20. Mags
20
MAGS
Red locks up the motel room and leads me over to the truck, his hand resting on the small of my back making my heart flip.
While I was having my shower and cleaning up, Red went out to get supplies to see us through during the storm. It gave me time to think about how things have obviously changed between us.
What I didn’t know until I delved deeper into the new Aster book–and thinking back to the others I’ve read before now–is that the Call works in many different ways. That’s the only reason I can come up with as to why I haven’t realized until now just how deep my feelings are for him.
They’ve likely been growing for a while. I'd never contemplated that anything would ever happen between us. He's always just been Red, my best friend, a constant presence in my life. He and Wy have always been part of my family and they made sure that I was part of theirs.
With three failed marriages under my belt, I’d shut down the possibility of there ever being another man for me. When you crash and burn that many times, you come to accept the fact that love just isn’t for you. Somehow, I’d become blindly content with that being my lot. How wrong was I?
Now all I can think about is how is this supposed to happen . And when? It feels like we're both being pulled toward each other, but so far–Red hasn't made a move.
I thought the unnamed book with its unnamed characters might give me a road map–or at least some sort of clue about what might happen. To be honest, if I hadn’t clued in that this new story was the journey Red and I were destined to go on, I’d be a little freaked out about how uncannily accurate it is. I will admit though, it’s taking everything I have not to jump ahead a little to see how it ends.
So far, I'm only up to the point where the hero gives the heroine his hat at the bar, not realizing that the move was claiming her in everyone's eyes. Having experienced that moment first-hand, I had no clue that’s what he was doing. Now I do, I can't help but want him to do it again.
That’s why tonight, I put a little extra effort into dressing up, something Red didn’t miss if the flash of heat I caught in his eyes is anything to go by.
Just like the way his eyes linger on my face a little longer than usual before he closes me inside the truck and rounds the hood to get behind the wheel.
“ Now do I get to know where we’re goin’? Because with you lookin’ like that, I’m feelin’ underdressed,” he says with a wry smile.
I drag my eyes over him, a slow-growing smile tugging at my mouth as I take in his black corduroy shirt and dark denim jeans, finished off with his ever-present black cowboy boots and matching hat. He’s trimmed his beard back too which has accentuated his strong jaw and full lips. If I thought he was handsome before, he’s looking smoking hot now.
I must take too long checking him out because I catch his mouth twitching and it snaps me out of my daze. “You want me to get out and do a twirl for you, darlin’?”
“No,” I say, crossing my arms. “I was just checking if you were underdressed.”
“Don’t lie, you were checkin’ me out . It’s OK, Mags. Keep lookin’, I like it. It’s good for this old man’s ego,” he replies, his voice dropping lower and sending the good kind of shivers through my body.
Dragging my eyes away from him, I bring up my phone. "Just follow my directions, Red. Patience is a virtue, you know."
He shoots me a half salute and a knowing grin. “Yes, Ma’am.”
“Trust me, it’s goin’ to be fun. Have I ever let you down before?”
“Nope,” he answers straight away, and with a wide smile that makes me feel warm inside. There was a time when I had to fight to get the man to smile, and I love that those moments come free and easy now.
“OK, let’s get this show on the road then.”
Fifteen minutes later, I direct him into a parking spot outside a bar and restaurant called the “Singing Canary.”
I wait until he’s gotten a good look at the place before glancing his way, waiting for his reaction.
“A karaoke bar?” he says incredulously.
“Yep,” I reply with a grin. “I wanted to do somethin’ that I we haven’t done together before.”
“Think a tattoo would’ve been easier,” he mutters with a laugh. He lifts his hand and rubs the back of his neck. “You really want to sing in front of strangers?”
“Yep,” I say again. “We’re in a city where no one–well hopefully , no one–knows us. We can make fools of our ourselves and have fun without worryin’ about anythin’ or anyone. C’mon, Red. We said we wanted new experiences, and this here is our chance to have one. What do you say? I’m game if you are.”
That's when he floors me, turning his head and meeting my challenging stare straight on. "Right now, I think I'd give just about anythin' a go with you, darlin', and that should scare the pants off me. But somehow, with you, I feel braver than ever before."
My entire body stills at his words, if ever there was a sign that Red is on board with whatever this is between us, that was it. He’s heard the Call. This isn’t just in my head. This is happening. What I don’t know is how it’s happening or when . But right now, I don’t care.
