Page 49 of The Runaway Bride of Blitzen Bay (Blitzen Bay)

He jumps when I say Steve’s name. “Did you talk to him last night?”

“He texted me but I didn’t answer him. I need some time, you know?”

He nods his head but doesn’t say anything. I can sense his mood has changed.

“How long have you lived here?” I say, trying to break the awkward silence.

“About three months.”

“Did you move here after you got out of the army?”

He turns toward me and smiles slightly. He knows I’m trying to dig for information again.

“Yeah, kind of. It wasn’t planned. I stumbled across this town when I was out exploring one day. Something about it drew me in. It felt right. Does that make sense?”

“Perfect sense. This town is magical. It’s so quiet and peaceful. I could use more of that.”

“Maybe you should move here.” He sees my surprised face and quickly adds. “I mean you have the clothes for it now and stuff.”

I sigh. “As much as I would love to spend more time here, I start law school right after the holidays. I have to get back to L.A. I’m going to spend a few more days here though. And I promise you won’t have to babysit me the entire time.”

He looks over at me and frowns. “You know, I think it’s the law in California that when someone crawls into the back of your truck, you’re responsible for that person until they leave your town.”

“Wow,” I say, nodding. “I didn’t know that. California has weird laws.”

He shrugs and smiles. “It is what it is. I don’t want to be arrested.”

“Fine, then you’re responsible for me until I leave. I want to warn you that there will likely be more crying—maybe a lot more.”

“I understand my mission, ma’am.”

“Ranger talk. Hmm, I think you’re starting to open up to me a little bit.” I smile and tilt my head.

He points at me as he stops the truck and opens his door. “Stop looking at me like that or I will abandon you at the bottom of the hill.”

I smile and turn toward where he’s pointing. It’s the steepest hill I’ve ever seen. I hope he doesn’t think we’re going sledding on that.

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