Free Dentelle by Heather Bowhay Page B

intent to eat the meat, not just because of
the animal’s antlers.
    Nestled on the Missouri River and surrounded by
mountains, buttes, and plains, G.O.L.D. Bar Ranch wowed me speechless. I’d
thought nothing could ever impress like the Retreat on Towhead Island, but I’d
been wrong. The Ranch was beyond spectacular with its giant, hand-crafted fir
logs, stone pillars, and strangely enchanting cedar archways. The impressive
tri-level lodge boasted accommodations for 200 and offered a cafeteria-style
eating area, outdoor balconies, and a swimming pool. Nestled in the timber
around the lodge were additional log cabins – all with bunks, small kitchens,
bathrooms, and enough room to sleep twelve. Apparently, the younger generation
of unmarried Guardians stayed in these smaller bungalows – gender specific, of
course. Meanwhile, the Amethysts and married Guardians slept in the lodge.
Amethysts were four to a room.
    So with all that knowledge, I was more than
surprised to find myself master of my own rustic, yet distinctly contemporary
bedroom on the top floor of the lodge. Ash and I had been separated from the
rest of our group, given a grand tour of the lodge by Dakota, and then dropped
off at our, separate, but adjoining bedrooms. With a conspiratorial wink,
Dakota had informed us we had plenty of time to unpack, relax, and “play around
a little bit” before the evening meal. Before disappearing, she’d promised to
catch up with us later so she could introduce us around and give us a tour of
the grounds.
    Tuckered out and in need of a renewed spirit, I
collapsed onto the plush red loveseat. The air conditioning vent hummed above
me. Feeling chilled, I pulled the Lone Star quilt over my legs. I could hear
Ash banging around in the next room and wondered what he was doing – probably
rearranging furniture or searching for hidden cameras or something. I giggled
at the image but stopped when I pictured Jason in a cramped cabin, stuck on the
top bunk, enduring the noise and testosterone of eleven other guys. Didn’t seem
fair, especially when I had a spacious room – which included a five star
hotel-style bathroom, vaulted ceilings, rock fireplace, and private deck – all
to myself.
    A sigh escaped my mouth as I sized up the
queen-sized bed with its red-rich, hand-made bedding and over-stuffed pillows.
The wrought-iron-and-aspen furniture drew my eye because of their stark
contrast to the light-colored logs that comprised the walls and ceiling. Even
the writing desk in the corner was set up with a laptop. The expense that had
gone into décor and furnishings was mind-boggling. Suddenly, I felt stifled and
wanted to escape the confines of my room and breathe a little fresh air.
    As I rose, there was a knock on my door.
Thinking it might be Jason, I ran to open it and was almost bowled over by
Jessica.
    “Lexi!” she cried out, enveloping me in a bear
hug. “I can’t believe all the crazy stuff that happens to you. It’s a miracle
you got Izzy back in time and no one was hurt.” She paused for a breath and
made a face. “I have to admit, I’m totally jealous I missed all the action.”
Holding my shoulders, she drew back and placed me at arm’s length while she
studied me up and down. “Wow! You look amazing all sun-tanned with,” she
stopped and tugged on my hair, “your sun-bleached hair,” she finished. Her
shoulder-length brown hair was pulled back in a ponytail, making her sparkling
emerald eyes stand out even more.
    I shook my head. “Yeah, that business with Izzy
and the Ray-pacs was crazy. And scary. I’m glad you missed all that, but I wish
you’d been there for the rest of the trip; it wasn’t the same without you,” I
said, meaning every word. Jessica had become one my closest confidants, and she
had a way of keeping the peace and putting people at ease. I pulled her further
into the room. “It’s great to see you too, by the way. And look at you ,” I said with an exaggerated