“We should… I mean…” I stumble over my words, but Red–as always–is there to save me.
“C’mon, darlin’. Let’s go find a song to sing terribly. There’s no point goin’ in half-cocked now.” Before I can conjure up a response to that, he’s out of the truck and opening my door.
And as if he can read my mind, before we walk into the bar, he stops and places his hat on my head. This time, I welcome it.
“Is that who I think it is?” I ask, catching sight of Randy Barnes and another man I don’t know walking toward us.
Red looks over before jerking his chin up and moving to his feet, holding out his arm. “Of all the places in Anchorage, you had to choose the same damn bar as us. How are you, Randy?”
Randy is Lee’s dad and was Colt’s mentor at Eagle Mountain Ranch before he moved to Bull. Lee followed him two years later after they reconnected and completed their own mountain’s call.
“Fancy seein' you here," Randy says, taking Red's offered hand and shaking it before letting it go and looking to me. "Mags. Did he drag you out too?"
“Nope,” I reply with a grin. “This was actually my idea. Red and I are on a road trip to expand our horizons.”
Randy's brows lift sky-high. "And you’re choosin’ to do that in an Anchorage karaoke bar of all places? You know there are things you could do that are a little closer to home, right?"
Red chuckles. “We dropped Wyatt off at the airport a week ago. He’s now out at sea on a crab fishin’ boat of all things.”
“He’s flown the Bull Mountain coop then?” Randy asks with a smile.
“Sure has. Told us all last year that he wanted to make it happen. He got the call a few weeks back.” Red’s chest is puffed out and a proud grin takes over his features.
“That’s a big move for a kid.”
“An almost eighteen-year-old kid.” Red sits down again but this time he slides around the circular booth toward me, making room for Randy and his guest.
Before taking a seat, Randy lifts his hand to catch the server's attention before ordering a round of drinks for our table. "Watchin’ your kids grow up doesn't get any easier. Luckily we've got some young' uns back home that keep me busy. Don't have to think about our big girl being engaged to a rancher of her own and livin' on your mountain, Red.” Randy replies, turning to the man next to him. “Red’s from Bull Mountain Ranch and Bull Stud. That’s where our daughter Lee lives with her soon-to-be husband Colt.”
“Ah,” the man replies.
"Shoot, where are my manners? This is Will Cooper. He’s a son of an old family friend. Him and his brothers have recently inherited Cooper Ranch in Timber Falls from their grandfather. I've known the family for years, and since I was in town on business, I thought we'd catch up."
Red leans forward to shake Will's hand before I do the same.
“Sorry for your loss,” I say.
Will nods. “Appreciated. We hadn’t seen our grandfather for quite a few years due to him escapin’ the rat race for the woods years ago. He was a bit of a recluse and kept to himself, so we didn’t know he was sick until I was contacted by his lawyer a few months back. Had to wrap up things back home before booking a flight and headin’ up here.”
“Back home?” I ask.
“Chicago. I’ve got my own construction business there. Well, had is probably more accurate now.”
Red nods. “Have you been to Alaska before?"
“Yep. When we were kids, Mom and Dad would ship us four boys up here to live with Pop every summer. Then he came back to the Lower 48 with us for a few years but didn’t like bein’ away from his mountain. Now the four of us brothers have to live at his ranch together in order to fulfil our grandfather’s wishes. Somethin’ about gettin’ in touch with our roots again. At least it’s come at a good time because I find myself ready for a change.” Definitely sounds like there’s a story there. “Lucky for us, Mom and Dad live here in Anchorage now, so we won’t be so far away from them anymore.”
“I think we all come to a crossroad at least once in our lives’,” Red says, sneaking a glance my way. “If you’ve been to Timber Falls before then you must’ve passed through our hometown of Spring Haven. If not, you’ll have to visit on your way.”
Will turns to Randy. "Is that the place with the world-famous corned beef hash you were tellin' me about?"
“Seems the reputation of my food precedes me,” I reply.
Will's eyes widen before an approving grin appears. "Small world, huh? Well, I'll definitely call in next time."
Red wraps his arm around my shoulders and pulls me into his side. "You won't regret it. My ranch family has claimed our own table in the place. I swear we eat enough to keep Mags in business."
