Chapter Thirteen: Samantha

"What do you think?" Mabel asked as they stood looking out over the Bear Creek Wildlife Sanctuary from a vantage point at the lodge that functioned as the offices for the sanctuary, among other things.

Compact and functional is how Samantha would have described them. Not exactly what she was used to, but Mabel had made it clear there was scope to expand if the sustainable tourism fundraising initiative was a success. And that was down to Samantha.

"I think it's breathtaking," Samantha replied, her eyes scanning the vast expanse of wilderness before them.

"Isn't it?" Mabel said and then half-turned to Samantha. "But I was thinking more of the offices and the plans we have."

Samantha cracked a smile. "Oh, I know. But this is the inspiration." She gestured to the scene before them, of the visitors milling about on the trails below, the dense forest stretching to the horizon, and the snow-capped mountains in the distance. "This is what we're working to protect and preserve. Everything else is secondary. At least for now…"

"So, you like it?" Mabel asked, the confident tone she'd maintained throughout their hour-long meeting slipping for the first time.

"I love it." Samantha reached out and touched Mabel's arm. "I'm in, Mabel. One hundred percent."

Mabel's shoulders visibly relaxed, and a warm smile spread across her face. "I'm so glad to hear that, Samantha. We really need someone with your expertise to take this project to the next level."

"I'm honored you believe I am the one who can help your plans to fruition." A surge of excitement and purpose washed over her. This was exactly the kind of challenge she'd been looking for—a chance to make a real difference while providing a stable life for her children. The fact it was in such a beautiful location as Bear Creek was a bonus.

"I'm honored you accepted," Mabel said in return.

"I can't wait to get started," she said, her mind already buzzing with ideas her talk with Mabel had sparked. "I've already got some thoughts on how we can increase our donor base and create more engaging fundraising events."

Mabel nodded approvingly. "That's exactly the kind of initiative we need. We've tried, but it's gotten to the point we need a dedicated member of staff for the role."

"And I am dedicated," Samantha assured her.

"I can see that. And as a parent, you know how important it is to protect places like this, not just for this generation but the next, and the next." Mabel sucked in a deep breath and let it out. "I'm so relieved. After the issue with the house, I was worried you might have changed your mind."

"No, not at all. If anything, it's shown me what the people of Bear Creek are like. They have been so supportive." Samantha scanned the people below, searching for one person who had gone out of his way to help her.

But she could not see Henry and the children among the visitors.

"It was incredibly kind of Henry to loan you his cabin," Mabel said, staring at the mountaintops.

"It was," Samantha agreed, with a sense there was more to Mabel's statement than mere observation. She glanced at her new boss, noting the slight tightness around her eyes. "I'd like to think he's a good friend."

"Can I offer you a piece of advice?" Mabel turned to face Samantha.

"Sure," Samantha replied. "Although I can't say I'll act on it."

"I know your history, and I know your loss, but don't close your heart to a second chance," Mabel blurted out, her calm, professional demeanor slipping for an instant before she gave a short laugh. "It's none of my business, of course."

"Mabel…" Samantha whispered.

"I lost someone. A long time ago…" Mabel shrugged and looked at her shoes. "Henry is great with your kids. The Thornbergs are a wonderful family. If a second chance comes your way, and it feels right, I mean deep inside." She clenched her fist and placed it over her heart. "Promise me you will let it in. You will give it a chance to grow into something more."

"I promise," Samantha whispered, tears misting her eyes.

"Well," Mabel said, her tone brusque as if the last couple of minutes had not happened. "I will see you Monday and we can make a start on making a difference."

"Monday it is." Samantha nodded.

"I need to go and make some calls," Mabel said, backing away. "Can you find your way out?"

"Sure." Samantha watched as Mabel strode back into the lodge, her confident demeanor fully restored. She turned back to the stunning vista, letting Mabel's words sink in. A second chance? Unbidden images of Henry's kind smile and the natural way he had with her children flashed through her mind. Samantha shook her head, trying to dispel the thoughts. It was too soon, wasn't it? She had only just arrived in Bear Creek, and her focus needed to be on her new job and settling her kids into their new life.

And yet, there was something about Henry that made her feel...safe. Understood.

A connection. One she felt deep inside.

A smile spread across Samantha's face as she allowed herself to consider the possibilities. Mabel was right, everyone deserved a second chance, and she knew deep in her heart that Donald would never expect her to never move on. Never find love again.

She took a deep breath and allowed herself a moment to simply be present in this beautiful place.

Then she made her way out of the lodge and back into the sanctuary to find her children. And Henry.

Wherever they were. She scanned the faces of the visitors as she made her way to the play area, but when she got there, it was obvious they had moved on. Reaching into her purse, she was about to tap her screen and call Henry, when the hairs on the back of her neck prickled her skin.

"And it feels right," Samantha murmured, rubbing the nape of her neck.

Henry did feel right. Turning around, she dug deep inside herself and tuned into the strange feeling she'd had since she arrived in Bear Creek.

Since she met Henry.

Then she took a chance, a leap of faith, and she let that feeling guide her.

