Page 146 of Hidden Nature

“Shrimp scampi, and it was good, too. I thought he was flustered and nervous because of that. I mean, he cooked, and he had the table set with candles and flowers. He had a bottle of champagne and music on. It was so sweet. So romantic.”

Sloan knew Drea prized both the sweet and the romantic.

Now tears added more sparkle to Drea’s eyes. “Then he—oh, Sloan—he got down on one knee.”

“He did not.”

“He did, he did! Then I knew, of course I knew, but I couldn’t even speak. He said he loved me, that I’d shown him what it was to love. He wanted to build a life with me, make a home, a family together. And he promised to work every day to be the man I deserved, to be the partner I could count on.”

Nailed it, Theo, Sloan thought.

“Who could say no to that?”

“Not me.” On another circle, Drea held her left hand high to admire the ring from another angle. “I knew you’d be leaving for work, so I ran over here as soon as he left this morning. Now I have to run back and tell Mom and Dad. You’ll be my maid of honor, won’t you, like we promised each other when we were kids?”

“If you didn’t keep that promise, I’d find a way to make your life hell. My little sister’s getting married. I need to process.”

“You’ve got until September or October.”

“I don’t have to ask if you’re sure. It’s all over you.” She took Drea’s hand again to take a better look at the ring. “And he gets you. It’s a pretty big rock, but it’s classy, not flashy. Classic and elegant and very, very you. He’s a really great guy, Drea. He almost deserves you.”

Drea wrapped around her, and on a long sigh swayed. “I’m so happy. I have to go tell Mom and Dad.” She gave Sloan a long, hard squeeze.

When Drea rushed out, Sloan walked slowly back to the kitchen. She grabbed a Coke—quicker—then put on her outdoor gear.

She needed to think about this. Yes, it was Drea’s life, and her sister was more than capable of making her own decisions.

But she needed to process.

She thought about it on and off during her workday, and made her mental list of pros and cons.

Since Travis was family, she shared with him at the end of the day. But started her roundup end to beginning.

“We had a couple of guys racing their snow machines. Damn near ran over a group of snowshoers. I let Sanchez take the lead with them, and before they got pissy—and they were about to—she charmed them.”

She went through the rest, back to their first call involving a birder who’d gone off the trail and gotten lost.

“We got him back on track, and suggested he get an actual compass rather than depending on a phone app. And Drea’s engaged.”

“Sounds like— What? To the new guy? The carpenter guy?”

“That’s right.”

“That’s quick work.”

“I know, right? But after—” She tapped her index fingers to either side of her head. “I have to say, and I hate using the phrase, but they’re made for each other.”

“Did you run him?”

“Yeah. He’s a good guy, Cap. I can wish they’d known each other longer, but it’s their life. And they’re looking at a fall wedding, sothat’s time. I really like him, and when I push the that’s quick aside, I really like him for Drea.”

“Yeah, I can see that.” He angled his head. “You’re a good judge of people, and their character, and Drea’s a smart, more-than-capable woman. What’s your dad think?”

“I haven’t talked to him, since I just found out this morning. But he likes both Littlefield brothers, a lot.”

“Yeah. So he’s said.”

“Next time you get a chance, you can come by, see what they’ve done at my place. Just a couple of rooms, but it’s good work.”

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