kiss Levi again.
They’d both refrained, and George had managed to fall asleep. But just observing Levi’s sleeping face sent blood where he didn’t need it. He did have to pee, though, so he quietly untangled from his almost-too-hot sleeping bag, put his sneakers and jacket on, and braved the chilly morning.
Hugo was stoking the fire with small branches, waking the embers up into a full roar again. With the Harrison family the only others moving around yet, George took advantage of the watering hole to relieve himself. The sun was still low on the horizon, rising slowly over the rolling landscape, and George took a few pictures of the gorgeous shades of pinks, reds and oranges that swiftly brightened to brilliant blue.
Over a filling breakfast of biscuits and gravy and coffee, Reyes informed them they’d be leaving the wagon behind and riding up to a summit, before the long trail ride home. After hearing the stories of Slater’s heroic rescue, George was eager to see this summit in person. Levi seemed a bit standoffish during the meal, sitting with a lot of room between them and barely speaking.
Odd but George was in too good a mood to read anything into it.
Reyes unhooked his horse from the wagon and actually rode her bareback. Their group rode for a few miles before stopping near the edge of a cliff that overlooked a vast green valley. The view was beyond breathtaking, and George kind of wanted to cry for how lovely the land was. Down in the valley full of plants and another creek was a small herd of deer all grazing together. He took as many photos as he possibly could while keeping a safe distance from the edge. Even Levi seemed in awe, if his wide-eyed, slack-jawed expression was anything to judge by.
“I remember my first time here,” Miles said to George, coming up on his left. “I couldn’t believe it either. That I’d ever see something so pretty in person.”
“It’s exquisite.” George didn’t know what else to say.
“More than two and a half ago years ago,” Reyes said in a clear tone, “one of our guests named Wes Bentley let his horse wander from the group. Said horse was spooked by a skunk and sped off at gallop. Took Wes miles north of here before stopping in the remains of what had once been an old gold rush town. Arthur Garrett’s grandson Mack decided to invest in rebuilding the town and turning it into a living attraction. While it’s currently closed for the season, if you ever find yourselves back in these parts from February to November, it’s well worth a day of your time.”
“I can’t imagine that,” George said to Miles. “My horse galloping away. I’d have probably peed myself.”
Miles snickered. “Wes was terrified. He’s my best friend, and it was kind of incredible to live through. The ghost town, rebuilding it, being asked to be the head chef at the saloon. Opening day. But all the work has been worth it. It’s amazing to think of all the good that came out of one little skunk.”
“True story. I can’t stop thinking about Slater going over that cliff back in May and being in one solid piece again.”
“Yeah, I remember when that happened. Reyes was up here with him, and I don’t think I’ve ever heard him so panicked. But somehow Slater came out of it with only a busted ankle and a concussion, and him being with Derrick brought you and your brother into the family. We’re a very eclectic bunch but we’re loyal.”
George loved the sentiment but wasn’t as sure he and Orry were really part of the huge, extended Garrett family yet. Maybe soon, if things went the way he hoped they did with Levi. “It’s nice being part of something again.”
“If you ever need anything, please reach out.”
“I appreciate it.” George wandered over to stand by Levi, curious at his continued quiet when he’d been all smiles and conversation the day before. “You okay?”
“Yeah, just thinking a lot. Had a good talk with Reyes last night. It was about as personal as we’ve been with each other.”
“Anything you want to share?”
Levi shrugged but one corner of his mouth turned up in a half smile. “I guess I’m jealous of the strong relationship he has with Miles. The last time I trusted a man with my heart, I got burned. No, more like scorched. But I do want what Reyes and Miles have. One day. With