Three Blissful Days, page 28
“Is that everything?” Ivy appeared from the kitchen, two steaming mugs in hand. Her ranger uniform was pressed and ready for the day, the badge catching the light.
“Last one,” Kendall said, accepting the offered coffee with a grateful smile. “Not that I had much to bring. Most of my stuff is still in storage in Oklahoma.” She’d made a quick trip over the weekend to pick up a few more essentials and had left them in her Bronco when she’d arrived after dark last night.
Ivy leaned against the doorframe, watching Kendall over the rim of her mug. “Having second thoughts already?”
“Not a chance.” Kendall stepped closer, lightly kissing Ivy’s cheek. “Though I still can’t believe how perfectly everything worked out.”
Three weeks had passed since that night with the pot of beans—three weeks of holiday celebrations, long conversations, and many glorious nights of lovemaking. All that, ultimately, had led to the decision that had brought them here. It had seemed like fate when Director Martinez, who was having no luck finding a director, had created a new position for an on-site landscape restoration advisor instead, to oversee their expansion project.
Cassie had apparently applied for both positions and hadn’t even been considered after Director Martinez had learned more about the circumstances surrounding her complaint. She’d eventually found a contract to renovate an alligator sanctuary somewhere in Florida, which kept her far away from the Arkansas mountains.
Ivy glanced at her watch. “I should head out. First day of fire-season training.” She hesitated, then added, “You sure you’re okay getting to the lodge on your own? I could swing back by and pick you up. You know, carpool to save gas.”
“Would that really be saving gas if you had to come back to get me?” Kendall raised an eyebrow. “Besides, isn’t it your day to train the new seasonal rangers?”
Ivy nodded, but she lingered, taking in the subtle changes to the cabin. Kendall’s drafting table by the window, her collection of architectural and plant books now mingled with Ivy’s field guides on the shelves, the potted succulents brightening the windowsills.
“It’s strange,” Ivy said softly. “Good, strange. I’ve lived alone for so long, I wasn’t sure…”
“If you could share your space?” Kendall said.
“If I could share my life,” Ivy said. “The cabin was the easy part.”
Kendall set her mug down and took Ivy’s hands. “We’re figuring it out together, remember? One day at a time.”
Outside, a chickadee’s call punctuated the morning quiet. Ivy smiled and squeezed Kendall’s hands before releasing them. “I left park maps on your drafting table. Thought they might help with your site planning.”
“Always thinking ahead,” Kendall said with a soft smile. “I’ll see you tonight. I should be done by six.”
“Perfect. I’ll bring home dinner from the lodge restaurant. The chef promised me his special enchiladas.”
As Ivy gathered her gear, Kendall moved to the porch to see her off with an earth-scorching kiss. They had established this routine during the time since Kendall had come back. Coffee together, no matter how early, and a proper good-bye at the door.
Ivy paused at her truck, ranger hat now firmly in place. “Have a great day today. The lodge is lucky to have you.”
“I’m the lucky one,” Kendall said. “Not many landscape architects get to work in a setting like this.” She gestured to the sweeping vista of mountains and lake before them. “Or come home to a sizzling hot park ranger.”
Ivy’s laugh echoed across the clearing as she climbed into her truck. “Save the charm for when I get home. Then, after dinner, we can talk about which of us is the luckiest.”
Kendall watched until the truck disappeared down the dirt road and turned back to the cabin—their cabin now. Sunlight had broken through the mist, illuminating the boxes waiting to be unpacked and the empty spaces that Ivy had created for her waiting to be filled.
She had two hours before her first meeting at the lodge. Just enough time to unpack more of her drafting supplies and begin sketching more ideas for the natural playground the director wanted to add. She’d promised designs that would blend seamlessly with the surrounding wilderness—a challenge she was eager to tackle.
