Page 39 of Luke

Seven

They arrived back to the stables a little after eight, and Lizzie felt happier and more carefree than she had in months. It had also been awhile since she'd been able to remember the time she'd spent with Luke in a non-regretful way. Because, of course, she'd had regrets. She'd worried for years after the breakup that she'd made the wrong choice. But by then, it was too late to go back.

And it was too late to go back now, she told herself forcefully, as she got off Vixen and handed her horse to one of the stable hands. Whether or not Luke kept the resort as an investment, he wouldn't be staying here, and she would be. Another good-bye was just around the corner.

"I'm ready for breakfast," Luke said, falling into step with her as they walked toward the lodge.

"Me, too. I highly recommend the blueberry pancakes, the French toast, or Shari's omelet of the day. She uses whatever fresh vegetables are in season, and it's always delicious."

"What if I have all three?"

"You could do that."

"Shari looks very pregnant. Who's going to cook when she's having her baby?"

"Still to be determined," she replied, as they entered the lodge. "She's been a little slow on interviewing replacement chefs. She's very territorial when it comes to her kitchen. But I think she has someone coming tomorrow or sometime this weekend. Once we get past Labor Day weekend, things slow down, so it will be an easier time to bring someone in."

"How slow does it get?"

"Not completely dead. The fall is beautiful and often warm, and sometimes we get the more serious rock climbers and hikers in September and October." As they walked into the dining room, she added, "I want to introduce you to Brad Jordan, Shari's husband, and also the head of our adventure programs. He's right over here."

She led the way to a nearby table where Brad was finishing up his breakfast. Brad was thirty-six years old with sandy-brown hair, green eyes, and a boyish smile. He had an outgoing, energetic personality, and she'd never met a guest yet who hadn't enjoyed one of his guided hiking trips.

"Brad, I want you to meet Luke Brannigan."

Brad got to his feet, excitement in his eyes when he shook hands with Luke, and she had a feeling a bromance was quite possibly in the works between these two, and why not—they were cut from the same cloth, although Brad's adventures didn't come close to what Luke had accomplished.

"I can't believe you're the new owner," Brad said. "I didn't even realize you were related to Colin Brannigan. He's never been out here, so he was just a name on the letterhead. But I know you, or at least your work. I have all three of your films on DVD. I've watched them each a half-dozen times."

"Thanks," Luke said. "I'm glad you liked them."

"Like them? They're amazing. You capture moments that are literally magic…and sometimes terrifying. Do you ever think what the hell am I doing?"

"I can answer that," Lizzie cut in. "Luke never asks that question."

Luke gave her a smile. "That was the old me. Believe it or not, I have asked myself that a few times in recent years as the challenges have become more complex."

"Really?" she asked doubtfully. "Then you have changed."

"I got older and smarter."

"But it doesn't stop you from going for broke."

"No, it doesn't," he said. "What's life without some risk?"

"I'd love to take you up to Wolmer Falls," Brad said, drawing the conversation back to him. "I've got a group leaving at eleven. Why don't you join us? It's an easy hike and certainly won't be an extreme adventure like you're used to, but the falls are good this time of year, and I think you'd enjoy it."

"You should go," she encouraged. "I know you like to be active."

"Are you going?" he asked.

"No, I leave the hiking to Brad and his staff. I have work to do here."

"Can someone cover for you?"

"Well, maybe, but you don't need me. Brad can show you everything."

"You should come," Brad said. "You haven't gone on a hike since you've been here. Neither has Kaitlyn. Why don't you both join us? The Harrisons and their three teenagers are coming. I think Kaitlyn would have fun."

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