Epilogue - Indy
THREE YEARS LATER
“We’re gonna be late!” Summer shouts through the cabin, our cabin. It took months to remodel the space so it could fit us both. But looking around at the home we’ve built together the past few years, I wouldn’t want it any other way.
Pictures of us line the walls, of our many adventures both here on the ranch and away. We make sure to take a week each year for ourselves. Agreeing on a spot to go is the hardest part, but it’s always just us, and it gives us the time to genuinely be with each other.
Since the first year Summer was here, our bookings have been record-breaking, and every year it seems we get busier and busier. We’ve even had to create a waitlist for campers.
It’s surreal.
“I’m coming!” I shout from my new vanity. When we remodeled, Summer built me a brand new vanity inside our closet. She’s constantly coming up with things to build, and since Jare’s moved out to his own place she’s been renovating the loft for renters, or a new ranch hand.
We haven’t officially decided which yet, but I have a feeling it’ll be the latter. Summer’s been dropping hints she wants to hire River full time. We need the extra hands, and River’s expressed interest in a full time position here, not just the summers.
“Honey,” Summer says from the doorway, leaning on the frame with her arms crossed over her chest, and I bite my lip. She’s gotten even stronger since the first time we met, and her muscles drive me crazy. “Uh-uh, don’t look at me like that.”
Giggling, I stand up from the vanity and walk over to her. Her eyes never leave my body, and it still gives me goose bumps, even four years later.
“We’re already late, baby, don’t make it harder for me to leave,” she whines playfully, scooping me up and kissing me.
“I guess, I’ll just have to wait until tonight then.”
She nips at my bottom lip and ushers me out. Shoving my feet into my boots by the door, we head out as Twatla comes off the water, barreling toward us with a honk.
Summer bends down and Twatla jumps into her arms, laying her head on Summer’s shoulder.
“Traitor,” I whisper, as I stroke her head and Summer laughs.
“I bring her treats,” she shrugs, and puts Twatla down on her bed by the front door. It’s the beginning of another camp season, and the days are starting to get hotter already.
Grabbing my hand, we walk down to the camp where the newest counselors are milling around, talking to each other and hugging.
River’s hair’s grown out, now it’s past their shoulders flying behind them as they bound my way. “Indy!”
“Welcome back, River,” I chuckle, letting go of Summer’s hand to hug them.
“It’s good to be back,” they say, offering Summer their hand.
“Indy and I might have a job offer, if you’re interested,” Summer says, shaking River’s hand. Elbowing them, she shrugs and pinches my ass.
River looks at me, eyes wide and nods. “You mean?”
I nod with a laugh, “Looks like we need a new ranch hand.”
“Yes!” They shout, pumping their arms up in the air.
“We’ll meet up with you later to go over all the details,” I promise, and we fall into step toward the mess hall.
Inside, Santi and Zaye are already passing out counselor handbooks. When they look up their smiles widen, and Santi rushes over to hug me and Summer.
“We got started, but some people are still outside,” he says, ever the energizer bunny of people. “Kiri sends her love, but she’s not going to make it this year. New baby and all.”
“I can’t wait to see pictures!” I’m so excited for her, she’s going to be such an amazing mother.
We’ve expanded quite a bit, added more cabins for counselors and bunks for kids.
The mess hall was our most recent project.
We had to make it bigger to accommodate the larger camp, but Summer and Jare really knocked it out.
Now there’s a whole kitchen behind a wall with a window to look out of so Mama doesn’t have to lug things back and forth from the house anymore.
We upgraded her equipment too, and even hired two helpers just for the kitchen.
Mama and Papa have both been slowly phasing out of the harder work, deciding to enjoy their retirement with each other. Giving me the reins, which I gladly share with Summer.
River was on check-in duty, and according to their clipboard everyone’s here, so with a whistle Summer gathers all the counselor’s attention and waves them over to the mess hall.
“Welcome to the Turner Summer Camp, we’re glad you’re here and we can’t wait to see what memories we can make this year!”