Samantha
We all piled into Victoria's brand-new Escalade, the flutter of excitement contagious. I love Silver Ridge. It is literally one of my happy places. But today, it wasn't just the destination that had me smiling; it was the company.
Victoria, in her usual commanding yet graceful manner, insisted that Ethan take the wheel. It took a moment to convince him, but he accepted the fact that he was the only one with a driver's license.
What can I say? I live in New York, and Aunt Victoria is a British aristocrat. We don't drive often.
Ethan chuckled, a deep, warm sound that I found myself wanting to hear more of.
"Alright," he agreed, sliding into the driver's seat. The moment he settled in, I could see a subtle shift in his demeanor—a mix of comfort and confidence that made him look really handsome.
We started the journey, and the girls and I began playing games. May and Lily bombarded the adults with questions again, teasing me and Aunt Victoria. It was a hoot. Victoria and the girls shifted topics constantly, chattering away about all the things they wanted to do once we got to Silver Ridge. I tried to join in and talk to Ethan, but he was so focused on the road, his hands steady on the wheel, his gaze scanning the horizon as if he were searching for something; it was hard to really engage.
Ethan really isn't my type. I have already had this thought process but couldn't help but revisit it. I have long sought after pretty boys, almost feminine men. I particularly like artistic guys—singers, actors, and yes, models. Ethan wasn't a pretty boy. He was anything but a pretty boy.
Ethan was tall, easily six-three, strapping, with a big build that was obvious despite layers of worn flannel and sturdy jeans. It was hard to tell how muscular he was. I knew he was strong; I had already heard the story of how he got us out of the car from Aunt Victoria, but that doesn't mean he was cut. I would have to get him in the pool later.
Sitting in the back seat it was difficult but I could see his profiIe. So I looked a bit more closely, trying not to be too obvious. Ethan's hair was long and pulled back in a loose ponytail, but a few strands had escaped to frame his face, giving him a roguish look that suited him. He had a strong jawline, high cheekbones, and a full beard that needed a trim, but that added to his rugged charm. I briefly wondered what he would look like without the beard. Still, it was his eyes that really caught my attention—clear, deep, an icy gray-blue. Honestly, I don't think I've ever seen that eye color before.
He glanced over at me and caught me staring. I quickly looked away, feeling my cheeks heat up. "Could always take a picture; I don't mind."
I snorted. "Asshole."
He laughed and turned his attention back to the road. I found myself sneaking another glance at him. How dare he laugh at me and make me flustered? I don't get flustered over boys. I will take my revenge! Maybe I should kiss the crap out of him and see how he handles that.
I stopped. Damn. Why do I keep thinking about kissing him?
This is so not like me. Even when I met Gregory, I was always in control. Sure, I had kind of gotten stupid with Roger. Okay, really stupid, but I never sat around just wanting to kiss him. Wanting to touch him and wanting to do so, so much that I was incline to the make the first move.
This was silly. Maybe I was going into early menopause. Is that a thing?
Just as I was getting lost in my thoughts, my phone buzzed in my lap. I glanced down and saw a string of messages from the girls—Olivia, Grace, and Natalie.
Olivia: What are you up to, Sam?
Grace: Don't tell me you're stuck in that cabin all day.
Natalie: Pictures or it didn't happen. 😜
I smiled at their antics and quickly typed back a reply.
Samantha: Actually, we're heading into Silver Ridge for the day. Taking Ethan and the girls on a little adventure.
Olivia: Oooooh, Ethan and the girls, huh? A shopping trip with your future daughters? I love it! How's the mountain man doing? 😉
Grace: Family pictures are expected. We need to see what he looks like in daylight!
Natalie: And make sure you get a good shot of that beard. You can tell a lot about a man based on how he takes care of his beard.
I rolled my eyes playfully and leaned over to snap a quick picture of Ethan. He didn't seem to notice, too focused on navigating the winding road, but the shot turned out perfectly—capturing his strong profile, the way his hands gripped the wheel, and how the morning light highlighted the rugged lines of his face.
Samantha: Sent.
Their responses were immediate.
Olivia: Holy hell, Sam! He is truly a mountain man. Mommy likes!
Grace: Are you sure you're just taking him to Silver Ridge and not straight to the chapel? 😏
Natalie: If you don't marry him, I might.
