Three by Twyla Turner

earthly reason otherwise and he was sure of it. But she’s noticing now. Jackson smiled to himself. He knew when a woman was attracted to them, and Simone definitely was. They just needed to make sure they approached her in the right way.
    She was shy but spirited, and Jackson adored that about her. She was smart and goal-oriented, and had no thoughts of finding a man to take care of her, which made him want to take care of her all the more. For the first time in maybe ever, Jackson looked forward to the future.
    He had been afraid to want or have his own family again, but now he was able to see it. As unconventional as his idea of family was, the meaning was still there and meant no less. And he was starting to want it really badly with the beautiful woman in front of him and his best friend.
    Jackson could tell that this first novice run was wearing on Simone. She kept trying to adjust her position, to find a more comfortable stance. They only had about thirty minutes left before they got to Northern Lights Lodge. So Jackson pushed the dogs harder to catch up with Simone’s sled, just to keep her company and distract her from her aches.
    “Hey stranger, come here often?” Jackson joked as he pulled up alongside of her, trying a classic cheesy Xander approach to make her laugh.
    “Huh? Oh, you sound like Xander…though that kind of stuff sounds better coming out of his mouth, and barely even then.” Simone said seriously.
    “Ow, burn!” Jackson said impressed.
    “Ha! Psych!” Simone laughed at his shocked face. “You guys aren’t the only ones with jokes and surprises. I have a sense of humor too.” Simone smiled shyly at him, as he stared down at her intently. Her smile faltered a little. “You stare a lot don’t you?” Must I really say nearly everything I’m thinking?
    “You’re just stunning and I can’t stop staring at you.” Jackson said seriously.
    “Oh.”
    “So, we’ve only got about a half hour left before we get to the other lodge. Do you have enough energy in you to make it a little longer? Otherwise, I can attach your dogs to my sled and you can ride with me.” Jackson offered.
    “Oh no, I can make it. If I’ve made it this far, I can go another couple of minutes.” Simone said firmly.
    “I’m impressed. Most girls from the lower forty-eight would be complaining or passed out by now.” Jackson said.
    “Well, I’m not like most girls.” Simone shot back.
    “There’s no doubt about that.” Jackson said still shocked by her determination.
    “Plus, not all girls in the ‘lower forty-eight’ as you call it are spoiled brats. There are quite a few of us that have had to work hard. They just don’t happen to make a trip to Alaska, either from lack of interest or funds. Now if you had made the effort to go down there, maybe you would’ve been able to meet the tougher girls, and could’ve brought one of them back with you.” Simone said logically.
    “Well, maybe I was just waiting for the right one to make her way up here.” Jackson fired back, looking at her with meaning.
    “Oh. Well…uh…ah…I…um…oh nevermind!” Simone finally gave up trying to find a clever comeback.
    Jackson just threw his head back and laughed at her discomfort. “You are a breath of fresh air, Ms. Staton. One minute, your sharp tongue cuts like a knife and the next minute, you’re all tongue tied. It’s adorable.” Jackson smiled down at her.
    “I’m glad you find me amusing.” Simone said a little disgruntled.
    “Oh, don’t be mad. You just keep me on my toes, and I like it.” Jackson tried to pacify her.
    “Uh, huh,” was Simone’s only response. “Oh look! I see light up ahead!” Simone pointed in excitement.
    “Good. Then we’re here. I’m sure you’ll definitely be ready for your surprise at this point.” Jackson said, noticing Simone’s shoulders slump in relief and fatigue.
    “Whatever the surprise is, if it involves relaxing for a little bit, I’ll be