Page 153 of The One With the Mountain Man

"Yeah well, things change. Like you getting fucking engaged and me spraining the fuck out of my knee." She tucked a lock of blonde hair behind her ear.

I scanned her body, taking in the loose asymmetrical hot pink top, the loose blue shorts, and then the knee brace. "Ouch."

She shrugged. "I could have stayed and done the whole celebration thing from the sideline, but this won't be healed for weeks. Not enough to play."

And she didn't want the celebration, not really. I hugged her tight. "I'm so sorry. But I am glad you're here. Finally!"

"Yeah, uh, is this an okay spot for my rig?"

I turned to Jackson because I knew less than nothing about campers and which places were suitable spots for them.

"Hey, Lover Boy," Charley snickered. "Sorry for yelling at you earlier. You were right. That's a bitch of a slope."

He pulled his ball cap off his head and ran his fingers through his hair. "Yeah, this is fine. There's no power or sewer down here."

She waved at her trailer. "Don't need power. This baby is solar and gas all the way. I figured I could still use your fancy barn apartment for showers and shitting."

I snorted when Jackson's eyes bugged out of his head. He'd get used to her unfiltered narration soon enough.

"Showers and shitting. Got it." He plunked his hat back on his head.

I loved this man so much. I squeezed his hand. "Why don't we show Charley around?"

Forty-Six

Jackson

You usually make grown men cry, don't you?

Charley was something else.It was like she was always on eleven. And she never, not ever, stopped talking. But she was Marley's biggest fan. She said one good thing after another about my future wife. It was clear she thought Marley deserved the world, and since we were aligned on that front, I decided I would learn how to coexist with her.

We gave her a tour of the barn and apartment, during which she confirmed it would be an excellent place toshower and shit.And then we ate lunch on the deck at Golden Hour, after which I left them for a few hours at ODX, where I could find some goddamned peace and quiet.

Or so I thought.

"Colin did a great job this summer," Red said as he repacked a hiking backpack. "He's strong, eager, learns fast...any chance we talk him out of the fire thing?"

I shrugged. "Kid wants adventure. He also wants to do something important. Maybe after he's fought some fires he'll want something a bit slower." Red didn't need any help now that I was sticking around. "Why would you want him on staff?"

Red glanced across the room to where Travis was inspecting PFDs. He licked his lips.

Shit, was Red sick?

"I've been stepping back," he started, "and, uh, I've decided to take a real big step back. You and Travis are going to take on a lot of what I've been doing."

I blinked. Red wasretiring?

"I know between the two of you I'm leaving ODX in good hands. I'll be around to mentor you both and I'll still handle most of the paperwork and finances. My vision is Travis will handle maintenance and running the offices while you'll manage safety, certifications, and planning. You'll both have an equal stake in ODX and when we're all ready, you'll buy my stake out."

I ran a hand down my face. I'd just wrapped my mind around the concept I was staying in one place. Marrying Marley and spending my life with her were as easy as breathing, but also a big change. I had been looking forward to my easy, flexible work at ODX and easing into this new chapter of my life.

Instead it was flying at me even faster.

"I know a lot is changing for you, son." He gripped my shoulder. "But it's time. I always knew you'd find your way back. You've got a big, new life you're creating, and this is part of it."

My head spun. "You're not asking. This decision is made."

"You can tell me no. I didn't ask because I know you're shocked but you're going to love taking over."

---