I snorted. The Harpies had always been a little over the top, but they weren't wrong. Ethan was… well, he was something else. But I wasn't about to admit that to them—or even to myself—just yet. Instead, I focused on the road ahead, on the adventure waiting for us in Silver Ridge.
We drove on, and the scenery gradually shifted from the rugged, untamed wilderness of the mountains to the charming streets of the Old Town. The quaint, historic buildings were nestled against the backdrop of towering peaks, their facades a mix of rustic stone and timber, with bright awnings and flower boxes adding pops of color. The town was busy, even this early in the morning, with locals and tourists alike strolling along the cobblestone streets, browsing the shops, and sipping coffee at outdoor cafés.
Ethan parked in Victoria's spot near the center of town, and we all piled out of the Escalade. The air was crisp, with the lingering scent of pine trees and mountain air. Victoria took Lily and Maya by the hand, leading the way down the street, while I walked beside Ethan, who kept a protective eye on the girls.
As we strolled through the town, I noticed something odd. Okay, I am a former model. I am well aware of my looks, and I am not trying to brag or anything, but I am used to attention. People, however, were turning to look at us—not us but Ethan. He had that outdoorsy look that seemed to draw attention, and here, in the middle of this picturesque mountain town, he looked like he belonged in a catalog for some high-end outdoor brand. His height and broad shoulders really made him stand out.
Victoria led us to the café she had mentioned, a cozy little place with a warm, inviting atmosphere. The sign above the door read "Mountain Brew," and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and rich chocolate wafted out as we stepped inside. We ordered our drinks—hot chocolate for the girls and coffee for the rest of us—and then headed back outside to explore the shops, sipping our drinks quickly as we walked.
The baristas kept trying to get Ethan's attention. It annoyed me.
As we moved, Lily grabbed my hand and after some hesitation so it Maya to my surprise. We walked, chattering excitedly about everything they saw. Silver Ridge was known for its unique boutiques and artisan shops, and the girls were eager to explore them all.
"Samantha, what's it like being a model?" Lily asked, her eyes wide with curiosity as she looked up at me.
"Yeah," Maya chimed in, "do you get to walk the runway and have sordid affairs with handsome young men?"
Lily looked at Maya. "What is a sordid affair?"
Maya shrugged. "I am not entirely sure; I heard it on a podcast once and was too lazy to Google it."
I laughed. "What the heck were you listening to?"
Maya grinned.
I considered their question. "Being a model is a lot of fun," I told them, "but it was also a lot of hard work. I did get to wear some amazing clothes, and I traveled to some incredible places. But after a while, you're in the spotlight all the time, especially if you are good at it. A lot of people think you're dumb and want to take advantage of you. Rich people in particular are the worst. After a while, it was less fun; it felt kind of empty. So I tried something that would make me feel more fulfilled."
"Like what?" Maya asked, her eyes bright with interest.
"Well," I said, "I started working more with charities and helping out with events that raised money for good causes. I wanted to make a difference in the world, even if it was in a small way. And honestly, I like having a little more time to spend with my friends and family now."
The girls nodded thoughtfully, their minds clearly processing what I had said. It was a lot for them to take in, I supposed, but they seemed to appreciate the answer. As we continued down the street, stopping to peek into shop windows, the girls kept the questions coming, each one more curious than the last.
"Did you ever get to meet any famous people?" Lily asked.
Maya snorted. "Lily, Samantha's famous. She is in like the model's hall of fame. She is beautiful; she is famous for being beautiful. Look around at the men just starting at her."
I couldn't help it. I looked around and sure enough there were several different groupings of of guys that fidgeted like they were trying not to look at us.
Lily's cheeks got a little red. "Well, what about any other famous people."
"Oh, a few," I replied with a grin. "But you know what? The most interesting people I've ever met aren't famous at all. They're just regular people, like you two, and of course your dad."
Maya and Lily exchanged a glance, and I could see the pride in their eyes as they thought about their father. A strange feeling of warmth bloomed in my chest. It wasn't just Ethan that was special—it was this whole little family.
We continued our walk through the quaint streets of Silver Ridge, the girls still holding my hands, exchanging a mischievous glance.
