Page 85 of Off the Trail

“I’m closer with his agent, Callie Roman, but I’ve met him a couple of times.”

“Yeah, well, he’s here. I put him on bonfire duty so I could grab something to drink. Come say hi.”

I glance toward the lodge, but I don’t see Nolan returning with reinforcements, so, a little sadly, I bring Josh toward the fire and Shawn.

“Where’s your hot chocolate?” Shawn asks.

“No hot chocolate, but I found Josh Morse.”

Shawn bounces up and down on his soles. “Josh, oh my god, I have to thank you from the bottom of my heart. You are a prince among men.”

Josh laughs uncomfortably. “Why?”

“Because I thought you and Callie were punishing me when you sent me here, and it turned out to be exactly what I needed.”

“This place does things to you,” Josh agrees. “I’m glad it worked out.”

“Worked out? Understatement, man. I found a new lease on life. I found—Blaze.”

There’s no mistaking the look in his eyes. Shawn looks like a man in love. He reaches his hand out, and I put mine in his.

“I guess we do owe you some thanks,” I add when Josh has had a chance to absorb the result of his actions.

He smiles. “I didn’t do anything. You did,” he says to Shawn. “And congrats, guys.” He gazes off into the trees. “This really is a special place.”

“Come up more. You like fishing? Hiking? What’s your thing?” I ask, ready to make all his outdoor dreams come true.

He laughs, refocusing on us. “I’ve been in the city too long. But⁠—”

“Yeah?”

“I used to swim. I’d swim clear across the lake any chance I got.”

“Well, it’s not exactly swimming weather, but come back in June.”

“Maybe I will. Anyway, I better go find Aunt Marika. Nice to see you both.”

He ambles away, and I tighten my hold on Shawn’s hand. “He seems lonely.”

“Yeah,” Shawn agrees. We exchange a glance. We both know something about loneliness. I’m profoundly grateful that we have each other.

I steal another quick kiss, and Shawn grins. “You know what, Blaze? You really light my fire.”

I’m flattered for half a second, then groan at the pun. “I’m a real fire starter, aren’t I?”

“You lit a blaze in my heart, that’s for sure,” he says, refusing to be one-upped.

“Oh, that’s bad.” I shake my head.

“But not untrue,” he counters.

“Yeah? Your heart is on fire for me?”

“I burn for you, Blaze.”

I’m not sure if we’re still being cheesy on purpose or if we’ve slipped into accidental sincerity. Either way, it’s working on me.

“I love you, Shawn.” Maybe it’s the cheesiest thing of all to say, but it’s true.