Page 92 of Mountain Defender

But my reality is so much better than I ever dreamed.

Before Rory, I couldn’t have imagined meeting someone who’d make me feel this way. Someone who would share their strength with me. Their support. Who thinks I’m perfect just the way I am.

I thought soulmates were a myth. Something only seen in books and movies. A wishful fantasy created by greeting card companies.

Now? I think I may have actually found mine.

Is it any wonder I’m humming? And some cheesy love song I hear every time I turn on the radio, no less. A song I would have intentionally turned off not even a year ago.

But I don’t want to spend too long in the shower, not when Rory’s waiting for me back in the bedroom. When I left her, she was just slipping into one of my oversized Army T-shirts and snuggling into bed with her phone in her hand.

“I just want to check in with Max,” she explained. “Make sure the dogs are all doing okay. I know we only left them this morning, but Fizziwig had a little cough…”

“Of course,” I told her. “I’ll jump in the shower and then see about making us something to eat. We have stuff for sandwiches in the fridge, plus cheese and crackers. And I snagged a bottle of wine from the bar to share after, if you want.”

Rory gave me a smile that was so big, so bright, it took my breath away. “That sounds perfect, Gage.” And then, as I headed into the bathroom, she added, “I love you. I can’t stop saying it now.”

I don’t want her to stop saying it. I want to hear those incredible words all the time.

Just as I’m rinsing out my hair and running through our deli meat selection—turkey or roast beef? Swiss or provolone?—I hear a faint knocking sound beyond the bathroom door.

At first, I pass it off as nothing. It could just be Rory hopping off the bed. Or messing with the dresser drawers, maybe finding that one of them sticks.

Then I hear it again. Dulled by the sound of the running water, but definitely a distinctive pattern of three quick knocks.

Raising my voice, I call out, “Ror. Is someone at the door?”

At first, she doesn’t respond. Worry spikes, even though rationally, I know there’s nothing to be concerned about. Everyone who had reason to harm Rory is in jail. We’re safe in this little cottage at a rustic resort on the shore of Blue Mountain Lake, with dozens of service members staying in the other cabins.

Then Rory’s voice filters through the door. “Sounds like it. Maybe it’s Webb. Or Sam. They both mentioned having a couple beers later, didn’t they?”

They did. But I doubt they would just show up without calling or texting first. Unless they’re a few drinks in and decided to stop by for a spontaneous visit.

“Did my phone ring?” I ask, wincing as soap runs into my eye. “Maybe they called? Texted?”

“I didn’t hear anything,” she replies. “I’m just going to throw on some shorts and check. It could even be Nora and Jack. Or Devin and Mal.”

Though it seems innocent enough, I can’t ignore the buzz of an alarm bell in my head. It’s probably just an aftereffect of everything Rory went through, but I’m not crazy about her answering the door when I’m not there.

“Just wait for me,” I call back. “I’ll be out in a minute.”

Another pause, and then patiently, “I’m just checking the door, Gage. If it’s not someone we know, I won’t answer it. Okay?”

I grit my teeth as I answer. “Okay. But only if you know them.”

Yes, I know I’m being ridiculously overprotective. There’s no rational reason why Rory shouldn’t open the door. And what do I expect her to do when we’re at home? Wait for me every time someone rings the doorbell?

Well. I’d prefer that. But I know it’s not realistic.

Just as I’m turning off the water, Rory returns. “It’s Melissa,” she says. “She said she found some old photos of the team she wants to show you.” After a brief pause, she adds, “I think she’s upset. I didn’t open the door yet, but I can hear it in her voice.”

The belt strapped around my chest relaxes a notch. That certainly seems safe enough.

Still. I don’t feel entirely okay about it.

“I’m coming out,” I reply. “I just need to dry off and put on some clothes.”

“Okay. But I’m going to let her in. I feel bad making her stand outside in the dark, especially since our cabin is tucked back in the woods.”

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