Page 16 of Burning Mountains

Itilted her chin up, making sure she was looking right at me. "Heynow, none of that.You'retougher than a two-dollar steak.Besides,"Iadded with a grin, "you've got the best guide in all ofWyomingto show you the ropes."

Thatgot a laugh out of her, which was exactly whatIwas aiming for. "Ohreally?" she teased. "Andwho might that be?Bigfoot'sbetter-groomed cousin?"

Ipuffed out my chest. "Why, yours truly, of course.AxelHawke, mountain man extraordinaire, at your service.Part-time lumberjack, full-time dreamboat, occasional bear wrestler."

Zoerolled her eyes. "Wellthen, mountain man, what's our first order of business?Bathingin pine sap?Yodelinglessons?"

Aplan started forming in my mind. "First,"Isaid, taking her hand with tenderness, "I'mgonna show you something special.Somethingthat'll make you fall in love with these mountains all over again."

Iled her to my truck.Aswe drove away from the lodge, winding our way up into the mountains,Zoegripped the door handle.

"Don'tworry, darlin',"Ireassured her. "Icould drive this road with my eyes closed."

Sheshot me a look that could've curdled milk. "Ifwe die,I'mgoing to kill you."

Ilaughed, reaching over to give her knee a squeeze. "Justtrust me, okay?We'realmost there."

Afew more hairpin turns and we finally reached our destination.Ipulled off onto a small overlook, cutting the engine.

"Alright, prepare to have your mind blown."

Icame around to her side of the truck, offering my hand to help her down like a true gentleman.Assoon as her feet hit the ground,Isaw her eyes go wide.

"Holyguacamole," she breathed, her jaw dropping.

Theview was spectacular, even by my standards.Snow-capped peaks stretched as far as the eye could see, their jagged silhouettes stark against the sky.Apristine lake nestled in the valley below, its surface a mirror reflecting the clouds above.

Iwrapped my arms aroundZoefrom behind, resting my chin on her shoulder. "Welcomehome, darlin',"Imurmured. "WheretheWiFiis weak but the views are strong."

Sheleaned back against me, her hands coming up to cover mine. "It'sbreathtaking," she said softly. "I'venever seen anything like it."

"Andthis is just the beginning,"Itold her, excitement building in my voice. "Justwait till you see it in the fall, when the aspens turn gold.Orin winter, when everything's blanketed in snow.Anddon't even get me started on the spring, when the wildflowers bloom and the allergies hit harder than a freight train."

Zoeturned in my arms, her eyes shining bright. "Tellme more," she said. "Tellme everything.Paintme a picture of our life together."

SoIdid.Ispun her a tale of our future life.Itold her about mornings spent watching the sunrise over the mountains with steaming mugs of coffee in our hands.Afternoonsexploring hidden waterfalls and secret meadows, armed with nothing but our wits and a large can of bear spray.Eveningscurled up by a roaring fire, listening to the coyotes howl in the distance and debating whether that noise was the wind or aSasquatch.

"Andjust think,"Isaid, warming to my subject, "we could turn my cabin into the coziest little bed and breakfast this side of theMississippi.Youcould plan intimate mountain weddings, andIcould take the guests on guided hikes or fishing trips."

Zoe'sface lit up like aChristmastree. "Wecould host winter weddings too," she added, getting caught up in the vision. "Withsleigh rides and hot cocoa by the fire.Andinstead of throwing rice, they could throw snowballs!"

Igrinned, loving the way she said "we" more thanIlove bacon (and let me tell you, that's a lot). "Exactly.Andin the summer, we could do outdoor ceremonies right here on this overlook.Canyou imagine it?Bridesand grooms exchanging vows with this view as their backdrop."

"Itsounds perfect,"Zoesaid softly.ButthenIsaw a flicker of doubt cross her face.

Icupped her face in my hands, making sure she was looking right at me. "ZoeMitchell, you are the strongest, most adaptable womanI'veever met.Trustme, you've got mountain life in your blood.Youjust didn't know it until now."

Shesmiled, some of the tension leaving her shoulders. "Youreally think so?"

"Iknow so,"Isaid firmly. "Andbesides, you've got me.I'llteach you everything you need to know.Howto start a fire with nothing but two sticks and your burning desire for s'mores.Howto track game through the wilderness like a slightly less murderyLiamNeeson."

Thatgot a laugh out of her.Ipulled her close.Westood there for a while, just holding each other and looking out at the view.Thesun was starting to dip lower, painting the sky in shades of pink and gold.

Andsuddenly,Iknew this was the perfect moment.

"Zoe,"Isaid, my voice rough with emotion. "There'ssomethingIneed to ask you."

Shelooked up at me, curiosity in her eyes. "Whatis it?"

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