"Ooh, you think our dad is interesting, huh?" Maya teased, a playful smirk on her face.
Lily giggled and added, "Yeah, Samantha, isn't it interesting to know you want to kiss his face?"
I laughed, feeling a bit of warmth creeping into my cheeks. "Okay, you two little troublemakers. I think your dad is interesting. He is a great guy, clearly, because he has you. We'll leave it at that. And don't you two start teasing me. I get enough of that from my friends."
They both giggled again, clearly delighted by my reaction. Their playful banter reminded me so much of Olivia, Grace, and Natalie. The way they'd poke fun at me when they caught me looking at a handsome man or when I tried to brush off my interest. It was endearing.
Trying to steer the conversation away from their father, I asked, "So, what about you two? Any boys you're interested in?"
Maya and Lily exchanged a look, this time one of shared understanding, before Lily shrugged. "Yeah, there are a few boys at school we think are cute."
"But we don't really have time for boys," Maya added quickly.
I raised an eyebrow, genuinely curious. "No time for boys? That's a bit unusual for girls your age. What keeps you so busy?"
Lily looked up at me, her expression serious for a moment. "Well, we've got school, and we help Dad out a lot. Plus, we like doing stuff around the house, and we've got our friends… and then there's Dad."
"Yeah," Maya chimed in, "Dad needs us more than we need boys. We want to make sure he's okay, you know? He works so hard, and sometimes we worry about him."
I felt a lump forming in my throat at their words. These two young girls, so full of love and concern for their father, were willing to put their own interests aside to make sure he was alright. It was both heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time.
"Your dad is really lucky to have you looking out for him," I said softly, giving their hands a gentle squeeze.
They smiled up at me, and I could see the pride in their eyes. "We're the lucky ones," Lily said with a nod. "He's the best dad ever."
"And he takes care of us, so we want to take care of him, too," Maya added, her voice full of conviction.
I felt a deep sense of admiration for these two girls, who were so mature and thoughtful beyond their years. It was clear that Ethan had done an incredible job raising them, instilling in them a sense of responsibility and love that was truly remarkable.
We continued our stroll through Silver Ridge, and honestly, I was feeling lucky to be part of this little adventure with them, even if just for a while.
As the sun came up and the streets got warm, the bustling streets of Silver Ridge got busier. We walked close to one another. I didn't say much as the girls' earlier comments stuck with me. Ethan was the one who seemed to take care of everything—how could it be that these girls felt they needed to take care of him? He looked so put together. He cooked, he cleaned, he rescued damsels in distress. He was so capable. It didn't add up. I decided to gently probe a bit more, curious to understand the dynamic better.
"So, about your dad," I began, trying to keep my tone light and conversational, "you mentioned that you help take care of him. What do you mean by that? He seems pretty self-sufficient."
Maya hesitated, glancing at her sister before answering. "Well, he is. But… after everything that's happened, we just want to make sure he's okay. Sometimes he gets really quiet, and we know he's thinking about stuff that makes him sad."
Lily nodded in agreement, her expression more serious now. "Yeah, like when he thinks about Mom."
I noticed a shift in their demeanor, a reluctance that hadn't been there before. I decided to tread carefully. "You've talked a bit about your mom? I got the feeling you aren't on the best terms. Do you see her often?"
The girls exchanged a look, and I could see the hesitation in their eyes. "Not really," Lily finally said, her voice quieter now. "We see her maybe twice a month, but it's not like it used to be."
Maya added, "And we don't really like our stepdad. He's… different."
"Different how?" I asked, keeping my voice soft, hoping they'd feel comfortable enough to open up.
Maya shrugged, looking down at her feet as we walked. "He's just not nice like Dad. He doesn't really care about us, and he doesn't like it when we talk about Dad. Mom tries to care, we think, but it's not the same. She's different now, too."
I could sense the sadness in their words, and my heart ached for them. It was clear that their relationship with their mother wasn't what it should be, and it made me wonder what had happened to cause such a rift.
Before I could ask more, the girls suddenly perked up, their eyes lighting up as they spotted something in a shop window. "Look!" Lily exclaimed, tugging on my hand. "Native American jewelry!"
Maya's eyes were wide with excitement as she pressed her face against the glass. "It's so beautiful! Can we go inside, Samantha? Please? We won't ask for anything, we promise."
