7. Alex

Alex

CHAPTER 7

The first six months post-retirement, I was always on alert until I adapted to life downrange. It took a little while, but I no longer had to sleep with one eye open or wonder what fresh horror or trash I was going to encounter on any given day.

While in the service, I used other words to describe my daily circumstances but am trying to clean up my language now that I’m around civilians and Emmie.

The guys were under strict orders not to say anything inappropriate during the weekend. Thankfully, they seemed to get most of it out of their systems while on the ruck.

She seems a little out of sorts this morning, and I worry she was lonely or uncomfortable down in the cabin.

Eyes on the sky, I consider the weather and wonder if, for once, the forecasters undershot the severity of the incoming storm.

“I have a few things to do before we head out. If you’d like to tag along, you’re welcome to, then we’ll pop in and say hi to Ginny. If not, enjoy a few more minutes by the fire.”

“I wouldn’t mind seeing a day in the life of Lexman,” Emmie says.

I chuckle because a woman has never called me that. It’s cute, coming out of Emmie’s mouth. “You got a snapshot of what it’s like to be around some of the guys in the book.”

“They painted a colorful picture.” Emmie tugs on her gloves.

“We’re all different post-service, but I hope the trip out here was worthwhile.” It’s too bad we didn’t get more time together, but it quickly became clear that I had to keep my distance.

“It was the perfect escape. I’d like to come back to this area and check it out. Maybe look into real estate for when I want a break from the city.”

My pulse trips. “Really?”

“My roommate is getting married soon and although I could keep our three-bedroom apartment all to myself, my brother offered me his penthouse. The problem is, I’m afraid of heights. I hardly look out my apartment’s windows and I’m only on the fourth floor.”

As she gazes at the rolling hills, coated with snow, she lets out a pleasant sigh. Something like peace relaxes her features as if she truly likes it here.

“So, you’re considering the upcountry? It’s not a bad life, but I’m biased.”

“How’d you find your way out here?”

“My grandparents left me this property. Used to come out here to camp and hunt between deployments. About ten years in, I built a cabin.” I point at the nearest one.

“That’s the one I stayed in.”

“And my favorite. Slowly, I added on the barn and some outbuildings. Then about five years ago I had the house built. Just about sunk my life savings into it. But then I had the idea for Wild Warriors and everything fell into place as I led wilderness experience expeditions, adventures, and hunting trips. It was a reminder of God’s provision.”

Emmie nods slowly as if she’s surprised someone like me, who’s seen the evil in the world up close and personal, would be a man of faith.

I add, “It’s the only thing that got me through. ”

We’re quiet as I make my way through each cabin, making sure everything is in order before the cleaning crew comes later this morning and I shut off the power.

“Will you have more guests soon?”

“Not until the end of January. I wanted to lighten my load around the holidays and keep things simple. This was the last hoorah for the year.”

“Any big plans with Ginny?”

“Oh, I’ll spoil her, that’s for sure. How about you?”

“I’m surprising my brothers with a visit.” She tells me about their recent marriages and how she missed a few of them, most recently on Thanksgiving. “I promised to be there by New Year’s. Usually, I spend it with Dylann, but we’re breaking tradition this year so I figured I may as well go a few days early.”

She’s mentioned Dylann a few times, and I bristle but remind myself that her love life is none of my business.

As we exit the last cabin, I glance at the sky, darkening with heavy clouds. “Good thing the guys left last night. Hopefully, your flight isn’t delayed or canceled.”

Her spirits seem to dive. “You probably can’t wait to get some alone time with Ginny after hosting all weekend.”

“Not really. I like the periodic company. I go to headquarters in town on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, which just about fills up my people-ing quota. The rest of the time I tend to things here and work from home. Trust me, Ginny gets plenty of attention.”

“Lucky girl,” Emmie mutters.

Considering she’s rescued, that’s the truth.

As Emmie joins me on the path toward the barn, my gaze travels from her sparkling eyes to her rosy cheeks. I wage an inner battle with the part of me that wants to thoroughly enjoy what I see and the other half that barks, Move along, soldier . Hands off, Eyes up.

When we get to an area with a clear view of the mountains, she pauses, “It’s amazing here. You have a special spot. ”

“Nothing like fresh mountain air and simple living,” I answer.

“You must’ve missed Ginny over the weekend.”

“A bit, but she probably missed me more.” I chuckle.

Emmie drops back slightly. “Are you sure about this? I don’t want to intrude.”

“About meeting Ginny? Don’t be silly. She’d love to meet you.”

“I bet.” Still, Emmie slows as though traipsing through the snow isn’t her favorite way to travel, reminding me that she’s a self-proclaimed city girl.

