Page 1 of Adored By the Mountain Man

Chapter One

Callie

“Oh, my God, you two are absolutely disgusting,” I say as I watch my best friend Fern fold her favorite sweaters into her suitcase while my brother hovers nearby like a lovesick puppy.

Fern’s cheeks turn pink. “We’re not that bad, Callie.”

“True, you’re worse,” I say with a roll of my eyes, but I’m also grinning.

Watching my brother, Archer, and my best friend, Fern, is like seeing two puzzle pieces click into place. I’m genuinely happy for them, but there’s still a little pang in my chest, knowing that after today, I’ll be living in this cabin alone. Sure, they’re just across town, but it won’t be the same as having Fern here every morning, stealing my coffee and sharing the latest gossip with me.

“You’re just jealous,” Archer says.

“Jealous? Of what? Your inability to function like a normal human being when Fern is around?” I joke.

“Well, once Fern moves in with me, you won’t have to witness it anymore.”

“You’ll probably be back tomorrow, begging for a hot shower.”

Fern frowns. “I thought those plumbing problems were solved?”

Archer pulls her closer and kisses her. “They are. My sister is just messing with me.”

My phone buzzes, and I glance at the screen, feeling a surge of relief. It’s Ryan, my wilderness instructor, finally calling me back about the details for Camp Evergreen’s opening next week.

When I inherited Aunt Mae’s old lakeside cabin with my brothers, Archer and Brock, I decided to move back home to Timber Peak Valley and follow my dream of opening a summer adventure camp for city kids. Camp Evergreen means everything to me. I put in all my savings, energy, and time.

I step out of Fern’s bedroom and accept the call.

“Ryan, please tell me you have good news about—”

“Callie, I’m sorry,” he interrupts.

His voice is tight, strained in a way that immediately makes my stomach drop. “I can’t do Camp Evergreen.”

The words hit me in the gut. I sink onto one of the kitchen chairs and grip the phone tighter. “What do you mean? The kids arrive in three days.”

“I know, but I’m in Denver. My dad had a stroke, and I can’t leave him or my mom alone right now. I know this is the worst possible timing. I’m truly sorry.”

“No, I’m the one who’s sorry, Ryan. How is he? And how are you?”

“He’s stable, for now, but it’s going to be a long recovery. I can’t commit to anything right now, and you need someone who can give the camp their full attention. It ain’t going to be me,” he says.

“I understand,” I say in a calm tone, even though I’m panicking. “Family comes first.”

“Cassie, I really am sorry.”

“Please, stop apologizing. Focus on your family, Ryan. I’m glad your dad survived.”

“Thanks, Callie. If you need anything down the line, let me know, but I won’t be available for at least a couple of months.”

“Will do. Take care,” I say and hang up.

Shit. Three days! I have three days to find a replacement wilderness instructor for a camp I’ve spent months planning, or everything falls apart.

“What happened?” Fern and Archer appear in the kitchen, both looking concerned.

“Ryan’s dad had a stroke. He can’t do the camp.”

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