I smiled, grateful for the distraction that had lifted their spirits. "Of course, let's go check it out."
And you're not going to need to ask me to buy anything. I would buy you the whole damn store if Ethan would let me.
We stepped into the small, cozy shop, the rich scent of leather and wood filling the air. The walls were adorned with intricate beadwork, silver jewelry, and colorful woven blankets, each piece telling a story of its own. The girls immediately gravitated toward a display of delicate necklaces and bracelets; their earlier melancholy forgotten in the excitement of discovering something new.
While they admired the craftsmanship, I reflected on our conversation. It was clear that there was a lot more to Ethan's story than I'd realized. The girls' reluctance to talk about their mother, their dislike of their stepdad, and their protective nature toward their father—it all painted a picture of a family that had been through an emotional meat grinder. It was also clear that the girls held some anger toward their mother. I wondered if they had done any therapy; it seemed like they would benefit from it.
I made a mental note to talk to Victoria about it later.
The girls' excitement quickly faded as they glanced at the price tags hanging from the delicate jewelry pieces. I saw their smiles falter, replaced by a look of disappointment. They were beautiful pieces, no doubt, but I could see the hesitation in their eyes. They knew these were beyond what they could ask their father to spend.
"These are so pretty," Lily whispered, her fingers lightly touching a turquoise necklace. "But… we can't ask Dad for this."
Maya nodded, her eyes lingering on a silver bracelet adorned with intricate beadwork. "Yeah, it's way too much."
I could see how much they loved the jewelry, and my heart went out to them. Without a second thought, I reached into my bag and pulled out my card.
"You girls are on vacation," I said with a warm smile. "And you deserve something pretty. Let me get these for you."
Their eyes widened in surprise. "Oh, no, Samantha, we can't let you do that," Maya protested, shaking her head. "It's too much."
"Yeah, it's really nice of you, but we can't," Lily added, looking torn between wanting the necklace and not wanting to impose.
Just then, I noticed Ethan walking by outside the shop. There were two women talking to him, giggling and touching his arm. It bothered me a lot. I scowled. I quickly stepped to the door and called out to him, waving him over.
He stepped inside, his presence immediately filling the small space. "What's up?" he asked, his eyes shifting from me to the girls, who were still staring longingly at the jewelry.
"I wanted to buy these for the girls," I said, holding up the pieces they had been admiring. "They're on vacation, and I think they deserve something special."
Ethan glanced at the price tags, and I could see the hesitation in his eyes. "They're beautiful," he said slowly, "but I can't let you spend that much money on them. It wouldn't be right."
"It's just a gift, Ethan," I insisted, trying to keep the situation light. "It's not a big deal. I want to do something nice for them. Besides, they love these pieces, and I think it would make them really happy."
He looked at me, his expression softening, but there was still a flicker of doubt in his eyes. "I appreciate it, Samantha, really, but—"
I cut him off, stepping closer to him, the words coming out before I could think twice. "I want to give you all a gift, Ethan. You and the girls. You've been so kind and welcoming, and it would mean a lot to me. Remember, you're my hero."
Before he could respond, I reached up and pressed my lips against his, catching him completely off guard. The kiss was soft and quick, more of an impulse than anything else, but it sent a jolt of electricity through me. I pulled back, my heart racing, suddenly aware of what I had just done.
Ethan blinked, clearly taken aback, his hand coming up to touch his lips as if he couldn't quite believe what had just happened. The girls were staring at us with wide eyes, their earlier disappointment forgotten in the shock of the moment.
"Samantha…" Ethan started, his voice a mixture of surprise and something else I couldn't quite place.
I smiled, trying to play it off as nothing. "My hero deserved a kiss, and now my girls deserve a necklace. Now, let's get these girls their jewelry, okay?"
He stared at me for a moment longer before nodding slowly, the corners of his mouth turning up in a faint smile. "Alright," he said quietly.
Ethan shook his head, still looking slightly bewildered, but he finally relented, letting me buy the jewelry for the girls. As the shopkeeper wrapped up the pieces, I caught Ethan's eye again, feeling a flutter of excitement at what had just transpired. It was just a kiss; don't make it a big deal.