Married in the Mountains (Camp Hardwood 1)

“I didn’t think you were.” I smile into his neck, knowing I’m going to need a nap by the time he’s finished.

The swimsuit was worth every penny and I don’t even care that I only got to wear it once. My husband might deny it but he loved that swimsuit too.

Chapter Four

Ford

I smile to myself as I think about yesterday and the time Honey and I had together. There’s a lot going on this week and although we’re both busy, that afternoon was just what we needed.

Today I’m at the horse stalls with Van as I help him with his chores. He’s a great kid and although he turned eighteen and we’ve tried to get him to go to college, he keeps saying this is his home. We never set out to make him stay here forever, and maybe in time he’ll change his mind. Although Honey and I fell in love and had a life here, that doesn’t mean he has to as well. But even now as he’s cleaning the horse stalls, he’s whistling and loving life.

We’ve got a dozen horses we keep in this part of the camp. Van is in charge of them because he’s raised most of them since they were foals, if not from birth. He’s always been good with animals and he can teach anyone how to ride.

I think Honey was hoping at some point he’d find the one and fall in love at camp like we did, but it never happened. Van is a good kid that loves to work with his hands and help others. I have no doubts when the time is right, someone will come along and knock him on his ass.

“I think Maggie is close.” Van runs his hand along her back and swollen belly.

“You going to stay with her?” I ask, and he nods. I knew he would without having to say it. “Let me know if you need any help.”

“I think she’ll be just fine. I just want to make sure she’s not alone.”

“I want to talk to you about something.” I lean against the opening of the stall and he looks up from Maggie. “Your mother and I want to make sure you don’t feel obligated to be here just because this is where we want to be.”

“Dad—”

I hold my hand up to cut him off and he gives me a look that is so much like my face it’s hard not to laugh. Honey is right; we are identical.

“There’s a veterinary degree you can get online if you do your clinicals and labs in the next town over. They have a program where you can go a couple of days a week. I know you are adamant about wanting to stay here, but this might be a way for you to do something you love and help out.”

“Seriously?” For a second he looks surprised and then I see his brain working out all the details as he concentrates.

“I know you’ve probably got a lot more than most with hands-on experience. But when these animals here need a vet, we have to call and wait for someone to get here. You wouldn’t have to stay after you finish school, but it gives you options.

“Yeah it does.” He turns to look at Maggie and then back at me. “Thanks, Dad, I’ll think about it.”

My walkie-talkie goes off with an alarm and I pull it out of my back pocket. It’s usually just a test or someone hitting the wrong button so I’m not too excited by the sound of it.

“Ford here,” I answer and there’s a moment of static before I hear Moose on the other end.

“It’s bad—” There’s too much static for me to hear what he’s saying and I step out of the barn for a better signal. “Ford! Do you hear me?”

“Moose, say it again.” I click the button and there’s more static until his voice is screaming over the walkie talkie.

“It’s Honey! Get to the office!”

“Shit,” I curse and I take off running toward the Gator.

“Dad?” Van comes walking out of the barn and I yell over my shoulder.

“Get in, it’s Mom!”

He grabs on to the back as I stomp the gas. The four wheeler is made for the rough terrain of camp and I floor it away from the barn and down the trail. I check behind me to make sure Van has a good grip as I skid around a corner and dirt goes flying.

Campers jump out of the way as I shout and wave them off the trail. Van is doing the same to get them to move so I can make it to the office. I don’t even take a second to think about what this means and that my wife is totally fine. She’s going to be okay because I say so. There’s no alternative to this world where she’s not in my arms when we’re both two hundred years old.