Page 21 of Wild Hearts

“Maybe one a year. Someone will get turned around if they don’t know what they’re doing. If there was road access, I’m sure it would be an issue though.”

“That’s convenient. I know Josh said you guys have always lived here. How long has this land been in your family?”

I think about the answer. It’s been a long time since someone has asked me.

“I’m not sure. Hundreds of years, for sure. I would say as old as the town, but truth is, our family was here before the town was founded.”

“Sounds like you have some rich history in the past. That’s really cool.”

I shrug. “My parents used to love to talk about our history. They would even hold a special event on Founder’s Day for it. I took over since they’ve passed, but it’s not the same. I don’t have the same passion for our history as they did.”

He slips his hand inside mine. “Do you mind me asking what happened?”

I let out a sad sigh. I forget that he’s new here. It’s been so long since someone’s asked about them and didn’t avoid the topic.

“I don’t mind talking about them at all. It makes others uncomfortable though.”

He gives my hand a gentle squeeze. “It takes a lot to make me uncomfortable. You can always talk about them with me. All I know is that they passed away before I met Striker. He doesn’t like to talk about it.”

I nod in understanding. “He feels guilty. Not for their deaths, but for not being home more. When he joined the Navy, my parents were proud, but they were worried. Josh was always supposed to be the one to take over the business. He was the one who helped them with it every summer and after school. I mean, I helped too, but not with the business stuff. Mostly with set up and break down. Or I would take care of the house and meals. When he left, it was hard on them. They had to go from relying on him, to making it work without him. I know he felt guilty for that.”

“I can see that. It makes sense why he doesn’t want to talk about it.”

“He dealt with it in his way and I deal with it in mine. You would’ve had thought after all the crazy things they did for the company that it would’ve been one of the adventures that took them out. Instead, it was a plane crash. Something completely normal that millions of people do every year. They were flying to Hawaii for a weeklong vacation. It was the first time they left me in charge. I still remember the call.” I wipe away the moisture that fills my eyes.

He stops us, pulling me into him. “I’m so sorry. That must have been difficult for you. I remember hearing about that plane. It was a manufacturer defect, right?”

I nod. “Some part in the engine finally failed. They gave all the families a settlement, but that doesn’t bring them back, ya know?”

“I know. So after that, you took over the business full-time?”

I pull out of his embrace and take his hand again. I lead us up the trail as we continue to talk.

“They passed the summer after my senior year in high school. So I withdrew from college and stayed home to keep the business and house running. They never taught me the books, so I’ve been winging it for years, but I think I have it down now. The adventures are the easiest part. I’ve always loved exploring the outdoors. Planning trips for other people to enjoy them is just a perk of the job. It’s worth it when you see their face light up.”

“I bet. I love watching the way your face lights up when you talk about it,” he says.

I feel a blush cover my cheeks. Thankfully, he changes the subject to lighter topics.

We make small talk for the rest of the hike. I ask him what his favorite place to visit was, Monaco; he asks mine, Ireland. He asks me what holiday I love most, Christmas, and he tells me his, Thanksgiving. The hour speeds by in the blink of an eye and the next thing I know is we’re here.

“Are you ready to be amazed?” I turn to him, excited to share this with him.

“I’m always amazed with you.” The sincerity in his eyes touches my heart.

“Now this place is a well-kept Pierson secret, before I show you, you have to promise never to tell someone else about this place.”

“Your secret’s safe with me, I’ll take it to my grave,” he says solemnly.

“How about we try to keep you alive a while longer, yeah?” I tease, making him smirk.

Mick grabs my hand and walks alongside me.

“We have to walk under this canopy of trees.”

We crouch low under the branches until we clear the trees. When we straighten, I hear Mick’s intake of breath.

“Holy shit, is this a hot spring?” The look on his face is total awe.

---