Page 20 of Valor

The puppy looked up, rolled onto his back, kicking his little legs in the air before getting to his feet and running toward her. The way the chocolate lab’s ears flapped when he ran made her laugh.

“You’re a goofball.” She swept him into her arms and kissed him again. With the sticks tucked under her armpit, she carried him back to the truck.

Owen’s gaze locked with hers for a long moment. Then he slid into the driver’s seat and started the engine. He watched the dashboard for a second, then nodded. “We’re good to go.”

“Great.” She forced a smile, pretending she couldn’t wait to get to Boulder Junction.

She was surprised there weren’t many cars on the road as they continued toward their destination. Maybe because it was a Thursday. Tourists liked visiting the mountains in the spring, but with kids still in school this time of the year, June was a better month for that.

The next twenty minutes passed in silence. When she saw a sign for the Elk Horn Lodge that claimed to have cabins available, she glanced at Owen. “A cabin sounds better than sleeping in the truck.”

He lifted a shoulder in a halfhearted shrug. “Fine with me. If they take cash that is.”

She’d almost forgotten their need to stay off-grid. Her phone had been off for hours, and if she were honest, she didn’t miss it.

The hospital couldn’t call asking for help in covering shifts. Friends couldn’t call to invite her out in hopes of setting her up with their friend, brother, or cousin. Sure, she cared about her brother and the Sullivan family, but the way they constantly called to check on her had grown wearisome.

Their concerns were valid, though, so she made a note to do better once she was back home. If nothing else, this interlude with Owen should provide the impetus she needed to move on.

“There’s the Elk Horn Lodge.” Owen’s deep voice broke into her thoughts. “We’ll see if they have a cabin available for cash.”

“I’ll come inside with you,” she offered, forcing a smile. “We’re a couple traveling together with our new dog, right?”

There was a brief hesitation before he nodded. “Yeah. Why not?”

Pulling into the parking lot, she noticed there were only three other cars there. Hopefully that meant they had cabins available. She could see two small brown cabins tucked well behind the main lodge, but not the others.

She carried Bear with her as she and Owen stepped inside. A woman greeted them cheerfully. “Welcome to the Elk Horn Lodge. Do you have a reservation?”

“No, sorry.” Owen smiled apologetically. “We’re heading to Colorado for our honeymoon and have had some car trouble along the way. The engine keeps overheating.” She tried not to gasp out loud when Owen snaked his arm around her waist. “I don’t suppose you have a cabin available? And I’m afraid we only have cash. Another mishap with the credit card.”

The woman hesitated, then nodded. “Sure, I can do that for you. What’s your name?”

“Jim and Tina Radtke. And our puppy, Bear.”

“He’s adorable.” The woman didn’t seem concerned about the dog and quickly accepted the two hundred in cash for the night. Emily thought that was pretty steep price-wise, but Owen didn’t blink.

“Cabin 9 is way in the back of the property. Follow this road out here and you’ll find it.” The woman slid a key across the counter. “Have a good night.”

“Thanks, you too.” Owen turned and guided Emily to the door.

“Jim and Tina?” She arched a brow as they climbed back into the truck. “Where did you come up with those names? I always thought it was better to use real names so we don’t mess up by calling each other the wrong one?”

“We won’t be here long enough for it to matter.” He quickly backed up the truck and headed down the dirt road. The cabins were spaced out enough to provide privacy, which was a good thing.

Cabin 9 was tucked even farther behind the others. Had they been given this one because of Owen’s comment about being on their honeymoon? Her cheeks went warm, but thankfully, it was too dark for Owen to see.

He turned the truck around and backed it up along the right side of the cabin. She set Bear down to run around and do his business.

“We have three water bottles left.” She reached back to grab them.

Owen didn’t say anything as he used the key to unlock the cabin door. The interior was rustic as expected but decorated tastefully. Only one bed, of course, but she already knew Owen wouldn’t be staying.

“Very nice.” She set the water bottles on the table, then turned to see Bear running toward her. The puppy jumped up on her leg, wagging his tail. “Oh, I almost forgot his food and doggy dishes.”

“I’ll get them.” Owen’s expression was grim as he turned to head back out to the truck for the rest of the puppy supplies.

She buried her face in Bear’s fur, doing her best not to cry. Silly to mourn the loss of something she’d never had.

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