Page 61 of Maid in Heaven

“For a higher spot in the harem. They bicker over men just like women do.” The coachman laughed, tickled by his own comment.

Ava gazed at the animals. Countless eyes staredback as though Will and Ava were the creaturesreallyon display.

“They’regorgeous,” Ava cooed, turning in her seatto watch the elk. The carriage got soclose to some that Ava could see the burnt-orange hue of their irises.

Will spread his arms across the top of the cart behind them and took in the incredible viewof the snow-dusted mountain range and colorful, wide-open Wyoming sky.Rolling hillsdipped down to the largevalley that hundreds of elkcalled home. Pristine fields of undisturbed white snow surrounded themin nearly every direction.

“It’s incredible that they know this place is safe,” Ava mused. “They’ve learned totrust peopleandallow the cartsto pass.”

Will smiled, overjoyed at the childlike wonder on Ava’s face. She looked like she was watching a magic act.

The coachmen laughed.“These elk are here because they know this is a refuge. Hunters scare them to this place, or they come in search of food.Don’t touch their calves, keep a wide berth, and you’ll be fine.”

Will chuckled. “They’re just like us. All they want issalt, safety,and sex.”

“Salt?” Ava asked, trying to keep her mind off ofthe latter.Or lack thereof…

The coachman hacked and cleared his throat. “Ever heard of the saying ‘antlers still in velvet’?”

Ava nodded, studying the man as if she would be tested on the subject.

“Well,those antlers take a lot of minerals to grow. Theelk areattracted to salt lick stands and seek a variety ofnutrients to regrow their antlers after they fall off. The ‘velvet’ is actually thousands of tiny blood vessels. They eventually die off and itch, so theelkrub ‘em against tree bark and branches to get ‘em off.”

“Cool.” Ava stared at one of the thick sets of antlers and wondered how many minerals it must’ve takento grow onesthat massive.

“Another little-known fact: their teeth are valuable. Besides being hunted for their racks and meat, certain elk teeth are made ofivoryandare used to make jewelry.”

“I tried to get into hunting,” Will admitted, “but something about theireyes… I could never pull the trigger. They’re not dumb animals.They have their own language, their own customs. I respect the hell out of hunting, but elk…I just can’t do it.”

Ava nestled into the crook of Will’s armand smiled contentedly.

Will and Ava enjoyed the rest of theride in silence, soaking in the breathtaking viewof awilderness that stretched miles ahead.

19

As Will walked herback to her car,Ava jangled her keys in her hand and leaned against the driver’s side door.“Thank you for this. It was fascinating. And thank you for making sure we had the cart to ourselves. That’s one of the sweetest things anyone has done for mein a looooong time.”

“I’m just glad we could spend some time together.”He pressed his hand to the SUV and leaned in. Ava felt her hands go clammy.But she was ready for this.

Ready forhim.

She looked at his lips, slightly wind-burned from the blistering coldbut still utterly delectable. He stared at her for a moment.

This was it.

“Drive safe, okay?”

Hepushed away from the car and turned to leave.

“Wh-what thehell?” Ava uttered aloud, flabbergasted.

Will turned around and chuckled. “What?”

“What do you mean,what? This is like our fourth date, and I haven’t gotten so much as a kiss from you.Do you not find me attractive?”

“Why would you eventhinkthat?”

“Because you haven’t put the moves on me atall. From what I’ve heard, Idunno. I just…thought this would go differently.”

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