Page 16 of Caught By the Lumberjack

"And I'm sorry I wasn't more thorough in my research," I added. "I came in with assumptions that weren't fair."

"And I assumed you were just another clueless activist," he acknowledged. "Seems like we were both wrong."

I laughed softly. "Good thing Mother Nature intervened with that storm."

"Very good thing." His hand found mine, fingers intertwining. "So what happens now? You head back to California? Find another logging company to chain yourself to?"

The question held more weight than his casual tone suggested. I looked out at the mountains, then back at him, struck by how comfortable this felt—standing beside him, our hands joined as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

"I don't know," I admitted. "My life has always been about moving to the next cause, the next protest. I've never stayed in one place long enough to..." I trailed off, not quite ready to articulate the thoughts forming in my mind.

"To put down roots?" he suggested quietly.

"Something like that."

Vaughn turned to face me fully, his expression earnest. "What if you didn't leave Ashwood? You mentioned wanting to open a farm-to-table restaurant. Harriet's orchard produces amazing organic produce. There are other small farms nearby. The tourist traffic to Fire Mountain means you'd have customers."

My heart beat faster at the possibility he was painting. "Are you suggesting I stay?"

"I'm suggesting that maybe this is exactly where you're meant to be. Fighting for the environment in a different way—by showcasing what sustainable local food can be." His hand tightened around mine. "And maybe I'm suggesting that I'd really like it if you stayed."

"That's quite a proposition, Mr. Ridgeway." I moved closer, tilting my face up to his. "A logging man and a tree-hugger? Sounds almost counter-cultural."

"I've always been a bit of a rebel," he murmured, his free hand coming up to cup my cheek. "And I could donate the wood for your restaurant—in fact, I’ll be glad to give you all the wood you want. Sustainably harvested, of course."

"Of course." I grinned, something warm and hopeful unfurling in my chest. "You know what? I think maybe you're right. Maybe this is exactly where I'm supposed to be."

He lowered his head, his lips meeting mine in a kiss that felt like promise and possibility. When we broke apart, I gazed up at the towering trees surrounding us, at the clear blue sky above, at the man beside me who had upended all my expectations.

"To Mother Nature," I said, raising an imaginary glass. "And new adventures."

Vaughn's smile was brighter than the morning sun as he pulled me close again. "To new growth," he whispered against my lips, before claiming them once more.

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