Delta's Dawn
Delta parks and heads inside. It's five minutes till six when she walks past the lobby desk and over to the restaurant hostess. Daniel watches her walk up and can't help but smile in appreciation. Delta is oblivious to the heads that turn to watch her walk by. For a moment he wishes they were alone, but he can see the nervousness in the ways she fiddles with her bracelet, and he hears his father's warning.“Delta, you look beautiful,” he offers her his arm and guides her outside. “I thought we would eat at the Grill on the River Stone. One night a week our Chef serve the season’s harvest in a combination of steak and fish outside.”
“That's perfect. It's a perfect night to be outside.”
Daniel leans in and inhales. “You smell amazing. I trust they took good care of you today.”
“It was quite an experience,” she says with a laugh.
The hostess guides them to a private table for two outside under a willow tree. Despite being outside, it's a five-star dining experience. They talk about everything, including Daniel's work and hopes for the future with his breeding programs. Delta talks about her life with Jacob and the boys, but not her work. She isn't ready to tell anyone that yet. Sometimes she thinks it's her way of keeping Jacob close.
Daniel is easy to talk to and the night passes quickly. The final surprise comes after dinner when he guides her to a replica of a vintage stagecoach. “Ride with me, Delta.”
“Of course!” She climbs inside and snuggles down in the crook of his arm. The night air is crisp, and the driver rides along the river so they can enjoy it together. Daniel kisses her softly and links his hand with hers. It's a perfect ending to a perfect date. Oddly enough, she doesn't feel guilty. Jake wanted her to live a full and long life, but not alone. He told her that many times, during the last two years of his life. For the first time, she feels excitement over the future.
After the ride is over, they sit near a fire pit and discuss the guided tour, she is going on in the morning and what to expect. “Perhaps next week you will let me teach you how to ride a horse. If you ask sweetly, I will give you a guided tour to Sara Janes Bridge.”
“I’m willing to try something new if you take me shooting sometime.” At his surprised look, she laughs. “I’ve heard that shooting is a Montana tradition with deep roots.”
“All true, Delta we offer an unmatched set of ranges and activities for our guests, but only if you promise to wear more than that silky green nightgown.” Delta blushes, and he laughs, “I'm not complaining, but I'd rather not have to kill my employees for ogling your beautiful body.”
They spend another hour talking before she lets him walk her to her car. Delta gets home around ten p.m. and talks to her son, Aiden for an hour. He sounded tired but excited about his future, and she thanked him for sending her on this trip. She told him all about Montana and the guided tour, she was going on in the morning.
“Don’t forget your pistol, Mom. Montana has some crazy big animals. I looked it up on the internet and its rutting season for the males. Watch your six.”
Delta laughs, “God you sound like your Daddy, Aiden. I promise I'll take it. I'm not sure my gun will stop a moose, but I will damn sure try if I must. Guess what?”
“What?” he asks.
“I had a date with a cowboy tonight.” Delta waits unsure of how her sons will feel about her dating.
“Seriously, Mom? That’s awesome, tell me everything.” Delta laughs and explains how they met and is relieved to share her news with someone.
“Thanks for listening, Aiden. I wasn’t sure how you’d feel. It doesn’t mean I didn’t love your Dad.”
“Mom, no one who knew you and Dad would say that. He wanted you to be happy. With or without this cowboy, Mom. That's the most important thing. It's time for you to move on.”
“I know, Aiden. I love you,” she says as she thanks him. Staring at the flickering fire, she decides to write and take her mind off a certain cowboy. Four hours later, she stares at the clock, surprised by the late hour and finally goes to bed.
The next morning Delta's cell phone rings just as she's slipping her hiking boots on. “Ms. Richards, I'm calling from the main lodge. There's been a change of plans this morning. A mix up with the times for your tour. If it's okay with you the guide will pick you up in ten minutes, from your house.”
“Oh, ok. That's no problem. Thanks for the call...” Delta starts to say, but the girl has already hung up. “Two hours early, damn!” She runs around tossing water bottles in her bag, her pistol and grabs the dog leash. A few minutes later she hears a horn outside, and Sasha runs out with her. The red jeep looks relatively new, and the guide is younger than she expected, but she's too excited to think anything of it.
“Good Morning, Ms. Richards. My name is Zach. I’ll be your guide this morning. Is your dog coming too?” He asks, glancing at Sasha warily.
“Yes, she's well trained. I promise she won't be a problem.” Delta responds with a smile.
“All right, let’s get going.”
Opening the back door, Sasha leaps up inside the jeep and curls up on the blanket Delta has spread out for her. Tossing her backpack with her cell phone, gun, and water in on the floor behind the passenger seat, she closes the door and quickly climbs up front.
“Ready?” He asks as she buckles up.
“Yes, I’m so excited I