I push thoughts of Mark’s bachelorhood to the side, keen on avoiding his analysis of my love life, and that dreaded label of ‘needy’ he threw earlier.

“So, tell me again,” I say and then pause to have another bite. “Why did you take us to Helena?”

“Our new office,” Mark says with conviction.

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