As she worked, occasionally glancing out at the view that Ivy woke up to every morning, Kendall felt the rightness of her decision settle deep in her bones. The city had its appeal, but this wild beauty, this quiet purpose, this shared life with Ivy—this was home.
The End
About the Author
Dena Blake grew up in a small town just north of San Francisco and is still a NorCal girl at heart. Just can’t beat that weather. She eventually moved with her family to the southwest where she began creating vivid characters in her mind and bringing them to life on paper.
Dena currently lives in the southwest with her partner where she attempts to grow vegetables each year and is rarely successful. She loves to cook and enjoys lazy road trips that lead to new adventures.
What Reviewers Say About Dena Blake’s Work
It’s All in the Details
“First thought: I love all romance, to me love is love! …This was my first LGBTQIAP+ Romance and it didn’t disappoint. …This book was well written, the characters were engaging and you truly invested in their development. There was a little enemy to lover trope as well as angsty romance mixed it. I just wished the ends didn’t wrap up so quickly as I wasn’t ready to say goodbye yet.”—Jensbooknookclub
“It was a real drama packed, beautiful romance. …Lane and Helen have a complicated relationship working at weddings and trying to deceive themselves they don’t have feelings for one another. …There were so many fun moments when they really got planning the wedding but you just had this feeling that something was going to creep up and cause the drama. …I really loved every second of this and by the end was so happy for Lane and Helen for taking their own chance at happiness despite the chaos they were managing. It was a real drama packed, beautiful romance, with everything you could want from weddings, to cute moments with cake!”—Lesbireviewed
A Spark In The Air
“I was so invested in all these people…this is a feel-good Christmas romance: HEAT guaranteed. …It’s warm and cozy, with just the right generous dash of spice and wee-bit amount of angst to keep things interesting.”—Book And Coffee Addict
“This was so good! Filled with festive cheer but also truly heart-warming moments. …Highly recommend, especially to get you in a festive and giving mood. Loved every second of it and couldn’t put it down.”—Lesbireviewed
The Probability of Love
“So much fun! …What a great emotional ride, with magical moments and purely amazing connection between two fantastic women. If you’ve read other books of Dena’s there are a few lovely surprises throughout this great story too, which were an absolute treat and made me smile!”—Lesbireviewed
Love By Proxy
“Brilliantly funny and sweet! …This was such an amazing story! Gripping, exciting, full of twists and turns, unexpected events, and most importantly a little touch of comedy. It really was the perfect rom-com. Packed with drama and lots of conflict, nothing was more exhilarating then being on this rollercoaster of emotions with Tess and Sophie.”—Lesbireviewed
Next Exit Home
“I enjoy Dena Blake’s writing, and I enjoyed this book a lot. …I especially liked this book because the two single mums who have become mums for very different reasons/experiences are strong women. Proving they are super capable to solo parent and raise rockstar kids. There is something very sexy about a single mum grabbing parenthood by the horns and making it work. I really enjoyed that aspect! …Great small-town romance that packs a punch in the enemies to lovers trope! I’ll definitely be rereading this one again soon.”—Les Rêveur
Kiss Me Every Day
“This book was SUCH a fun read!! …This was such a fun, interesting book to read and I thoroughly enjoyed it; the characters were super easy to like, the romance was super cute and I loved seeing each little thing that Wynn changed every day!”—Sasha & Amber Read
“Such a fun and exciting book filled with so much love! This book is just packed with fun and memorable moments I was thinking about for days after reading it. This is one hundred percent my new favourite Dena Blake book. The pace of the book was excellent, and I felt I was along for the fantastic ride.”—Les Rêveur
“The sweetest moment in the book is when the titular phrase is uttered. …This well written book is an interesting read because of the whole premise of getting repeated opportunities to right wrongs.”—Best Lesfic Reviews
