Ends of the Earth

Maggie left the vent alone, crossing her arms over her chest. “Can I sit up front? I hate it back here.”

“No. You know you’re not allowed to sit in the front until you’re twelve. The airbag could really hurt you if we got into an accident.”

“You’re careful. We won’t.”

He bit back a huff. Was it going to be one of those days when she argued with everything? “Someone else could cause an accident as you are well aware. Enough.”

She sulkily asked, “Did you try to call him? He gave you his number, didn’t he?”

“Yes, but there’s no service in this area. You know that. We’ll just have to wait and see if he meets us.” Please meet us.

Being alone in the wilderness was definitely outside Jason’s comfort zone. He thought of home—the lumpy futon and toilet handle that had to be jiggled, the small kitchen with neat shelves and labeled containers. Home, where everything was familiar and safe.

Where he didn’t have all these new and confusing feelings for a man he’d just met.

After a stretch of silence, Maggie sighed wistfully, her mood apparently morphing, thank God. “Daddy? Can we live in the mountains one day?”

“Maybe one day, Mags.” He glanced back and smiled before adjusting the wiper blades to a slower rhythm now that the rain was easing. They thumped from side to side with a gentle squeak across the glass.

If Ben had stayed for dinner, what would have happened last night?

Jason gripped the wheel as half-formed images cartwheeled through his mind. Ben’s eyes up close, big hands on Jason, arms wrapping around him, bodies rubbing and lips meeting…

He gave his head a mental shake. Talk about being outside his comfort zone. He needed to focus on Maggie. This was her trip. It wasn’t about him and his…crush, or whatever it was.

He followed the signs to a small, empty lot at the trailhead. Putting the car in park, he peered around uneasily. “Maggie, it’s pretty deserted up here. I think we should go hiking on one of the more popular trails.”

“But Ben said this one has an amazing lookout. Besides, he’ll be with us.”

“He might be with us. If he can’t make it—”

“Less people means more nature!”

“More nature? We’re in Montana. It’s pretty much all nature.”

“Dad, you promised.” She stared at him with big, sad eyes.

It’s true, he had promised that morning they would do the hike, rain or shine, but he hadn’t realized just how isolated it would be. At least the rain was only a drizzle for the moment. It was mid-afternoon, but the sun didn’t set until after nine p.m., and hopefully the skies would clear soon.

The hum of an engine approached, and Jason’s belly flip-flopped as a familiar pickup truck drove into the small lot.

“He’s here! See, I told you!” Maggie clapped.

With a rush of giddiness, Jason tried not to grin like a fool. He shouldn’t indulge himself in pointless fantasies, but there was no harm in enjoying Ben’s company. He cleared his throat. “Okay, honey. Let’s do this thing.” He held up his palm.

She high fived him before hopping out of the car, Jason shouldering his backpack with water, snacks, bear spray, and his sketchbook. Peering around at the dense forest, he shoved the spray canister into his jacket pocket.

“Ben!” Maggie raced toward him, skidding to a stop by his feet.

“Hey there, kiddo.” Ben smiled widely. “Fancy meeting you here.” He pushed up the brim of his hat. Beneath his open dark green jacket, the top few buttons of his uniform shirt were unbuttoned, exposing a vee of tanned skin with scattered dark hair.

Pulse galloping, Jason tried to greet him, but couldn’t get a word in over Maggie’s breathless questions.

“Did you find the fisherman?”

“We did. His boat had been damaged on rocks and sank, but he made it to shore. Cold and shaken, but he’ll be just fine.”

“How far did he swim? Was he hungry?”

“About a mile, and he sure was.”

Jason cut in before Maggie could ask another question. “Glad you could make it. You’re sure we’re not taking you away from work?”

Ben smiled at him, and a shiver tripped down Jason’s spine. “This is work. Trail maintenance is ongoing. Making sure the path isn’t overgrown, no trees down, that kind of thing.”

“You’re so lucky you get to hike for money!” Maggie said.

“I sure am.” Ben hoisted a small pack onto his back. His green pants were tucked into his leather boots. The cuffs of Jason’s cargo pants were soaked already after stepping into a puddle getting out of the car, and he wished his hiking shoes were taller.

He said, “Maggie, roll up your khakis so they don’t get too wet.”

She bent and rolled her pants over her ankles, then popped back up and exclaimed, “Can we go to the lookout now?”

“You bet. It’s about an hour away.” Ben motioned Maggie ahead of them, and she skipped off excitedly, warbling the campfire song about barges, which was apparently her new favorite.