Sunrise Canyon (New Americana 1)

This afternoon, with Jake in charge, Kira let her mind wander. Although she’d needed this monthlong break from work, she couldn’t help missing the last group of students who’d been through so much with her. She’d heard from some of them. Calvin had transferred to a school for gifted youngsters, where he was fitting in well. Lanie and her parents were in counseling. Brandon had found a gay friend, and Heather had a date for spring prom. From Faith, Patrick and Mack, she’d heard nothing.

“I hear the waterfall!” Paige shouted. “We’re almost there!”

A smile teased Kira’s lips as she pulled her thoughts back to the present. She and Jake had brought Paige on this picnic, in what was still her favorite place, for a reason. They had some special news to give her.

They tied the horses in the willows and spread a blanket next to the pond. As always, the little side canyon had recovered from the spring floods. The waterfall was little more than a trickle now, but the water was clear, the pond a mirror that reflected the sky and the overhanging willow

s. Grass had sprouted along the bank. Moss and wild violets ringed the water.

They spread their picnic on the blanket and sat down to eat. Jake’s eyes met Kira’s. His mouth formed a silent question: Now?

Kira gave him a smile and a nod. “Paige,” she said, “Jake and I have something to tell you. We’ve decided to get married.”

“Yay!” Paige jumped up, spilling her can of root beer as she hugged them both. “When?”

“We were thinking later this summer,” Jake said, “after the students are gone. Is that all right with you?”

“All right!” She clapped her hands, bouncing up and down. “I’ll have a real mom and dad, just like other kids. I wish you could just get married tomorrow.”

“So do I,” Kira said. “But we need time to plan some things. Now sit down and have a sandwich.”

Her eyes met Jake’s through a ray of sunlight. Leaning close, she brushed his lips with hers in a tender, lingering kiss. She loved him so much. Some people might tell her this was a mistake, that Jake would always have issues with PTSD. But he would be there for her and for Paige when they needed him. And when bad memories stirred the demons in his head, she would be there for him, to hold him and understand.

Their marriage wouldn’t be perfect, Kira knew. But she would settle for wonderful.