Page 23 of Wild Hope
“This isn’t how I was planning it, but I want you both to know how serious I am.”
He drops to his knees in the gravel as he twists the pine needle into a circle. I gasp as I realize what he’s about to do.
Travis glances at Quentin who’s as wide-eyed as I am.
“Could you give us a moment here, man?”
Quentin steps back, and Travis turns back to me.
“Kendra, I’ve loved you since the day I turned up for Thanksgiving at your house. I’ve carried your photo in my wallet for the last six years. It’s your face I turned to during the dark times. When I was in Iraq and it felt like hell, I would pull out that photo and think of you. Sorry if my stupid honor kept me from doing this sooner. I was gonna buy a ring today, but if this is what I have to do to get you to stay on the mountain, then this will have to do. Will you make me the most fulfilled man alive and marry me?”
The butterflies explode out of my chest and come rushing out in a joyful, “Yes!”
I throw my arms around Travis, and he spins me around and around until I’m dizzy. He sets me down on the ground, and there’s a broad grin on his face.
We’re both laughing, and I glimpse Quentin watching us with a frown.
“Do I have your blessing?” Travis asks.
Quentin runs his hand through his hair. “It’s a lot to get used to. I need some time. But if my sister has to marry someone, I guess I’m glad it's you.”
Knowing my brother, that’s about the biggest blessing we’re ever going to get.
Travis slaps him on the back. “Thanks, man.”
Suddenly, my feet lift off the ground as Travis scoops me into the air. I throw my arms around his neck as he kisses me hard.
Quentin scowls. “You’re not married yet.”
I throw him a look. “Can you take my bag? There’s no room on the bike for it.”
Quentin shakes his head and mumbles curses. But he picks up the bag and straps it to the back of his bike as I take my place behind Travis.
“Are we going back to work?”
“No.” He shakes his head. “We’re going to my cabin. You’ve been driving me crazy all week, Kendra. It’s time to claim what’s mine.
A shiver of anticipation goes through my body. The vibration of the bike rumbles under me, and heat gushes between my legs as we race back up the mountain. I am ready to be claimed.
11
TRAVIS
Dust from the road kicks up behind us as we speed up the mountain. I’m breaking every speed limit in the county, but I’ve got my girl, no, my fiancé behind me, and I’m not slowing down for anyone.
Kendra’s arms are tight around me, and she rests her head on my back. Her body’s pressed against mine, warming me up and filling me with anticipation of what’s to come.
As soon as we pull up in front of my cabin, I cut the engine. She slides off the bike, and I lift her into my arms.
Kendra squeals, and her arms go around my neck. Her girlish giggle makes me feel like a young man again, energized and full of hope instead of hardened by war. I love that she makes me feel like that.
I unlock the cabin with one hand and carry her inside, kicking the door shut behind us.
“Hey, I’ve got a shift to finish.” She wiggles in my arms.
“Nope. Not today.”
The restaurant will have to cope without us for a few hours, because I’ve got plans for Kendra. I carry her into the bedroom and sit her down on the edge of the bed.
