Bred by the Bushmen

She stared at him. He expected her to look away but she didn’t.

“You can’t deny it,” he said.

“I’m not.” This shut any protest up from Damon. “I’m not used to this, okay. How do I know I’m not going to be passed over when you find another woman?”

Caleb shook his head. “That’s not going to happen.”

“I’m used to it, okay, and I know what you’re trying to do,” she said.

He raised a brow. “What am I trying to do?”

“You’re trying to turn this on me when the real problem is those two damn people that trespassed on your land. I get it. I’ve done it my whole life.” She held the coat around her even tighter. “Give me time,” she said. “I’m not used to … meaning anything to anyone.”

Damon stepped up toward her, and Caleb felt so much pain for how she must have felt.

“We want you, Opal. We’re going to take care of you for the rest of our lives.”

Taking one last look at the forest, Caleb entered their home, locking the back door after their dog. “Let’s go back to bed.”

Chapter Eight

Opal didn’t miss the city one bit. After over three weeks of roughing it in the wilderness, she had no regrets. And roughing it was a loose term. The brothers had a fully stocked panty, wood stockpile, generators, and everything to make life comfortable and secure. They had a little piece of heaven out here.

The brothers hadn’t tired of her, and she actually believed they were growing closer to each other by the day. Caleb promised to teach her how to make maple syrup early in the new year, and Damon was going to show her how to keep bees. It was such a simple, beautiful way to live, and she never wanted things to change.

“It’s chilly out there,” said Damon after pushing open the front door. A gust of cold air rushed in the cabin, making the flames in the fire flicker. He hung up his toque and coat and ran his hands up and down his arms. “I’ve chopped enough wood for the week, so we’re good.” He winked at her and butterflies fluttered in her stomach. He always made her feel like a princess when she was used to being the ugly duckling growing up.

He leaned over and kissed her lips on his way to the kitchen. There was hot cider on the stove, the scent of apples and cinnamon infused in the air. She heard him getting a mug from the cupboard. Life was beyond comfortable, like she’d known the White brothers her whole life.

She heard them talking in the kitchen. “One of the solar panel batteries just died. We’ll need a new one soon if we want hot water,” said Caleb.

“The weather will only get worse. I can get to town on the snowmobile. They always have a stockpile of batteries.”

Opal turned around on the sofa to see Caleb shake his head. “If anyone’s going, it’ll be me.”

“I won’t even argue with you,” said Damon. “But if you go, get some stuff women need. Check out the general store, too.”

“Way ahead of you.” Caleb clapped Damon on the shoulder, then headed to the bedroom.

Once Damon was sitting next to her with his cider in hand, she waited for him to fill her in. When he said nothing, she couldn’t hold back. “Do you think it’s a good idea for Caleb to travel all the way to town in this weather?”

“This isn’t bad, sweetheart. We’re used to much worse.” He took a sip of his drink.

“But he’ll be alone. On just a snowmobile. What if something bad happens?”

He smiled at her. “Trust me, he can handle himself.”

She exhaled, trying to feel the same confidence. Was he going for batteries just so she could have her regular hot baths? If so, she could certainly do without that luxury. Opal left the living area and slipped quietly into the bedroom. Caleb was just in his long johns, rooting in his drawers for clothes.

“Don’t go,” she said softly.

He stood to his full height, turning to face her. A long-sleeved thermal shirt dangled in his hand. “I’ll be back tonight. Nothing to worry about.” He cocked his head, staring at her with such intensity. Why did she feel her eyes well up with unshed tears?

Everything was so perfect it scared her. She didn’t want to lose what she had with the Caleb and Damon. What if Caleb was killed like his parents? They were hardcore survivalists and still didn’t make it during an animal attack. So many things could happen so far off the grid, especially with such cold temperatures.

Her life had been a struggle, and she wanted to grab hold of the brothers and never let go. She didn’t want her fairy tale to end.

She shrugged. “I get nervous.”