Page 17 of Entangled with a Mountain Man

I nod slowly, letting her words sink in. Back home, keeping my head down was the only way to survive. But here, in this little town where everyone seems to have an opinion about me already?

Maybe it's time to start fighting back.

"You're right," I say, my voice strengthening with resolve. "I can't just let Paige and her mean girl posse run me outta town before I even get a chance to settle in."

A slow grin spreads across Mel's face. "That's my girl. Now, what do you say we head over to the shop and show this place what you're made of?"

I return her smile, a newfound determination settling in my bones. "You know what? I think that's what I'mma do."

As we stand and head off down the street, I can't shake the feeling that things in Silver Ridge are about to get a whole lot more interesting.

But for the first time since that disastrous day at the bus station, I don't feel so alone anymore.

The bell above the door jingles cheerfully as Mel and I step into Steph's Consignment Shop. I pause just inside the entrance, taking a moment to drink it all in.

The space is bright and airy, with large windows letting in plenty of natural light. Racks and shelves line the walls, overflowing with an eclectic mix of clothes, books, and knickknacks. There's a sort of organized chaos to it all that feels strangely inviting.

"Not too shabby, huh?" Mel's voice breaks into my thoughts. She's grinning at me, clearly reading the surprise on my face.

"It's... definitely not what I was expecting," I admit with a small chuckle. "In a good way, though."

"Just wait'll you see the back room," she says with a wink. "That's where the real magic happens."

Before I can ask what she means, a voice calls out from the back of the shop. "Mel? That you, sugar?"

"Yeah, Mamma, it's me and Kenzie!" Mel hollers back.

There's a brief pause, then the sound of footsteps approaching. A moment later, Steph appears in the doorway.

"How'd I beat y’all here?"

"We had breakfast at Millie's and a run-in with Paige and her loudmouth friends."

Steph wags her head. "Chile, don't you pay those fools no mind. You'd think they'd have better things to do."

"Well…they don't. But we do." Mel makes a turn towards what I assume is the back of the shop.

I'm amazed by these two. And I'm thankful Mel offered me a ride and a place to stay when she saw me wandering up and down Main Street after that incident at the bus station.

"Thanks again. We'll get your paperwork handled later after I get back. Don't forget to pack the welcome box for the family."

"Yes, ma'am. We'll start there first, and once I get her settled, I'll head back to the ranch."

"Okay, love. Be careful and holler if you need me." Steph strolls to the door and glances over at me. "You too."

"Yes, ma'am."

There's a sincerity to her words that warms me from the inside out. After the morning's confrontation with Paige and her crew, it's nice to be reminded that not everyone in this town is out to get me.

"I'm out!"

I turn to Mel with a smile. "Your mamma's a saint."

Mel's expression softens, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "Yeah, she's the best. Now, let's get to work. I have chores waiting for me at the ranch."

"All right. Lead the way."

There's a wealth of affection and respect in her tone that makes me smile. Clearly, whatever I'm about to get myself into here, I've got some solid people in my corner.

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