Page 54 of Trapped with the Forest Ranger
We sit in silence, watching the eagles interact at the distant nest, sharing food and performing the small rituals of mated pairs. The domesticity of these fierce predators strikes me with unexpected poignancy—they mate for life. Return to the same nest year after year, maintaining bonds that transcend seasons.
"You're very quiet." Caleb's observation breaks my reverie.
"Just thinking." I review the shots on my camera'sdisplay, confirming what I already know—I have exactly what I need, what my father wanted. "Mission accomplished, I guess."
"You don't sound happy about it."
"It's complicated." I meet his eyes, finding concern there alongside wariness.
"Because of the National Geographic assignment?"
"You knew?" His directness catches me off guard.
"I saw the email flash on your phone when I checked the satellite system this morning. Just the subject line. I wasn’t snooping. Australia, right?"
Heat rises to my cheeks. "I was going to tell you. I just... needed to process it first."
"Six months is a significant commitment." His expression remains carefully neutral. "Good opportunity."
"It's more than good. It's career-defining." I set the camera aside, turning to face him. "Eagles in Australia—continuing exactly the kind of work my father did, but for the most prestigious nature publication in the world. Officially on assignment for National Geographic. It’s everything I’ve hoped for. More than I ever thought I’d…"
"It sounds perfect for you." His voice holds genuine approval, not the bitterness I half-expected. "When do you leave?"
"Next week. If I accept." I look down at our still-joined hands, his larger one enveloping mine on the sun-warmed stone. "I haven't given them an answer yet."
"What's holding you back?" The question pierces straight to the heart of my conflict.
"You know what’s holding me back." I meet his eyes, refusing to pretend we don't both understand what's developed between us.
"Harper... we've known each other for a matter of days." A faintline appears between his brows.
“I’m aware of the timeline.” Defensive edges creep into my voice. “That doesn’t make it less real.”
His hand stills, tension creeping into the space between us. “I’m not saying it’s not real. I’m saying it’s fast. Intense circumstances… they can blur the lines. Make everything feel sharper, deeper.”
“You make it sound so clinical. Is that how you feel? Everything that’s happened between us is… situational?” The suggestion stings more than it should, pride wounded alongside something deeper.
“No. That’s not what I mean." He exhales, slow and heavy. "What we’ve shared—it matters. But I need to be sure it’s more than just the storm talking. More than adrenaline and isolation and needing someone to hold on to.”
He runs a hand through his hair, frustration evident in the gesture. "We have to be realistic. You live on planes and in hotels, following stories around the world. I'm here, committed to this mountain and this forest."
"And those facts are suddenly revelations?" I stand, needing physical movement to relieve the tension in my chest. "You knew who I was, what I do, when you kissed me. When you took me to your bed."
"And you knew I would stay." His voice remains steady despite the flash of emotion in his eyes. "That I built a life here for reasons that haven't changed."
"So what was this?" I gesture between us, anger rising to cover hurt. "A convenient distraction during bad weather? Cabin fever with benefits?"
"That's not fair." He stands, too, his height advantage forcing me to tilt my head to maintain eye contact. "What happened between us is real, but real doesn't automatically mean lasting."
The truth in his words cuts deeper than accusations would have.
"So that's it? Thanks for the memories, have a nice life in Australia?"
"That's not what I'm saying." Frustration edges his tone for the first time. "I'm saying we need to be practical about this. You have an incredible opportunity that aligns perfectly with your life's work. Your father's legacy. I’m not going to stand in the way of that. It’s not the kind of man I am."
"And what if I'm reconsidering what my life’s work looks like?" The question emerges before I've fully formed the thought.
"Are you?" His gaze sharpens, searching my face. "Is that what you were thinkingbeforeyou knocked on my door? Or are you caught up in the romance of finding connection in an unexpected place?"