“Wynn’s journey of self-discovery is wonderful to witness. She develops compassion, love and finds happiness. Her character development is phenomenal. …If you’re looking for a stunning romance book with a female/female romance, then this is definitely the one for you. I highly recommend.”—Literatureaesthetic
Perfect Timing
“The chemistry between Lynn and Maggie is fantastic…the writing is totally engrossing.”—Best Lesfic Reviews
“This book is the kind of book you sit down to on a Sunday morning with a cup of tea and the sun shining in your bedroom only to realise at 5 p.m. you’ve not left your bed because it was too good to stop reading.”—Les Rêveur
“The relationship between Lynn and Maggie developed at an organic pace. I loved all the flirting going on between Maggie and Lynn. I love a good flirty conversation! …I haven’t read this author before but I look forward to trying more of her titles.”—Marcia Hull, Librarian (Ponca City Library, Oklahoma)
Racing Hearts
“I particularly liked Drew with her sexy rough exterior and soft heart. …Sex scenes are definitely getting hotter and I think this might be the hottest by Dena Blake to date…”—Les Rêveur
Just One Moment
“One of the things I liked is that the story is set after the glorious days of falling in love, after the time when everything is exciting. It shows how sometimes, trying to make life better really makes it more complicated. …It’s also, and mainly, a reminder of how important communication is between partners, and that as solid as trust seems between two lovers, misunderstandings happen very easily.”—Jude in the Stars
“Blake does angst particularly well and she’s wrung every possible ounce out of this one. …I found myself getting sucked right into the story—I do love a good bit of angst and enjoy the copious amounts of drama on occasion.”—C-Spot Reviews
Friends Without Benefits
“This is the book when the Friends to Lovers trope doesn’t work out. When you tell your best friend you are in love with her and she doesn’t return your feelings. This book is real life and I think I loved it more for that…”—Les Rêveur
A Country Girl’s Heart
“Dena Blake just goes from strength to strength.”—Les Rêveur
“Literally couldn’t put this book down, and can’t give enough praise for how good this was!!! One of my favourite reads, and I highly recommend to anyone who loves a fantastically clever, intriguing, and exciting romance.”—LESBIreviewed
Unchained Memories
“There is a lot of angst and the book covers some difficult topics but it does that well. The writing is gripping and the plot flows.”—Melina Bickard, Librarian, Waterloo Library (UK)
“This story had me cycling between lovely romantic scenes to white-knuckle gripping, on the edge of the seat (or in my case, the bed) scenarios. This story had me rooting for a sequel and I can certainly place my stamp of approval on this novel as a must read book.”—Lesbian Review
“The pace and character development was perfect for such an involved story line, I couldn’t help but turn each page. This book has so many wonderful plot twists that you will be in suspense with every chapter that follows. ”—Les Rêveur
Where the Light Glows
“From first time author, Dena Blake, Where the Light Glows is a sure winner…”—A Bookworm’s Loft
“[T]he vivid descriptions of the Pacific Northwest will make readers hungry for food and travel. The chemistry between Mel and Izzy is palpable…”—RT Book Reviews
“I’m still shocked this was Dena Blake’s first novel. …It was fantastic. …It was written extremely well and more than once I wondered if this was a true account of someone close to the author because it was really raw and realistic. It seemed to flow very naturally and I am truly surprised that this is the author’s first novel as it reads like a seasoned writer…”—Les Rêveur
By the Author
Where the Light Glows
Unchained Memories
A Country Girl’s Heart
Racing Hearts
Friends Without Benefits
Just One Moment
Perfect Timing
Kiss Me Every Day
Next Exit Home
Love By Proxy
The Probability of Love
A Spark in the Air
It’s All in the Details
Three Blissful Days
Chasing Her Secret
Brought to you by
eBooks from Bold Strokes Books, Inc.
http://www.boldstrokesbooks.com
eBooks are not transferable. They cannot be sold, shared or given away as it is an infringement on the copyright of this work.
Please respect the rights of the author and do not file share.
Three Blissful Days
© 2025 By Dena Blake. All Rights Reserved.
