Page 40 of Cozy Cabin for Two
“T-told you. Don’t leave k-keys in the truck.” At least Willow had her sense of humor despite whatever had happened.
“Never again, baby. Never. I swear.”
Juniper sighed and hovered above us. The trembling love of my life in my arms had just been through something so horrific, I couldn’t even imagine. A million questions formed. Only one thing mattered. “Thank God, you’re alright. If I’d have lost you…?” I couldn’t finish, swallowing down the lump in my throat.
Willow looked up at me, her eyes swollen from crying, and croaked, “Bear.”
My eyes flicked to the large grizzly nearby, thankful it wasn’t moving. Yet. I’d seen bears get knocked down and get back up again. But Knox had the gun cocked and ready to use if needed.
“Yes, baby. There really was a bear this time.” I brushed her hair back to keep it from matting into the nasty cuts on her forehead.
She tried to speak more, to tell me what happened, but broke down, shaking, probably going into shock.
“It’s okay. I’m here now, and I’m never leavingyou.” I wrapped my arms around her. She was so cold. My palms rubbed up and down her back to keep her warm.
Soon, emergency crews arrived. First thing, I demanded they get Willow in the ambulance and care for her wounds. As they treated her, she calmed down enough to tell the chief what had happened, from the hijacking at the cabin to the bear and then to Juniper.
The entire situation made my stomach churn. Christ, just when I had my past guilt managed, a new guilt arrived.
“I shouldn’t have left her side tonight, Knox. I should have been the one to endure all of this, not Willow.”
“Hey, boss. We couldn’t have seen this coming. Don’t beat yourself up,” he commiserated with me.
I knew he was right. I refused to be the weak man I was before, running from things. Thanks to Willow, I’d stay and deal with this and be the strong man she and Ro needed right here, right now.
Eventually, Knox tied Juniper to the ATV and slowly guided her back to the barn. He’d bring some of our guys here tomorrow to tow my truck out of the ditch. The chief’s men took the fugitive into custody in another ambulance, calling all of us heroes for finally capturinghim.
Willow deserved the accolades, not me. But I’d help her get through her injuries and back on her feet, no matter what it took. I’d be her hero.
The chief called the rangers at the local park to come take care of the bear. Finally, the EMTs insisted Willow be taken to the hospital in Lewiston for further observation for a concussion. It’s a wonder she could walk away from all of this. She didn’t have broken bones, but she had a bruised shoulder and many scrapes and wounds.
“No. I need to see my baby. Please, Ash, take me to Ro.” The stubborn woman pushed off the gurney in the ambulance.
I made a deal with the EMTs that I’d observe her overnight and bring her to Lewistown first thing in the morning for further evaluation.
Right now, all that mattered was getting Willow to Ro. I bundled her up in blankets the EMTs provided, put her in the chief’s car, and he drove us home.
Home toourcabin. Where I vowed from this day forward until my dying day, I’d let nothing bad happen to Willow or Ro again. I’d love them with my entire heart and soul, and I’d protect them as best I could, one day at a time.
Thanks to Knox, by the time we got back to the cabin, it was lit up, a fire going,and coffee brewing. He’d spread the word, and our friends and some of my crew gathered there on the porch and waited for us. He and Colt, and Daisy and her sisters, they all stuck around for a little while, making sure we had everything we needed for the night.
Inside, Willow held Ro, both of them crying as they sat on the couch together. We had talked about it in the Chief’s car on the way here and decided to keep the story simple for Ro, for now, not needing to give her every detail.
Willow would tell her about the bear and about Juniper, but not about the accident or the fugitive. The accident might have triggered some worries and fears about her mother leaving her given the similarities to Scott’s untimely death. Maybe someday we’d tell her everything. Most importantly, she needed to know that Willow was here and not going anywhere.
Meanwhile, outside, I quietly relayed the entire ordeal for everyone else to hear. I asked them kindly not to talk about the details when they were around Ro and why. By the end, they were all heartbroken about what had happened.
“Please let us know if Willow and Ro need anything. We’re all here for you , Ash,” Daisy squeezed my shoulder, and all the others nodded, sharing the sentiment.
“Thanks, everyone. I appreciate your support more than you know. But it’s getting late. I should get these two to bed.” And with that cue, everyone gave hugs all around and promised to stop by tomorrow to check on us. I asked Knox to take over running the ranch for me for a few days as I didn’t plan to leave Willow’s side yet.I’d call Chris tomorrow and tell him everything.
I realized how much I relied on these good people. I’d arrived in Montana knowing no one and keeping my past pain locked up tight, wanting peace and quiet on this mountain. Now friends and family abounded, my past opened up, being dealt with, and most importantly, a woman and her child filled my heart and soul with love.
No longer was I alone here, and I wouldn’t change a thing about it.
I watched them all leave, my heart full, then I walked into my cabin and locked the front door.
After I checked all the other windows and doors and ensured they were locked, I finally settled on the couch and brought my arms around both of them, not too tightly, being gentle especially with Willow.