My cheeks burn hot, and it’s got nothing to do with embarrassment, it’s from sheer giddiness–and maybe from the full body flush I have going on because I’m pressed up against Red. Have I turned into a teenage girl all of a sudden?
Randy looks between the two of us before meeting my gaze and nodding approvingly. It's almost like he can see the Call in action. Maybe that's a superpower that you're given once you've been through the Call yourself like Randy has with Lee's mom, Nora.
“You said you’ve been here for a week?” he says just as the drinks are delivered.
“Yeah. We dropped Wy off for his flight to Dutch Harbor, then went down to the Kenai Peninsula for the rodeo and to meet with your good friend, Rod,” Red says, his eyes twinkling with mischief as Randy gives a knowing snort.
Years ago, Randy and his family at Eagle had some trouble with Rod and his brother Phil over a wedding gift they’d given to one of the wives. Thankfully it’s all water under the bridge now.
Randy chuckles. "That man always did have a knack for stirrin’ up trouble. Good thing he means well at heart."
“If he didn’t, we wouldn’t have just signed a contract with him for all of his retirin’ rodeo bulls and horses too.”
“Wow. That’s great news. Just as long as you don’t give him all your good stock. Family looks after family, right?” Randy says, sending a pointed look our way.
Red nods. “Sure does. Don’t worry, we’ll always look after you and yours at Eagle.”
“Good to hear. So, you’ve gone from the rodeo to here. Where next?” Randy continues.
I turn to Red. “Yeah, Red. Where are we goin’ next?” I ask with a knowing smirk.
Red gazes down at me, his eyes warm and crinkled. “Can’t say right now because that would ruin the surprise I’ve got planned for this one. But tomorrow, we’re off to a cabin in Rainbow Springs and will end the trip in Palmer for the last rodeo of the season.”
“Busy trip then,” Will muses, looking between us.
“It’s this one’s first vacation in forever, so I wanted to make it worth it,” Red adds, giving me a gentle squeeze.
I narrow my eyes at him making everyone laugh, before I turn back to Will. “Will, are you plannin’ on stayin’ in Timber Falls long term then?” I ask.
"My grandfather—bless his heart—put a few stipulations in his will that requires us all to live on the property for twelve months in order for the title to be released to us."
That has my eyes widening. Who’s ever heard of something like that ?
Will reads my expression and snickers. “Yep. My brothers and I had the same reaction as you just did. So, in short, yes, we’ll all be livin’ there soon. This trip is just for reconnaissance and to see what kind of state the property is in. My grandfather was a recluse, but he was also a bit of a conspiracy theorist so I’m not sure exactly how livable the place is, let alone how much maintenance and repairs will be needed yet. It used to be a dude ranch of sorts, we just don’t know whether we can get it back up and runnin’—or if we should.”
“That’s where my cousin Finn and his boss Linc will help you out. They own the timber mill there. They’ll have all the contacts you’ll need to get started,” Randy informs him.
“Good. I think we’ll need all the help we can get,” Will replies, already sounding exhausted by the prospect.
"Let me know if there's anythin’ I can help with too," Red offers. We're about a five hour drive away from Timber Falls but Austin—Mags's future son-in-law—is a carpenter and does woodworkin' as well and we all know a bit about construction now since we're slowly buildin' cabins on our ranch for everyone to live in now that they've all met their soulmates."
Will's eyes light up at that. "Ah, coupled up and needin' their own space. That's somethin' I don't have to worry about. I don't see me findin' the love of my life in a small Alaskan town."
I shoot him a knowing smile, thinking of Aster’s love stories. “You never know. Stranger things have happened. Especially when you’re a Cooper.”
“Cooper? Why’s that?” will asks, looking confused as all get out.
Randy, Red, and I all shoot each other knowing looks. Because if ever there was a place to find your soulmate, it's anywhere near a mountain in Alaska. Especially if your family name is Cooper.”
“Will, if you ever want to read about just how common it is for men to fall in love in the mountains, look up Aster Hollingsworth. Her books will tell you all you need to know about findin’ soulmates when you least expect it,” I reply, sneaking a glance at Red and smiling to myself about just how apt my words are.
Finding soulmates when you least expect it , yeah… I think I'm learning all about that myself right now too.
An hour later, the bar manager walks up onto a small makeshift stage at the back of the room where there are two screens and microphone stands set up.
