Page 44 of Mystery in the Mountains

“Let’s do this, Sunshine.”

The mere touch of his hand sent a zip of desire up her spine.

Fuck. She loved this man. She loved how desired he made her feel, loved how safe he made her feel, and even loved that he was the only person to use her full name. No one ever called her Sunshine but him.

As she took his hand and descended the stairs, he plucked the basket from her hold. “To the spot?”

“Yeah, let’s go.”

To her immense satisfaction, he didn’t let go of her hand. They made their way to a path at the back of the property.

“Do you think the trail is still clear after all these years?”

“There’s only one way to find out.”

They set off down a path that connected their houses. They had walked this path almost every day while growing up. All of them had.

Their mothers had been best friends. Esther and Abe were like brother and sister to her.

But then there was Asher. He was everything to her. He always had been.

As they made their way down the path, it was a pleasant surprise that it was still there. Sure, some spots were a bit overgrown, but it was almost as if another animal had been walking this path. She had a hunch it was a wolf. That thought both made her smile and broke her heart.

As they came to a section of the path that had a bit of a climb, Asher helped her over the roots resembling a ladder.

“Did you ever look at the offer from the suit yesterday?” Asher asked.

“Yes, it’s ridiculous. They really are offering double what the property is worth.”

Asher nodded as they walked quietly down the path. The birds sang over their heads as they crossed the property line onto the Blacks’ mountain. The familiar wave of magic fell over her.

“I love that feeling,” she said, squeezing Asher’s hand.

“What feeling?”

“Just the feeling of being on this mountain. There is something magical about it. I missed it so much.”

“It’s a pretty great feeling. I’ve been thinking, do you think they are going to try and get our mountain again?” Asher asked.

Trouble with the coal company was nothing new in these parts.

“What do you mean?”

She looked up at him. They were strolling hand in hand.

“I remember when we were growing up my parents were fighting with a coal company because they were trying everything they could do to get my parents to sell, but clearly, we never were. We are protectors of the mountain . . . but ya know, when I think about it, I’m not even sure what we’re protecting. I mean, we love the mountain, and there is clearly magic, and the woods are different from any other mountain, but why?”

“You don’t know?”

He shook his head. “It’s just what we’ve always done. I mean, maybe my parents knew, but it’s not like we can ask them.”

“Have you talked to Abe about it?”

“No. I haven’t been super open to talk about magic since you left . . . and Abe is never one to talk. Well, until Julie, anyway.”

Sunny chuckled. “I’ve noticed. She seems good for him.”

“She’s the best. He’s still a grumpy motherfucker, but Julie really softened him. I never thought I would see him doting on someone the way he does on her.”

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