Page 33 of Entangled with a Mountain Man

Hazel pops up beside her sister, a mischievous glint in her mismatched eyes. "Then they should end dead last."

The shop erupts in laughter, Big Bear's deep chuckle mixing with Steph's melodic giggle. Even I find myself joining in, the weight on my chest lifting just a little.

"Out of the mouths of babes," Steph says, wiping a tear from her eye.

I crouch down, opening my arms to the girls. They don't hesitate, crashing into me with the force of two tiny tornadoes. The warmth of their little bodies wraps around me like a comforting quilt.

"You girls are something else," I murmur, squeezing them tight.

Harper beams while Hazel looks thoughtful. "Miss Kenzie, why are those ladies so mean to you?"

My smile falters. How do I explain small-town politics and adult drama to six-year-olds?

"Sometimes," I start carefully, "adults don't always behave the way they should. But that's their problem, not yours or mine."

"But it's not fair!" Hazel protests, her little face scrunching up in righteous indignation.

"You're right, it's not," I agree. I toy with her sparkle headband, brushing a stray curl back. "But you know what? We can't control how other people act. We can only control how we respond."

Harper nods solemnly. "That's what Daddy says, too."

A sharp twinge—envy? Longing? It cuts through me when I mention Everett. Despite our rocky start, it’s clear he’s raising these girls right.

"Why don't we tackle the toy section too? I bet we can find some real treasures in there." Big Bear motions, and the girls' faces light up. They scamper off after him, their earlier concerns forgotten in the promise of adventure.

I watch them go, a bittersweet ache forming within me. These moments—the easy laughter, the warmth of belonging—they're dangerous. They make me want to stay, to build something real here.

But I can't. I won't.

"You okay, honey?" Steph's gentle voice pulls me from my thoughts.

I straighten up, plastering on a smile that doesn't quite reach my eyes. "I'm fine."

Steph sidles up beside me, her voice low. "You're good with them, you know. They adore you."

I force a smile, pushing down the surge of emotions her words bring. "They're sweet kids. Makes it easy."

She gives me a knowing look but doesn't push. Instead, she pats my arm and follows Big Bear and the girls.

As I turn back to my work, I catch a glimpse of my reflection in the shop window. The woman staring back at me looks tired and wary.

The rest of the afternoon passes in a blur of folding clothes, arranging displays, and fielding questions from curious customers. More than once, I catch whispers and sidelong glances, but I hold my head high. Let them talk. I know the truth.

As closing time approaches, the bell over the door chimes. I look up, expecting to see another customer, but instead, I find myself face-to-face with Everett Logan.

My breath catches in my throat. He fills the doorway, all broad shoulders and brooding intensity. His gaze scans the shop before landing on me, and I feel a jolt of... something that unsettles me.

"Daddy!" The twins' excited voices break the tension. They rush past me, throwing themselves into their father's arms.

Everett's stern expression softens as he scoops them up, and I catch a glimpse of the man the girls adore. It's gone in an instant, replaced by that impassive mask as he sets them down and turns to me.

"Miss Duncan," he says, his deep voice causing an involuntary shudder through my body. The man is all kinds of fine in his worn denim and boots. "I hope the girls weren't any trouble."

I shake my head, forcing a polite smile. "Not at all, Mr. Logan. They were a big help today."

He nods, his gaze intense. "Good. That's... good."

An awkward silence falls between us, the air thick with the charged weight of her lingering gaze and the subtle shift of my stance, like static crackling between us.

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