Page 91 of Unexpected Danger
Xander finished chewing and tilted back his head to contemplate her question. “I would buy some doggy treats for Yukon, and then I would buy one of those butterfly farms I saw in the store.”
“Sounds like a worthwhile purchase,” said Brodie, “but why does that not surprise me?” He reached out, eyes searching hers as he tentatively took her hand in his. An electric current zipped through her, and she offered a breathless smile. He inclined toward her and captured her lips in a quick kiss.
“Eww,” whined Xander.
But Londyn wasn’t paying attention to Xander’s response. She was relishing the warmth of Brodie’s kiss.
The day didn’t get any better than this.
Brodie admired the way Londyn had taken Xander under her wing, not that the kid wasn’t easy to love, because he was. Although Brodie was more than biased. He recalled the days when he and his brothers teased Londyn by chasing her with grasshoppers and how she enjoyed fishing, but not putting the worms on the hook. For as much as she loved being outside, there were some things she wasn’t fond of, like worms. And she loved plenty of girly things like her special porcelain dolls, flowers, and the color lavender.
The benefits of knowing someone for years.
Brodie was thankful he’d been able to spend his lunch with her since the day was slower. The kiss was an added bonus. And now, as he sat there watching Londyn and Xander examine fries and sesame seeds through the microscope, a warm feeling wormed its way through him. He wanted to someday share a life with her. But he would tread slowly. So much had changed since their discussion after the adoption fundraiser at Jimmy’s. After church yesterday, Londyn had packed a lunch and they’d shared a picnic at an out-of-the-way park in nearby Upton. While they’d only discussed benign, lighter topics, Brodie hoped this latest turn of events was the beginning of a new chance with Londyn.
Things had changed between them for the better. He would take it slow as he never wanted to scare her away again. And if he could apprehend Haack, all would be right with the world.
Chapter 26
A week later, Londyn and Brodie loaded the canoe and hopped into Brodie’s truck. It had been some time since Londyn had canoed, and she’d always enjoyed being up in the mountains and out on the lake. When Brodie suggested this, she eagerly agreed. While they’d seen no sign of Dustin during the past week, it would give her a break from having to be constantly vigilant. They left town and started up the winding road to the Pronghorn Mountains.
She cast a glance in his direction. He wore a gray athletic-wear tank top that accentuated his toned build, along with swim trunks revealing white, muscular legs. His arms were tanned from time in the sun assisting Roarke at the ranch. The wind ruffled his short dark hair, adding to his clean-shaven, rugged appearance.
Lush green surrounded them with millions of pines and aspen groves dotting the landscape. The slow-paced speed limits allowed extra time to take in the beauty of God’s Creation. The cool air from the air conditioner blew through the vents,and Londyn watched the temperature go from 86 degrees in Pronghorn Falls to a comfortable 75 degrees once they started to climb. Brodie reached over and clasped his fingers around hers while keeping one hand on the steering wheel. Her heart pounded frantically in her chest. Now all she had to do was keep from messing up this second chance.
A familiar song sounded on the radio. “Wow,” she said. “I haven’t heard this song in forever.”
“It brings back memories, doesn’t it?” Brodie temporarily released her hand and turned up the volume. “This takes me back a few years.”
“I think the last time we sang this song was when we were having a campfire at your parents' house a couple of years ago, and Grayson decided to bring his portable speaker.”
“That sounds like Grayson. He always has to have his music.”
Londyn nodded. “Well, he does have a great voice.”
“He does. I think we were all singing, and Dad, of course, was ad-libbing.”
Londyn noticed the faraway look in Brodie’s eyes, and she squeezed his hand. She hated how life could be so unfair.
She and Brodie lifted their voices together, harmonizing with the original singer’s voice. Londyn loved the Christian song that spoke of fully relying on the Lord, no matter what the circumstances.
The song ended, and a grin crossed Brodie’s face. “I have to admit we do sound good together.”
Pronghorn Lake came into view, with its clear waters splashing against the rocky and sandy shore. Brodie took a left and drove down the winding road to the parking lot. A mama duck and her ducklings swam across the lake, reminding Londyn of all the times she and the Brenneman family would feed the ducks oatmeal.
With the exception of a family loading up their kayaks and paddleboards, no one else was around, which would make for a nice, peaceful time out on the water. Londyn could hardly wait. They planned to eat lunch while floating peacefully along the water.
A moose in the distance caught her eye, and an eagle soared overhead. Brodie backed down the road parallel to the dock, which was often used to unload watercraft, to fish, or even to lounge on while watching the ducks.
Pronghorn Lake did not allow motorized boats, and the launching area was somewhat primitive, but Londyn wouldn’t have it any other way.
When she was in junior high and high school, Londyn spent the majority of her summers camping with the Brennemans. Mom was just happy to get her out of her hair. Looking back, Londyn wished she had invited Logan. Perhaps that would have drawn them closer and given him a surrogate family as well.
Brodie stopped the truck and leaned toward her. He brushed a wisp of hair behind her ear. “I’m really glad you agreed to go canoeing.”
“I’m glad you asked. I’ve missed being out on the water.”
Brodie cupped her face in his hands, and the nearness of him caused a peculiar flutter in her belly. She closed her eyes as his lips met hers. It was a kiss with longing and tenderness all wound together in a pleasing moment that ended all too soon.
