“Our best bet is Hayden Valley,” she told him. “Especially at dusk.”
“Do you really think we’ll spot some bears?”
She pointed to a large pull-out and motioned for him to stop. “Grizzly Overlook, near the north end of Hayden Valley, is likely the best spot.” She pointed. “By walking up that hilltop, we’ll be able to see both directions across the valley. If we don’t see any here, the north end of the valley is also good, since the Wapiti Lake pack tends to be active near there.”
Nick parked and they grabbed their camera gear and got out. Charlie Grace tucked a can of bear spray in her backpack, just in case.
Their steps were hushed as the mountain terrain cast long shadows that migrated across the broad expanse of grass and sagebrush straddled by the Yellowstone River. The banks were lined with bison taking an evening drink.
As they reached the crest of Grizzly Overlook, there they were—a mama bear and two adorable cubs frolicking in the meadow, a sight that never got old.
“There,” she pointed. “See them?”
Nick’s face turned excited. “Wow!” he silently mouthed, while scrambling to ready his camera.
Her fingers trembled slightly as she adjusted her camera settings, wanting to capture every intricate detail. Nick stood beside her, his eyes sparkling with excitement. Together, they silently snapped away, freezing moments of wild wonder in their frames.
Far too soon, the bears crested the hillside and were out of sight.
Charlie Grace’s heart pounded like a herd of wild bison, as she watched Nick adjust the settings on his camera before tucking it inside its case. He turned to her with a warm smile that made her knees feel weak. “Charlie Grace, this has been an incredible experience. I couldn’t have asked for a better guide and companion.”
She felt a blush color her cheeks, and she laughed softly. “I’m glad you enjoyed it. I love sharing this with someone who appreciates the wilderness and all its wonder.”
He reached for her hand, and they headed in the direction of his car. The sound of trickling water over rocks, as they strolled along the river, provided a backdrop to their conversation.
“Hey, I’m leaving on Saturday. I need to make a short trip back to Los Angeles for some business. I’d love it if you came with me.”
She shook her head. “I can’t. As much as I’d love to, my obligations simply won’t allow me to get away right now. I have Jewel, and the ranch, and…”
“I figured that might be the case. Can’t say I’m not disappointed.” He squeezed her hand as he stepped over a large lava rock. “Careful,” he warned. “Don’t trip.”
“How long will you be gone?” She held her breath as she stepped over the rock, dreading the response.
“Not long,” he told her. “Only a day or two.”
His answer brought an immediate smile to her face.
“What?” he asked, looking at her as if she were the most important person on the planet.
“Nothing. I’m just glad it’s a short trip.”
“Because you’ll miss me?” he teased.
“Yes,” she admitted. “I’m going to miss you.”
And she would miss him…terribly.
It was hard to express how tightly her heart had formed around the idea of Nick Thatcher in her life. He was the first thing she thought of when she woke. His face was the last image in her mind as she drifted to sleep. Every moment in between was filled with replays of every conversation, every look…every touch.
While thrilling, the feeling scared her—this intensity over him. Rushing into this kind of connection didn’t feel safe. She was setting herself up for future hurt. Especially when he left her permanently.
Despite the fear, she couldn’t help but move forward. It was as if there was some force drawing her closer and closer to a bright flame where she was bound to get burned eventually.
None of that mattered.
She didn’t want to use better judgment. She didn’t want to be sensible. She didn’t want to give him up until she had to. The idea of life without Nick Thatcher strolling across the ranch lawn toward her seemed bland and tasteless. The only option was to enjoy every moment…now.
Charlie Grace glanced at Nick, who seemed lost in thought as well, and she wondered if he felt the same emotional stirrings she did—a notion quickly dispelled when he suddenly stopped and turned to face her.