"Welcome to karaoke night at the Canary. Now who's goin’ to go first and show us how it's done?" he announces, looking around the room. A group of twenty-somethings put their hands up, giggling and calling out "We will!". Moments later, it's everyone else who's laughing as they launch into a hilarious rendition of a Spice Girls song complete with the dance routine to match.
Red leans in to bring his mouth to my ear. “You sure you still want to sing in front of a room of strangers?” he muses, his warm breath washing over my skin and leaving goosebumps in its wake.
I chuckle and turn my head slightly to meet his gaze. "You bet I do. I may not have the voice of an angel, but I’m not scared of makin’ a fool out of myself in the name of fun. How ‘bout you, Redmond?” I challenge.
“Bring it on, darlin’. If you can do it, then I can too,” he replies with a wicked grin.
“OK then. Let’s go. I know just the song for us.”
“You two goin’ to get up there and sing?” Randy pipes up, leaning back in the booth and looking far too amused at the prospect.
“Sure am. And if we can do it, then you two can be next,” I shoot back.
Randy and Will look at each other, both of them shaking their heads at the same time. “Nope. I’m happy to sit here with my beer and watch you two,” Randy replies.
Downing the rest of my drink, I slide out of the booth. “Suit yourself.” Red appears by my side before grabbing my hand and lacing our fingers together. I look down at our hands before slowly lifting my eyes to his hooded ones. Damn the man is handsome when he smiles.
"Lead the way, darlin'," he rasps, and yep, definitely feeling all the effects of this Call business. If the mountain spirit ever turns up in human form, I owe the woman a meal and then some.
We reach the side of the stage just as the last notes of the Spice Girls song play. Once the stage is clear, we move to stand behind the microphones to the sound of cheers and applause from the crowd–and a loud wolf whistle from Randy at the back. After scanning through the song list, I make my selection and let the manager know.
Then I take a deep breath and in what might be the craziest thing I’ve done in a long time, I hold the microphone up to my mouth and wait for the music to start.
The opening notes of "Islands in the Stream" fill the room, and I glance over at Red, who wears a mischievous grin. As Kenny Roger’s iconic voice fills the air, the man shocks the hell out of me by singing the lyrics on key and in a deep voice that is far from bad.
When it comes to the harmony part, we sing together perfectly and with the crowd cheering us on, I forget about the Call and the audience and the fact I’m standing up in front of a bunch of strangers and just sing .
Our voices blend surprisingly well as if they were meant to complement each other all along. The crowd really starts getting into it, clapping along to the beat. I even catch Randy and Will bobbing their heads in time with the music, their eyes wide with amazement.
As we reach the chorus, Red's voice takes on a playful tone when he adds a touch of country drawl to his voice that makes me chuckle mid-verse. I shoot him a look which only makes his grin get wider. He’s clearly enjoying himself–more than I thought he ever would, to be honest–and it’s that feeling that I relish.
With the end of the song drawing closer, so do we, until we’re right in each other’s faces, singing loudly, having the time of our lives. When it finishes, Red pulls me in for a tight bear hug right there in front of the cheering crowd. You better believe I wrap my arms around him too, closing my eyes and taking in the alluring woodsy scent of his cologne and soaking in the warmth of his body fitting perfectly against mine.
When I feel him nuzzle my neck, my breath catches, my whole body singing its own tune this time, and it takes everything I have not to grab his face and kiss the life out of him in front of everybody.
As soon as that thought registers though, I remember that we’re still standing on the stage.
Pulling apart, Red’s grin is so big that it takes over his whole face. It’s a picture I commit to memory because it’s a look I want to see and be the reason it’s there, for the rest of my life. I also wonder whether he realizes that my entire world has just been shook off its axis with that one touch of his lips on my skin.
He hands the microphones back to the host before taking my hand in his and leading me back to the table, all the while I follow him in a daze. Because all the different things I’ve been feeling about him on this trip so far, from our moment on the hike, to the way I felt seeing him naked at Pinky’s place, to claiming me with his hat, and telling me he’s open to hearing the Call, I can no longer deny that things have changed.
If I thought singing in front of a room full of strangers was the craziest thing I've ever done, I was wrong.
Because this isn’t a crush, this isn’t lust borne from close proximity. This isn’t just me loving Red, my best friend. I’m in love with him too. Wholeheartedly. Head over heels. No one else will ever do.
I guess all I need to do now is figure out what the hell to do about it…