One step at a time, she headed toward the dense forest trail that led away from the main visitor area. The feeling grew stronger with each step, pulling her forward like an invisible thread. The chatter of tourists faded behind her as she ventured deeper into the woods, the air growing cooler as the canopy of trees above her head grew thicker. Samantha's heart raced, not from exertion but from a mix of excitement and nervousness. What was she doing, following this inexplicable feeling?

Just as she was about to turn back, she heard laughter echoing through the trees. Samantha's heart leaped as she recognized the voices of her children, Lewis and Tilly, mingled with Henry's deep chuckle. She quickened her pace, following the joyful sounds until she emerged into a small clearing. There, she found Henry crouched down beside Lewis and Tilly, pointing out something on the forest floor.

"It's a giant stag beetle," Henry was telling them.

Samantha paused at the edge of the clearing, taking in the scene before her. Henry's broad shoulders were hunched as he leaned in close to her children, his voice low and gentle as he explained the intricacies of the stag beetle's life cycle. Lewis and Tilly were rapt, leaning in close as they watched the beetle scuttle across a fallen log.

"Mom!" Tilly exclaimed, spotting Samantha. "Come look at what Henry found!"

"Look, Mommy!" Lewis called out excitedly as Samantha came to join them. "It's huge!"

"That is a huge beetle," Samantha said as she crouched down to join them, leaning forward for a closer look.

As Samantha leaned in, her shoulder brushed against Henry's, sending a tiny shiver through her body. She glanced up at him, catching his warm brown eyes for a moment before they both looked away, slightly flustered.

"It's a male," Henry explained, his voice filled with reverence for the creature. "See those large mandibles? They look like antlers, which is why they're called stag beetles."

Samantha found herself captivated, not just by the beetle, but by the way Henry's hands moved as he shared his knowledge. How she would love to feel his large hands on her body, stroking, touching, teasing…

"How did your meeting with Mabel go?" Henry asked as the children crept after the stag beetle.

"Good, really good," Samantha said, trying to keep her voice even when everything about Henry knocked her off balance. "I'm officially starting on Monday."

Henry cracked with a broad smile. "That's fantastic news! You are perfect for the job."

"And the job is perfect for me," Samantha said. "I was worried about moving to a town where I didn't know anyone and starting a new job. You know, with the children. It's not too bad when they are at school… Anyway, the hours are flexible. I can work from home as much as I need to…your home," she added with a smile.

"Hey, you are not alone here. If you need help with the kids, I have a mom…"

"I can't rely on your mom," Samantha told him. "That wouldn't be fair to her."

"Are you kidding?" he asked with an arched eyebrow.

"But, if you are stuck, I have other relatives, and Levi and Rosie would always help out, since they are in the same position as you. Elliot is a good kid," Henry said.

"And I look forward to meeting him when we start building the treehouse," Samantha said.

"So, that really is a go?" Henry asked and straightened up, offering her his hand.

Samantha didn't need help standing up, but she took his hand anyway. The moment their hands touched, a spark of electricity seemed to pass between them.

His grip was strong yet gentle as he helped her to her feet, and she found herself reluctant to let go.

"Absolutely," she replied, her voice a little breathier than she intended. "The kids are so excited about it. It's all they've been talking about since you mentioned it."

Henry's eyes crinkled as he smiled. "I'm glad to hear it. I think it'll be a great project for all of us."

They stood there for a moment, still holding hands, neither seeming willing to break the connection. Samantha felt a warmth spreading through her chest, a feeling she hadn't experienced in years. It both thrilled and terrified her.

"Mommy, Henry! Look what we found!" Lewis's excited voice broke the spell.

Samantha and Henry quickly dropped hands, both looking slightly flustered as they turned to the children. Lewis was holding up a large, iridescent feather, its blue-green hues shimmering in the dappled sunlight.

"Wow, that's beautiful," Samantha said, grateful for the distraction. "What kind of bird do you think it's from, Henry?"

Henry leaned in to examine the feather, his shoulder brushing against Samantha's again. She felt that same electric tingle, but tried to focus on what he was saying.

"That's from a blue jay," Henry explained, carefully taking the feather from Lewis. "They're common around here. Beautiful birds, but they can be pretty noisy."

"Like Lewis in the morning," Tilly quipped, earning a playful shove from her brother.

"Hey!" Lewis protested, but he was grinning.

Samantha laughed at their playful teasing. They seemed so at ease here in the forest, so different from how they were back home. Maybe coming to Bear Creek was the right decision, after all.

"Well, I think we've had quite the adventure for one day," Samantha said, checking her watch. "How about we head back to town and pick up some groceries for dinner?"

"Can Henry come to dinner?" Tilly asked, her eyes lighting up with hope.

Samantha hesitated, caught off guard by the request. She glanced at Henry, who seemed equally surprised. "Oh, I'm sure Henry has other things he needs to do," Samantha said gently, not wanting to put him on the spot. "But if you are free, you are more than welcome. It's the least I can do since you helped us out so much."

"I'd be happy to join you if you don't mind the company."

"Well, that's settled," Samantha said, not minding his company one bit.