19

 

Jamie drove the rented Jeep up the mountain road. Looming trees surrounded as she headed towards Jackson Hole. The view reminded her of Ohio, except the state didn’t have actual mountains, only steep hills and trees. There was nothing like these majestic mountains. The Tetons were so beautiful. So inspiring. They reminded her of the immensity of God’s power. One of these days she and Sabrina would visit here together. Soon.

Her foot ached from pressing on the brakes so often. She longed for the flat roads of Florida even as she rounded the next curve.

A huge moose with enormous antlers stood in the middle of the lane staring with big brown eyes.

She slammed on the brakes.

The Jeep fishtailed, but she managed not to overcompensate. The car slowed and came to a stop a few feet from the moose. The animal stared at her with brown eyes that reminded her of Enrique. She giggled, a little hysterical as adrenaline pumped through her system.

The car behind her wasn’t so lucky. It slid into the ditch and, thankfully, not into her.

Jamie jumped out and rushed over. She leaned down and opened the car door. “Are you all right?”

An older lady with curly gray hair and glasses poked her head out. “I’m right as rain, dearie. How about you?”

“I’m OK. Are you sure you aren’t hurt?”

“Not a bit.” The woman held out an arm.

Jamie took the offered hand and helped the petite woman out.

The lady walked around inspecting her vehicle.

Another driver came over. “Everybody OK?”

“I guess,” Jamie said. She pointed at the moose, which still stared. “He certainly doesn’t seem to be bothered by us.”

“No, he doesn’t. I’m Jerry.” He held out his hand. “Are you from the area?”

Jamie shook it. “No, I’m a tourist.”

“Nothing wrong with that. We love our tourists.”

The gray-haired lady stepped away from her car and returned to them. A tiny giggle erupted. “The moose seems fine, but I don’t know about my car.”

Jerry checked the woman’s car. “It looks drivable if we can get it out of the ditch.”

Enrique jogged up to the group.

Jamie ignored him, hoping he’d take the hint and do the same. She inspected the car in the ditch.

Enrique was talking with the driver. “Are you sure you’re all right?”

“Fine—just fine.”

“If we can get it out of the ditch there shouldn’t be a problem.” Jerry told Enrique. “The car looks drivable. I’ve got a tow chain in my truck bed.”

“Great, let’s see what we can do.” Enrique went back with Jerry to the man’s truck.

Jamie inspected the tiny woman. Her gray hair stuck out in tufts, and she looked as if a strong wind could knock her down. “Are you sure you’re OK? Anything hurt? Did you bump your head?”

“Nope. Not me. Right as rain.” She straightened her glasses.

“I guess I should have been more careful. I’m not used to driving in the mountains. I am so sorry about your car.”

“Not your fault.” The spry little woman shook her head. “It’s not the first time I went into a ditch thanks to the wildlife around here. It’s part of the business of living in the wild west.” She cackled. “But I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else. This is God’s country.”

“Absolutely. That’s why I came here, but I wasn’t expecting a close-up encounter with a moose.” Jamie said.

Jerry connected the chain while Enrique waved traffic through.

She’d love to show a picture of that to Marcus. Enrique reduced to a traffic cop. She laughed out loud.

“What’s so funny?”

“Uh, oh...I was just thinking how ironic it is that I came here to experience nature and I almost run into a moose. I guess I didn’t want that much nature.”

“That is ironic. Most people don’t use the term correctly.” She fluffed at her hair, and then adjusted her glasses. “I know. I’m an English professor. Stella McCleary, but my students call me Mrs. Mac, and so may you.”

Jamie held out her hand. “Nice to meet you, Mrs. Mac. My name’s Bridgette Downs.”

The tiny woman grasped her hand with a surprisingly strong grip. She wasn’t as frail as she looked. “So, you’re here to experience nature? You’ve come to the right place. By the time you leave here you’ll be sick of it.” She cackled again as she smoothed down her hair. Mrs. Mac’s laugh was infectious.

Jamie joined in as she watched the men. “I’m going to get my cell phone. Take a picture of the moose.”

The moose had slowly made its way into the thicket of trees as they’d talked.

Jamie grabbed her cell phone and snapped a few pictures of the moose—and of Enrique, still directing traffic and yelling instructions to Jerry at the same time.

Jerry’s tires spun, but that didn’t move the car out of the ditch. After three tries, he stepped out of his truck. “That car isn’t getting out of that ditch without a tow truck.”

“I was afraid of that, but thanks so much for trying.” Mrs. Mac turned toward Jamie. “Can I get a ride into town? I’ll have my husband take care of it.”

“Sure. No problem.”