Audra Harders - Rocky Mountain Hero

Melanie walked into the other room where Gabe played like a pro, cool and calm, while Jason rolled all over the floor in a pattern to match the track his kart raced. Jason maneuvered his car around a sharp curve and headed down the finish line.

“I won again!”

“You’re not half bad once you stop whinin’.” Gabe set his controller down on the coffee table.

“Okay, kid, it’s time to go,” Melanie said as she swallowed her disdain for the video games.

“Aww, Mom.”

Grace nudged her in the ribs.

Melanie wrinkled her nose. “You race like a pro, Jay. I’ve never seen you play so well.”

Jason stopped in midwhine. “You watched?”

“The way you came around the turn just now and drove down the straightaway? Terrific.”

Jason stared openmouthed at her. “Thanks, Mom.”

“You’re welcome.” She caught Gabe grinning at her and felt heat warm her cheeks. Her next words stuck in her throat. “Maybe if Gabe isn’t too busy, you can come by and play again before we leave.”

Jason frowned and looked down at his controller. Music played behind him, waiting for the players to pick their track. He handed Gabe the unit. “Thanks, Gabe. Maybe we can do this again, sometime?”

“Sure. Just make certain—”

“I know—” Jason lowered his voice “—chores are done first.”

Gabe rumpled Jason’s hair then tickled his belly. “Smarty pants.”

Squeals rang as Gabe and Jason wrestled on the floor. Melanie smiled inside. Maybe she’d stumbled onto something good after all.

Gabe stopped and caught his breath. He grabbed the arm of the couch, pushed up from the floor and stretched his muscles.

Jason wrapped the cord around the controller and set it on the television. “But it’s Saturday night. Mom says I can stay up later on Saturday night.”

“Church time comes mighty early when you go to bed late. Better not chance it.” He snagged his hat from the peg by the kitchen door and settled it on his head. Morning definitely came early. Especially when he had a couple more hours of work ahead of him. “C’mon, I’ll walk you to your cabin so the wild chipmunks don’t get you.”

“Mom?” Jason darted past. “Are we going to church in the morning?”

“Looks like it, big guy. I have some important people to meet if we’re going to get a barbecue planned.” She stood by the door, her hand on the jamb. “Right, Gabe?”

“I’m sure the ladies of Faith Community will be singing their hearts out tomorrow morning.” He nodded to his folks, giving his mom a quick hug. “Mom, Dad. I’ll see you in the morning.”

“You done for the night, Gabe?” Martin ambled over to the door.

“Just need to button up a few things.”

“Not too late, son.” Grace kissed him on the cheek. “Don’t want to poke you awake in the pew during Pastor Dave’s sermon.”

Gabe ushered Melanie and Jason out and closed the door behind him. He’d had fun tonight. Jason turned out a worthy opponent. Ha, the kid even beat him a couple of rounds. Nice having human competition instead of playing the machine all the time. “How’s the cabin working out for you, Melanie?”

She stepped around a rut in the lot before looking up at him. “It’s nice and cozy. I know it’s only been a couple days, but waking up and having coffee out on the porch is fast becoming my favorite pastime.”

“I hear things crawling around in the trees all night long.” Jason ran up and squeezed between them. “Are there any bears up here?”

“Always that chance, but I’ve never seen one.” He ruffled Jason’s hair. “Had a couple mountain lions a few years back. And raccoons. No bears.”

Jason’s eyes grew wide and his mouth fell open. “Mountain lions? Cool. Maybe we’ll see one. Maybe I’ll get a picture of one. Maybe we can catch one.”

“Whoa, Jason.” Melanie stuck out her hand. “How about we plan a picnic without the added guests? I think feeding two-legged creatures will be test enough for me this first time.”

“Gabe?” Jason obviously turned from the answer he didn’t want to hear. “What do ya think? Can we go looking for mountain lions?”

“Bud, always be careful what you ask for. You never know when the good Lord is going to call your bluff.” He was sorry he’d said something. Mountain lions needed to stay well away from people. “I’ll bet there’s something a bit more tame for you to do.”

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