“And doing a fantastic job,” Alex conceded.

“I can take you back to the airport on Sunday if it’s in the morning, but if it’s later than noon, then Trev or Dad can take you,” Bram said, like the entire conversation between Alex and Ani hadn’t happened.

“What do you have going on Sunday?” Alex asked, reaching out to hold my hand.

The warmth of his palm was a comfort. I didn’t have anything to add to the conversation, and I didn’t mind staying quiet, but I also worried that they’d think I was rude for just sitting there silently. I took a deep breath and forced my body to relax. I had all weekend to make a good impression.

“Me and Ani are going out to dinner,” Bram replied.

“And?”

“And Bram promised to keep Arie so I could shower and shave things that haven’t been shaved in a while. Maybe pluck my eyebrows and paint my nails if the mood hits,” Ani said, leaning around her seat to glare at Alex. “It’s probably going to take me all day.”

“Ooh,” Alex joked. “It’s that kind of date.”

“It is.” Ani smirked. “We’re gonna—”

“Nope!” Alex yelled, startling a small laugh out of me. “I don’t want to hear anything else, thanks.”

The conversation moved to the logging company, and I listened intently as Alex and Bram discussed the business. Alex had never complained to me about being in the Army; he actually seemed to enjoy it, but it was like a light flicked on when he spoke about the family business. He was animated and opinionated as he discussed potential growth opportunities and downfalls. As Alex and Bram argued good-naturedly, I smiled and looked out the window at the passing scenery. It was a gloomy day, and it looked like it was going to rain at any second, but the landscape was still surprisingly beautiful.

We’d been in the car for a little less than an hour when the SUV slowed down and pulled into a long driveway.

“Almost home,” Alex said softly, glancing over to give me a sweet smile.

“This is where you grew up?” I asked in awe, leaning so that I could look out the front window.

Everything was green—from the grass and the ferns to the tall evergreen trees that seemed to go on for miles. It was beautiful and peaceful, but I couldn’t imagine living so far from everything.

“Yep, the best place on Earth.” Alex rolled down his window and inhaled deeply. “It’s going to rain.”

“How can you tell?” I whispered, rolling down my own window.

“I can smell it.”

“No you can’t,” I argued, sniffing.

“He’s right,” Ani said from the front seat. “If you’re around here long enough, you’ll notice the smell, too.”