Page 189 of Mountain Grump
“Which one do you want?” I ask Tilda as I set the plates next to the box.
One is all vanilla; the other is all chocolate.
We spent the weekend eating oatmeal and protein bars, with very limited flavor options, so I don’t actually know what Tilda prefers.
She sets one on each plate, then lifts her shoulders. “They both look good.”
“Half and half?” I suggest.
Tilda nods. “Yes, please.”
She starts to turn, presumably for a knife, but I stop her.
“Wait.” I reach into the chest pocket on my flannel and pull out a single birthday candle, shaped like a pine tree, and a book of matches from Rocky Ridge Inn.
I stick the candle in the top of the chocolate one, because it’s closest to Tilda. Then I pluck a match from the book and strike it.
“Where did you find a tree candle?”
“Same store as everything else, except the cupcakes.” I lean down and hold the match in place while I light the wick. “I’ll take you someday.”
Candle lit, I shake out the match, then drop it into the empty dessert box.
We watch the candle burn for a second.
“It’s customary at this point to make a wish and blow out the flame.”
Tilda huffs. “I know.”
The candle continues to burn. “And…”
“And… Will you hum ‘Happy Birthday’ to me?”
Will I…
Then I remember.
That night after the mountain lion encounter.
I don’t want to.
Ireallydon’t want to.
But I can’t deny my Mountain Fairy.
Not on a regular day. And sure as shit not on her birthday.
Instead of answering, I step so I’m directly behind Tilda, then I wrap my arms around her upper chest and hold her against me.
And then, with our bodies pressed together, I hum.
Chapter 101
Tilda
The tune of “Happy Birthday”vibrates through my body.
I close my eyes, leaning into Ethan, tipping my head back against his shoulder.
