Page 105 of Entangled with a Mountain Man

As the girls scamper off, Everett turns back to me, his expression softening. "I love you," he says simply.

"I love you too," I reply, standing on tiptoe to kiss him.

It's a gentle kiss, full of promise and contentment. When we break apart, I smile, thanking God that this is my life now. Flour-covered hands, the scent of fresh bread, and a family that loves me unconditionally.

"So," Everett says, leaning against the counter. "You ready for the chaos tomorrow?"

I laugh, thinking about the Thanksgiving preparations. We're hosting a whole shindig, inviting his folks, sister and her family, the Raven V team, and the Petersons. It's a far cry from last year when I was alone in my tiny apartment, eating a microwave turkey dinner.

"As ready as I'll ever be," I say. "You sure you're okay with all this? It's not too much?"

Everett shakes his head, his eyes warm. "Kenz, nothing's too much when it comes to you. Besides, it'll be good for the girls to have a big family gathering."

Family.

The word still sends a thrill through me. For so long, it was just Meme, Kendrick, me, and me. Now, I have Everett, the girls, and a whole community that's embraced me.

"Speaking of family," I say, my hand drifting to my stomach. "When should we tell them?"

Everett's eyes light up the way they always do when we talk about the baby. "How about tonight? Just us and the girls?"

I nod, excitement bubbling up inside me. "Perfect."

As if on cue, we hear the girls thundering back down the stairs. Everett gives me one last kiss before heading out to help them, leaving me alone in the kitchen.

I turn back to my baking, humming softly to myself. The house is filled with warmth and the promise of tomorrow's feast. Outside, the sun is setting, painting the sky in brilliant shades of orange and pink.

Six months ago, I never could have imagined this life. Now, I can't imagine anything else. As I shape the dinner rolls, I send up a silent prayer of thanks.

For Everett, for the girls, for these babies, and for a second chance.

Tomorrow, we'll host Thanksgiving dinner. We'll tell everyone about the baby. And maybe, just maybe, Everett will finally pop the question he's been hinting at for weeks.

But for now, I'm content with this moment. Flour on my hands, love in my heart, and the future stretching out before me, bright and full of promise.

The oven timer dings, pulling me from my thoughts. I slide the tray of rolls in, breathing in the comforting scent of fresh bread. As I close the oven door, I hear laughter drifting in from the dining room.

Curious, I peek around the corner. Everett's on his hands and knees, crawling under the table while the girls giggle uncontrollably. He emerges triumphant, holding a wayward fork.

"Found it!" he declares, brandishing the utensil like a trophy.

The girls collapse into fits of laughter, and I join in. They still have him wrapped around their fingers. But it's perfectly imperfect.

"All right, you three," I say, stepping into the room. "Dinner's almost ready. Who wants to help me bring it to the table?"

Three hands shoot up immediately, and soon, we're all bustling around the kitchen, carrying dishes and chattering excitedly. As we settle in to eat, I catch Everett's eye across the table. He winks, and I feel a flutter in my stomach that has nothing to do with the babies.

Dinner is a lively affair, filled with stories about the girls' week at school and Everett's latest work project. As we're finishing up, I notice Everett giving me a meaningful look. I nod slightly, knowing it's time.

"Girls," Everett says, his voice gentle but excited. "Kenzie and I have something we want to tell you."

Hazel and Harper look up, their eyes wide with curiosity. I take a deep breath, my hand finding Everett's under the table.

"We're going…two babies," I say, my voice filled with joy. "You're going to be big sisters."

"Two?" Harper asks.

I nod.

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