“My uncle and my grandfather said they start it every now and then and take it for a spin. The main thing will be figuring out what it’s going to pull.”
Savannah pointed toward her bag. “I brought my sketch pad. The pirate-ship idea got elaborate too quickly. But no worries because I have a backup plan.”
“I am worried about getting the right materials,” Levi said. “Will you be able to get what you need in time?”
“We’ll have to get creative.” Her eyes sparkled as she smiled, and his heart thrummed in his chest.
“I need to take some measurements,” she said.
“There’s probably a tape measure right over here.” Levi crossed over to the dusty workbench in the corner of the barn.
“Can I help?” Wren asked.
“Of course,” Savannah said.
Levi brought Savannah the measuring tape and tried not to stare as she circled the truck, somehow answering all Wren’s questions without getting flustered.
The next time he and Savannah were alone, he’d ask for pointers on how to relax with Wren instead of behaving like a lifeguard. Constantly staying on high alert was exhausting. Except he didn’t know how to dial it back. He’d never forgive himself if anything happened to her.
Was she doing the right thing? After meeting Levi and Wren at the barn the other day, Savannah still wondered if applying for a job here in Opportunity was the best choice. There were so many memories and now, so many complications. Hopefully this bike trip with her siblings would clear her head.
“Wyatt Morgan, why do you think this is fun?” Juliet abandoned her bike beside the trail, then sagged onto the picnic table bench with a dramatic groan.
Grinning, Wyatt eased to a stop. “It’s good for you, sis.”
Savannah climbed off her bike, propped it with the kickstand and then unbuckled her helmet.
Chest heaving, Juliet narrowed her gaze. “Why aren’t you as miserable as me?”
Savannah hesitated. She and her ex-boyfriend had often hiked and ridden their bikes in Colorado. But she didn’t want to think about him now. “Maybe try riding your bike more than once every five years.”
Juliet plucked her water bottle from her knapsack. “Maybe some of us prefer water aerobics.”
Savannah couldn’t stop a laugh. Oh, how she’d missed bantering with her brother and sisters. She retrieved her own water bottle, along with three energy bars. She offered them to Wyatt and Juliet.
“No, thanks.” Juliet eyed the snack’s wrapper. “I’m good.”
“I brought my own,” Wyatt said.
“All right.” Savannah shrugged, tore one corner off the wrapper and took a bite of the peanut butter–chocolate concoction. It wasn’t bad. But not as tasty as she’d hoped.
Hayley rolled up on her bike, sweaty and out of breath. “This was so not a good idea.”
“Savvy wanted to do some sibling bonding,” Juliet said, her water bottle crinkling in her hand.
“I thought we’d make s’mores around the campfire or something.” Hayley swiped her forearm across her flushed cheeks. “How does riding a bike uphill on a hot day help us bond?”
Wyatt stood at the edge of the trail. “Don’t you think this view is worth all the effort?” He swept his hand around him in a wide circle.
“That’s a good point,” Savannah said. The mountain, only partially obstructed by clouds, stood like a regal lady swathed in robes of purple and green and blue, and crowned with bright white yet-to-melt snow. Brilliant purple and pink wildflowers cascaded across the lower elevations, contrasted by verdant green forests. Colorado had plenty of tall peaks, but there was nothing quite like a view of Denali on a gorgeous summer day.
Hayley climbed on top of the picnic table and lay on her back. “What’s on your mind?”
Savannah’s heart squeezed. “I wanted to hang out with you guys, that’s all. Seems like everybody’s busy with work and stuff.”
Okay, so maybe she was chickening out a little. She’d planned to tell her siblings the reason why she’d had to come home. But now that didn’t feel right. What would she gain from burdening them with her secret?
“Some of us are busy spending quality time with Levi Carter,” Juliet teased, nudging Savannah’s shoulder.
“It’s not what you think.” Savannah looked away, the snack turning to cardboard in her mouth.
“People are talking,” Hayley said. “Sounds like you two are having a good time together.”
“Yeah, what’s going on there?” Frowning, Wyatt turned toward the picnic table and linked his muscular arms across his chest. “Are you sure dating him is a good idea?”
“You sound like Jasper,” Savannah said.
“Well, Jasper and I aren’t really friends, and we haven’t been discussing your personal life. But you did just get here,” Wyatt said. “I’m surprised you’ve started dating someone so soon.”
“Yeah, about that,” Savannah said. “Levi asked me to help him out. I don’t know the details, but Tori pretty much crushed him when she ended their engagement.”
“Yeah, because she’s still here,” Hayley said. “Thought she was moving to Massachusetts or something.”
“Iowa, for dental school,” Juliet clarified. “But not until August.”
“Then why is she hanging around with the guy who works at the hotel if she’s planning to move?” Hayley sat up and tucked her knees under her chin.
“That’s a question we’re all asking,” Savannah said.