Although she’s on the shorter side, I don’t doubt that she could’ve kept up with us on the hike. On Friday night, some guys were showcasing their jiu-jitsu skills. Emma watched carefully and when Paxton lost, she muttered something about how he should’ve used the kimura lock.

We started talking about jiu-jitsu and it turns out she’s a blackbelt.

Paxton begged her to roll with him and eventually, she gave in. It was a sight to behold. She got him in a guillotine and he tapped out almost instantly.

Her eyes sparkle like the snow. Remnants of a tan like she grew up in the south but has been spending winters in the north tint her skin. I can’t help but notice all the details.

And the inner war continues...

As we enter the barn, Emmie says, “Sounds like the Wild Warriors Winter workshop was a success.”

“Definitely. Weekends like that are both invigorating and exhausting. It’ll be nice to settle into business as usual at HQ this week.”

The scent of hay and horses fills my nose. I wish Emmie and I were going on a trail ride rather than to the airport because the real downside of the weekend was that she and I didn’t get more time together. But that was my doing. I forced myself to remain at a distance, well, until last night when Paxton tried to make a move .

He ignored my hands-off glare, so I had to do everything but put my arms around Emmie and claim her as mine.

Not that she’s even close to that.

I’m afraid he made her nervous or I did with the whole thing about big misunderstandings. Worry lines work their way across her forehead as we near the end stall.

I take an apple out of my pocket and spin it in my hand. Holding it between Emmie and me, I say, “Give her this and you’ll have a new best friend.”

Emmie doesn’t take the apple. “I’m not sure I want a new best friend.”

Maybe she’s not keen on equine.

“We won’t stay long.”

“By all means. You’ve been apart for several days, spend all the time together that you like. Well, I do have to get to the airport, but I don’t want to interfere with your reunion.”

I check my watch. “With this weather coming in, we should probably leave sooner rather than later, if they didn’t delay flights. But I really want you to meet Ginny.”

She winces. “Yeah. Sure. Okay. Let’s get this over with.”

Not sure if she’s reluctant to return to the city or isn’t a fan of large animals, I nudge Emmie with my elbow. “We won’t stay but a few minutes.”

As we round the corner, my beautiful girl makes her nicker-snort sounds that tells me she’s happy to see me.

Emmie peers around, eyes everywhere but on Ginny. “Where is she?”

I rub my hand along the horse’s muzzle. “What do you mean? She’s right here.”

Emmie tucks her chin. “This is Ginny?”

Nodding, I say, “Yeah. Emmie, meet Guinevere Goldspring.”

Jaw dropping, Emmie stares at the animal in disbelief. “Ginny is a horse?”

“Yes. She’s a Spotted Saddle horse. Ideal for this kind of terrain and doesn’t mind the cold too much. My girl is a brown and white pinto with a big heart and a fondness for nuzzles and apples.” I stroke her muzzle, giving her all the love.

“Ginny is a horse and not a person?” Emmie repeats.

I spin the apple in my hand. “And she’ll be your best friend too if you give her this.”

Ginny stretches her neck and opens her horsey lips, practically frothing for the treat.

Beaming, Emmie flattens her hand and offers the piece of fruit to the animal. Ginny snorts happily and scarfs it up before nuzzling Emmie. As if a switch flipped, she seems completely at ease now, not at all intimidated by the horse and like Santa just delivered gifts after the threat of a canceled Christmas passed.

She giggles at the show of affection from the beast. “Yes, girl. We are going to be best friends. This has been a BM of epic proportions.”

I cock my head after the odd conversation at the bonfire last night.

Clearing her throat, Emmie says, “I mean, it was a big misunderstanding. Can we just tap rewind like an audiobook? Speaking of, have you decided if you’re going to record it in your voice or have the publisher pick someone?”

Bumping Emmie with my shoulder, I take a risk, “What was your friend saying about my voice on the phone the other night?”

“Can we delete that too? Emmie’s Most Embarrassing moments are starting to stack up.”

“Embarrassing moments? Please tell me the guys didn’t share any with you.”

“No, they respectfully refrained. My guess is the threat of a hundred pushups is more like double that. Military math.”

I can’t help the grin that lifts my lips. “So, what was the comment about my voice? Hmm. Let me think. That’s right. It was, ‘Whoa, whoa, whoa. Hold the phone, Doodles. You didn’t tell me his voice was like that. And the way he said your name?—’”

Emmie hides her face in her hands. “You memorized what she said? ”

I tap my temple.

“That means you probably also remember word for word what I said last night.”

Scrunching my nose I say, “Nah. I was focused on making sure Pax kept his distance.”

“Why’s that?”

“Because I didn’t—” It’s then I realize why Emmie was reluctant to meet my horse. “Wait a second. Who did you think Ginny was?”

Yep, this was a major BM. A big misunderstanding.