Soaring with Fallon (Big Sky 4)

I wander into our bedroom and drop my bag on the floor before peeling out of the yoga pants and tank I’ve been wearing all day. I reach for a pair of shorts and a T-shirt that says Namaste in bed, tug them both on and check my phone.

I haven’t heard from Claire since she left here a few weeks ago. I also haven’t contacted her. Part of me feels a little guilty, but I’m still so angry, and I guess she’s not the friend I thought she was.

I don’t know if we’ll mend our friendship.

I spoke with Penny a few days ago and filled her in on everything going on, including my purchase of the studio. She was so truly happy for me and excited, it reminded me that that’s what true friendship looks like.

“Where are you?”

I open the bedroom door and smile as Noah walks toward me. He’s in faded blue jeans and a yellow, button-down shirt.

“You look fancy. Am I underdressed?”

“No, I’m going to get you out of all of your clothes soon,” he says, making me laugh. He kisses my hand, then leads me into the kitchen.

There are candles lit, flowers on the table, and grilled salmon plated with wild rice and green beans.

“Noah,” I say with a sigh. “You did all this?”

“We have to celebrate,” he replies as he pulls a chair out for me to sit in. “It’s not every day my girl buys a building for her business.”

“No, it’s not,” I say with a smile and breathe in the smell of the amazing plate of food in front of me. “This looks absolutely delicious.”

“Yes, it does.”

I glance up and find him looking at me with those deep brown eyes full of lust and appreciation.

“You’re such a flirt.”

“Only with you, sweetheart.” He waits while I take a bite of dinner. “Well?”

“Maybe the best fish I’ve ever eaten.”

He grins. “Now you’re just being nice.”

“No way.” I shake my head and take another bite. “We’re honest, remember?”

“That’s not all I remember.” He holds up a bottle of wine. “Would you like some pinot gris?”

“That sounds perfect.”

He pours the wine into our glasses, then holds his up for a toast. “To you and your incredible passion for your business. You’ve done an amazing job making your dreams come true, and I couldn’t be prouder of you, Fal.”

“Thank you.” I clink my glass to his. “And before we drink, I also have a toast. To you. For believing in me, and your unwavering support during this whole stressful, difficult process. I don’t know if I would have survived it without you, and I appreciate you.”

We clink once more and take sips of the wine.

“We’re pretty good as a team,” he says as he eats his dinner. “And the offer to build some cabins out here for your retreats is still open.”

“I’m not comfortable with that,” I admit. “Noah, this is your property. And, yes, I live here with you, and I love it, but it’s yours.”

He narrows his eyes but surprises me with, “I get it. I won’t mention it again for now.”

“You’re agreeable.”

“You make sense,” he says. “Guess what?”

“What’s that?”

“Your eagle is all healed up.”

I stare at him in surprise. “Really? So soon?”

“It’s been over six weeks,” he replies with a smile. “Time just flies when you’re having fun.”

“Wow,” I breathe. “When will you let him go?”

“We’re going to take a couple of days to check his blood and get him a little stronger, but he’ll be ready by the weekend. I hope you’ll join me when I take him out.”

“I wouldn’t miss it for anything,” I say with excitement. “I can’t believe that he can spend so much time with humans and still be set free.”

“At the end of the day, he’s still a wild animal. He’s hunted and lived wild his whole life. He won’t have any problems readjusting to that.”

“I’m glad.” I blink as I feel myself tearing up. “Is it weird that it makes me a little sad to say goodbye to him?”

“It’s not weird at all.” Noah takes my hand and gives it a squeeze. “It’s normal to get a little attached. If we didn’t care, we wouldn’t be doing the work.”

“Speaking of being proud,” I say, clearing my throat. “I’m so proud of you, Noah. Spread Your Wings is important and wonderful.”

“Now you’re going to make me blush.”

“Well, it’s true. I think you’re amazing.”

“Do you think I’m sexy?”

I tip my head, looking him over as if I have to really think about it.

“Yeah, I guess that’s a good word.”

“Hot?”

“Oh, Lord, you just want me to feed your ego.”

He grins and pulls me out of my chair, leaving our dirty dishes on the table.

“I have more for you,” he informs me.

“More than dinner?”

“Oh, yeah. That was just the beginning.”

He leads me back to the bedroom.