ISBN 13: 978-1-63679-708-3
This Electronic Original Is Published By
Bold Strokes Books, Inc.
P.O. Box 249
Valley Falls, NY 12185
First Edition: December 2025
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.
This book, or parts thereof, may not be reproduced in any form without permission.
Credits
Editor: Shelley Thrasher
Production Design: Susan Ramundo
Cover Design by Tammy Seidick
eBook Design by Toni Whitaker
Books Available from Bold Strokes Books
Beautiful Things by Emma L. McGeown. A warmhearted romance of missed chances, undeniable chemistry, and a stubborn love that maybe, just maybe, can find its way back. (978-1-63679-934-6)
Love Takes a Village by Karis Walsh. As Lena Preiss struggles to manage a busy restaurant in the Bavarian Christmas village of Leavenworth, Washington, chocolatier Devin Meyer brings an unexpected richness into her life, along with her delicious desserts. (978-1-63679-902-5)
Secrets of the Heart by Jenny Frame. When a beautiful stranger starts asking questions about Nikki Sharkey, head of an infamous crime syndicate, Nikki will stop at nothing to protect her daughter Isla. (978-1-63679-653-6)
Talon and the Songbird by Julia Underwood. In a world where survival depends on strategic alliances, Makayla and Talon must navigate not only complex politics but also the dangerous territory of their hearts. (978-1-63679-970-4)
The Great Popcorn Romance by Georgia Beers. Opposites attract, and Riley Shaw stands no chance of resisting Hannah Kramer’s magnetic pull. But opposites know just how to drive each other crazy… (978-1-63679-910-0)
Three Blissful Days by Dena Blake. Kendall Jackson attempts to make her ex regret dumping her by announcing she’s dating beautiful park ranger Ivy Patterson. But there’s nothing fake about how attracted Ivy is to Kendall. (978-1-63679-707-6)
Chasing Her Scent by MJ Williamz. When Sheridan Rousseau walks into Lisette Mouton’s charming little bookstore in Quebec City, she unknowingly holds the key to a mysterious box hidden in a secret room. (978-1-63679-900-1)
Heart’s Run by D. Jackson Leigh. Hoping to recover an escaped racing mare, stock transporter Tobie Mason locks horns with local wild horse advocate Maggie Wilkes. (978-1-63679-825-7)
Scandalous by Kris Bryant. When a Hollywood actress trades places with her twin sister, everyone’s in an uproar about getting duped, but Lindsay’s more concerned about finding out which twin she made out with. (978-1-63679-874-5)
The Art of Love by Ali Vali. When Mimi and Bianca both set their sights on Jolly, sparks fly, loyalties are tested, and hearts collide as they navigate the unpredictable nature of their hearts (978-1-63679-719-9)
The Other Side of Forever by Kel McCord. Will Kenzie and Rachel be able to make love work when Rachel’s cozy suburban dream feels like Kenzie’s worst nightmare? (978-1-63679-812-7)
The Secrets of Rhydian Hill by Ronica Black. A doctor in need of a new start. A woman running from a killer. A love story that could end in tragedy. (978-1-63679-880-6)
Feeling Lucky by Krystina Rivers. What happens when, despite suddenly having enough money to buy almost anything, Lucy and Tanner start to discover that maybe all they need is each other? (978-1-63679-876-9)
Iceberg by Gun Brooke. When Lady Arabella hires Zandra, she never expects to find love, especially not as a disaster looms on the horizon. (978-1-63679-908-7)
It Happened One Semester by Aurora Rey. After a Pride night hookup, can eager new Assistant Professor Hudson Greene and Dean of Advising Callie Shaw overcome the odds and ace falling in love? (978-1-63679-814-1)
It’s Kind of a Bad Idea by Sarah G. Levine. What happens when an emotionally unavailable serial dater meets the one woman she can’t help but fall for—who happens to be the one woman who told her not to? (978-1-63679-920-9)
