Page 19 of Sheltered By the Surly Forester

"Yeah, yeah, yeah," I grumble, kissing her forehead. "Text me if you need anything. I'll only be a few hours."

By the time I'm getting into my truck, I already miss her. Driving out to where Maple Trail, our largest hiking path, starts, I can't stop wondering: I've always loved the trees in the forest. It's always felt like my life's mission to care for them.

But suddenly I have another life mission. Emie. I can't stop feeling that she's mine to care for, to nurture, to hold forever. Maybe that's why she's giving me such strange looks. For this to happen so fast does feel unnatural. But that doesn't mean it isn't right.

At the head of Maple Trail, three men are already standing beside their trucks. My older brother, Jace, the local forest ranger. My friend Barrett, who helps maintain the trail. And my old buddy Brady, a lumberjack. All of us are committed to keeping the forest healthy.

We hike to the problem area, at the edge of the Bekker property, and analyze the situation. It's a straightforward fix – just remove several downed trees and partially clear a small area low to the ground. Barrett and Brady already have plans for the wood, and Jace and I take a bunch of photos to let the Bekkers know that the issue will be dealt with within the week.

Normally we’d all stand around near our trucks and drone on about the state of the world for a good half hour before leaving, but the breeze picks up bringing a sprinkle of rain just as we get there, so we adjourn to Corina's for a coffee instead.

Once the four of us have thoroughly discussed the current state of the forest, and the new car that Walker Dirty has been seen driving around town, Jace turns to me. "Do you have anything to tell us?"

I know what he means. I'm not biting. "Yes, actually. The issue of where to build the birdwatching lodge is basically solved."

"Lodge?" Jace asks. "I thought it was just going to be a little cabin. Something for four to six people."

"Yes, but it won't take much more space to make a place that would sleep fifteen to twenty." I quickly explain the idea of having the lodge right by the road for minimal tree removal, and Emie’s idea of the bikes on the trail without mentioning her name.

Barrett nods. "That’s all a little out there for you. But it's a solid plan. I like it."

"I might have had some help with it."

Jace raises an eyebrow. "That pretty brunette you've been hanging out with? Are you going to tell us about her?"

Barrett smirks. "The one you were spotted with at the grocery store? We've all been hearing rumors."

I look at Brady, who just shrugs. "Come on, Josh. You haven’t dated in, what…ten years? More? If people see you with a young lady, they’re going to assume that you're together."

"Her name is Emie, for the record. She's…" Ugh. No matter what I say, they're going to mock me. Or ask far too many questions. There's no way to explain she's already the love of my life. That she lights up my heart like fourth of July fireworks.

Yeah, no. I definitely cannot say that to these guys.

"She's amazing." I might as well be totally honest. "I'm completely infatuated with her."

Instead of making a crack, Barrett just nods. "What's she like?"

"Well, she's brilliant, for a start. She went through the maps with me and just knew instinctively how to sort everything out. Thanks to her ideas, we'll only have to take down maybe fifteen to twenty trees in total."

"Makes sense to have it by the main road," Brady nods. "If people are out for a hike anyway, they won’t mind going a bit farther to preserve the forest."

"She has all sorts of ideas for the birders. Including making the lodge subtly bird-themed, room by room. And creating viewing areas on the trail like hunter's blinds – mini camouflaged shelters. If the visitors are comfortable, they'll enjoy the experience more."

Jace elbows me. "You've always had a soft spot for animals."

Brady perks up, sensing a story. "For instance?"

"No seven-year-old boy needs three cats in his room, plus a wounded bird. That was a tense combination. Mom nearly had a fit." Jace chuckles. "He was always taking in strays like that when he was little. If any creature didn't have a home, Josh would try to build them one. Or just smuggle them into the house and hide them under the bed."

They all laugh at me. I don't even care. "Well, I'm leaving the birds outdoors now, because they're great for tourism. Definitely the right kind of tourists. And this lodge is going to be amazing. Wait until you?—"

I hear a familiar voice ordering a coffee to go, and leap to my feet when I see Emie at the counter. "That's on my tab, Corina."

"Sure, no problem." She presses the white and green cup into Emie's hand with a smile, and I slip an arm around my beauty's shoulders. "Have a great day."

"Thanks." Emie turns to me, her voice low. "I thought that was you. I do have coffee money, apparently." Her eyes dart around nervously.

When I glance around, everyone except the guys at my table drops their eyes to their mugs immediately, making Emie seem nervous.Shit.Of course everyone is curious about a new girl in town, especially when she's with a Wolfe.

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