Page 21 of Mountain Man Crush
BETHANY
Spring has finally sprung and the snow and ice have melted away. Life is pretty much back to normal. The roads are clear, and I can come and go as I please, although I don’t usually go much further than next door. Work keeps me busy throughout the day and my evenings are filled by Jack. While we agreed to take things slow and we both still live at our own places, it’s rare for us to go very long without seeing the other. We take turns staying the night with one another, and he insists on bringing me lunch every day while I sit in front of my computer working. He leaves in the mornings to go do his usual activities like hunting, fishing, or chopping wood, but he always comes back to have lunch with me. It feels like life has a whole new meaning and not a day passes that I don’t thank God for that winter storm.
I pull into his driveway and walk into the house, finding him sitting on the couch with a glass of bourbon. “What are you doing? We have to go.”
He stands up and finishes off his glass. “I know. I just wanted a drink to calm my nerves.”
I smile. “Why are you nervous?”
“I’m meeting your sister and your brother-in-law for the first time,” he points out with wide eyes.
I laugh. “Well, if it makes you feel any better, it’s my first time meeting him too,” I point out, and Jack smiles and shakes his head.
We load up into my car, and I drive us down the mountain for the first time as a couple. In town, we drive directly to the Italian restaurant where Destiny and her new husband are climbing out of a truck. Destiny notices my car and waits for us to park and climb out. I rush over to her and pull her in for a long hug.
“It’s good to see you, sis.”
“It’s good to see you, too. You look so good. Happy,” she points out.
I smile. “You too,” I reply, reaching back and catching Jack’s hand. “I think we have some important people to meet.”
“Yes. Shepard, this is my sister Bethany, and her boyfriend, Jack,” she says.
“It’s nice to meet you,” Shepard says, shaking my hand and then Jack’s.
Destiny reaches out and shakes Jack’s hand as well. “You better take care of my sister up on that mountain top.”
Jack laughs. “I will,” he promises.
We all walk into the restaurant together and we’re seated immediately. I sit between Jack and Destiny. We all decide to split a bottle of wine and the waiter rushes off to get it.
“So, Jack. My sister tells me that you haven’t eaten in a restaurant for years. Is that true?”
He lets out a laugh that only I would understand to be nervous. “I don’t leave the property much. I come to town to work a couple times a month and to restock on supplies, but that’s pretty much it. Although, I did eat at the bar and grill the day the winter storm hit.” He looks at me and smiles.
“It’s so crazy that the two of you got snowed in like that. Sounds like a match made in heaven.”
“So, tell me about the hotel and how your business is doing.” I pick up the glass of wine that was just set in front of me and take a sip.
“The hotel is doing great. We were worried that it would take a while to pick up at first, but it really hasn’t. Everyone loves the spa. You two should go try it out. I think I got some passes in the truck.”
“And the party planning?”
“Oh, it’s really picking up too. I’m getting jobs all over the country after the press got word I did the party for the hotel. Everything is great.”
The waiter is back and asking for our dinner order. I order a bowl of ravioli and Jack finally settles on lasagna, unsure of most pasta dishes. Once our orders are put in, we’re left alone to talk and catch up.
While Destiny and I talk about her travels, I can’t help but to listen into Jack’s conversation with Shepard. Shepard is telling Jack how he wants to open a woodworking business. Since moving to the country he’s found a hidden talent. He’s been making porch swings, picnic tables, and other furniture. I almost want to celebrate when I hear Jack volunteer to help. I love that he’s around so much, but it really would do wonders for him to be able to get off the mountain a little more. He needs friends. He’s kept himself so secluded over the years.
I notice that Destiny hasn’t touched her glass of wine, but has instead been sipping at her water and I can’t help wondering why. I lean in and whisper, “You’re pregnant, aren’t you?”
Her eyes grow wide. “How’d you know?”
“You’re my little sister. I know everything.”
She smiles. “We’re not telling anyone yet. It’s still early. I’m only a few weeks along.”
“That’s wonderful. Congratulations,” I whisper, leaning in to hug her.
