He used a curled finger to tilt her head up. “Thank God you didn’t go through with it because you’ve saved us, Opal. You’re everything to us—you have no idea. Both of us were barely hanging on. Even though we had each other, we were empty and lonely. You changed all that.”
She smiled at him, a tear slipped from her eye.
“And I couldn’t have chosen a better women to get lost in our forest. You’re gorgeous, baby. Perfect. Neither of us can get enough of you.”
He kissed her forehead, then her lips, a soft promise. She rested her head on his chest, closing her eyes and listening to the strong beat of his heart. “I don’t need warm baths, just you,” she said. “Don’t worry about the batteries.”
“It’s more than just hot water. We need the batteries for just about everything, but I promise I’ll be in bed with you tonight. Damon will be here to take care of you.”
“Okay.” She reluctantly agreed, but still didn’t have a good feeling.
****
Caleb had found a treasure in Opal. Their beautiful, young virgin was a godsend. He sure as hell enjoyed spoiling her. It seemed they’d been waiting for her their entire lives. Now that they had her, they’d never let her go.
Since she’d finally opened up to him, they could move forward. He’d continue to show her how important she was, and just how beautiful he found her. All her insecurities needed to be laid to rest.
After dressing in multiple layers of thermal clothing, he packed a backpack with emergency supplies and loaded up the snowmobile. He strapped on a container of extra gas and secured a rifle to his load.
“I’m heading out. Lock up until I get back. Keep the fire stoked,” he said.
“I know,” said Damon. “You’ve told me ten times already. I’ll take good care of Opal.”
He knew his brother was capable. Caleb was just stalling, worrying about leaving them alone while he took a run to town. There were plenty of daylight hours yet, so it would be an easy ride to where he was going. The drive home may be a bit more precarious.
“Be careful,” said Opal. She grabbed a handful of his overcoat. If felt good to have a woman waiting for him when he returned. He had purpose, something to look forward to in life. Soon she’d be pregnant with their child. He leaned down and gave her a quick kiss, not wanting to indulge himself too much. It would be all too easy to succumb to Opal and push his trip too late into the night.
“Promise, I’ll be safe,” he said. “Damon can break out the trunk of board games if you get too antsy.”
He left the cabin, the cool breeze hitting his bare cheeks. The day was clear, so he was anxious to get going. If he never had to leave his property, he’d be a happy man, but they were reliant on supplies from town on occasion. He’d be sure to pick up some nice things for Opal. They weren’t used to having a woman in the house, and they weren’t prepared for her sudden appearance.
After getting comfortable in his seat and pulling his coat closed tight, he revved the engine and took off toward the path. It wasn’t much of a path now, but he knew the direction well. He’d been using the trail since he was a kid, and they’d expanded it once they returned back from the city as adults.
He’d been through a lot with Damon. They’d been thrust into city life as teens when all they’d known was rural living. Their parents had been their rocks, their mentors, and then it was just the two of them. They manned up because they had no choice, but returning back to the family cabin was a given.
The past few years had provided a new problem. The fucking loneliness. It wasn’t natural for a man to live life without a woman. That constant craving for sex, family, and love was overpowering. He’d started to give up on his own happiness, but he couldn’t stand to see Damon suffer. His younger brother yearned for that connection only a woman could provide. But not just any woman would do, so they were still alone until Opal showed up.
Now Caleb was determined to make things work, to provide for his family and live the same life his parents had shown them by example.
He smiled to himself, feeling a sense of completeness he hadn’t known for a long time. Things were finally coming together for the White brothers.
After traveling for hours, he pulled into a clearing to fuel up and give the snowmobile a break. He unfastened his leather side bag and pulled out his water bottle. As he drank, he studied the area. There were other tracks.
He stood up and stretched his legs, scouting the immediate area. Another snowmobile pulling a sled had been through today. Since it had snowed last night, he could pinpoint the time accurately. His father had taught him the art of tracking.
Caleb’s concern grew as he tried to piece everything together. He hadn’t passed anyone on the way, but there were multiple trails leading to his property. Were trespassers heading to their cabin? Was there another nature party getting underway? He didn’t mind people hiking or snowmobiling on his massive property. But this far off the grid, it was difficult to tell friend from foe, so they preferred their privacy close to home.
He’d come too far to turn back now. He needed to get their supplies and get his ass home. Caleb was likely being paranoid. It was in his nature. Besides, Damon was a thirty-eight-year-old man and just as skilled in survival. He needed to stop treating his brother like a child.
****
“You’ve hardly eaten,” said Opal.
They’d made a hearty vegetable stew earlier. They peeled and cut the squash, potatoes, and carrots together. And the entire cabin was filled with the delicious scent as it simmered in the old cast-iron pot. He loved spending time with Opal, even to do everyday tasks. He’d never felt so comfortable with anyone besides Caleb.
He sat back in his chair, running a hand through his hair. “I think I did too much pic
king when we were cooking.” Damon smiled at her, leaning over to tweak her nose. He didn’t want to say he was worried about Caleb. His biggest fear in life was losing his brother.