“Son?” his father said hoarsely when they reached the porch and started up the front steps.
“It’s a little slick out there,” Gage replied.
“Oh my goodness,” his mother said, moving to meet them at the edge of the porch. “Are you two alright?”
“We’re fine,” Aurora hurried to assure her. “Just a little wet.”
“And muddy,” Julia noted.
“How on earth d-did that happen?” his father inquired as he looked them both over.
“Caught a root with the toe of my boot on the way here,” Gage explained.
“And you pulled Aurora down with you?” Reed said, clicking his tongue. “Not very gallant of you.”
Gage shook his head. “I didn’t pull her down. I was carrying her when I fell.”
“He didn’t want me to trip in these big boots on our way to the lodge, so he very thoughtfully offered to carry me,” Aurora said, meeting Reed’s skeptical gaze. “And he sacrificed himself in the fall to keep me from hitting the ground.”
“That was pretty thoughtful,” Julia agreed with a nod.
“Can we discuss this inside where it’s warm and dry?” Gage said in frustration. Mostly at himself for being overly confident of his mountain goat nimbleness during an outright downpour.
“Of course. Jim, honey, get the door,” his mother directed. “Reed, go on inside and add some wood to the fire. These two are going to need to warm up. Julia, sweetie, go to the kitchen and heat up some water for hot chocolate.”
They all moved to do his mother’s bidding, his father’s off gait a little more noticeable that evening as it was at times.
She looked at him and Aurora. “Hang your coats out here and leave your boots on the porch below. Gage can rinse them off in the morning.” She frowned as she eyed their wet hair and jeans. “Honey, no sense trying to get back to your cabin in this rain.We’ll find you something dry to change into. You can wash up in one of the empty guest bathrooms. There will be a basket of toiletries on the vanity counter. The hair dryer is under the sink.”
“Thank you,” Aurora said as she peeled her wet raincoat off.
Gage grimaced as he took in the long, wet, slightly muddied hair hanging down over Aurora’s shoulders.
“I’ll see you two inside,” his mother said.
After his mother and the rest of his family had gone, Gage turned to Aurora. “I’m so sorry.”
“Accidents happen,” she said with a sweet smile.
“I’m beginning to see why Jess couldn’t imagine spending her life here with me on the island.”
Aurora hung her raincoat and then turned. Reaching out, she placed a gentle hand on his cheek. “I’m beginning to wonder how she couldn’t imagine spending her life here with you. You’re fun and adventurous. You’re sweet and caring. You’re—” Her words fell off as Gage drew her to him.
“Finding it very hard not to kiss you right now.”
Her eyes widened in surprise. “Really?”
“Really.”
“I think I’d like that,” she replied, looking up into his searching gaze.
Gage lowered his head and covered her mouth with his, closing his eyes as he lost himself in the moment. The kiss was sweet and tender. It felt like he’d been waiting his whole life for this. Suddenly, it was like fireworks were going off all around him.
“Umm, Gage,” Aurora mumbled against his mouth before pushing away.
Opening his eyes, Gage looked to find Reed flicking the porch light on and off as he stood in the open doorway. He asked with a frown, “What do you think you’re doing?”
“Trying to get your attention,” his brother replied. “Mom said whenever Aurora is ready, she and Julia will take her upstairs to the Bear’s Den.”
