Page 36 of Entangled with a Mountain Man

"No one," they chorus, too quickly to be believable.

I let it slide. Moments like these, just me and my girls, they're what keep me going. The world outside might be a mess, but right here, right now, everything's perfect.

"You two eat up," I say, pushing their plates closer. "Can't have you wasting away on my watch."

They giggle, digging into their burgers with gusto. I lean back, surveying the diner. It's bustling tonight, filled with the low hum of conversation and the clink of cutlery. For a moment, I let myself relax, truly relax.

I can't help but notice the girls' eyes darting towards the door every few seconds.

"You two expecting someone?" I ask, raising an eyebrow.

Hazel shakes her head a little too quickly. "No, Daddy. We just like watching people come in."

I don't buy it for a second, but I let it slide. No point in ruining a good evening with an interrogation. Besides, I've got other things on my mind. The team's all on board for next week's briefing, including Striker and Maverick. Just waiting for everyone to arrive in town.

It’s been too long since we’ve all been in the same room. The thought stirs something steady inside me, a sense of readiness sharpening as I picture the upcoming meeting, knowing we’re prepared for whatever’s coming.

The bell above the door chimes, pulling me from my thoughts. I glance up, and my breath catches in my throat. It’s Kenzie.

She walks in, all curves and quiet confidence, a small smile playing on her lips. She doesn't notice us, heading straight for a corner booth. I watch as she settles in, pulling out a book from her bag.

She looks beautiful today, with her curls wild and free. She's smiling, a genuine, carefree expression that lights up her whole face. It's a good look on her.

"Dad, look! It's Miss Kenzie!" Hazel's whisper is more of a stage shout. "Can we go say hi? Please?"

I shake my head, my eyes still on Kenzie. "Let Miss Duncan enjoy her lunch, girls. We can say hello another time."

But I can't help but notice the way her face lights up as she reads, the soft curve of her neck as she tucks a stray curl behind her ear. She looks peaceful.

"But Dad—" Harper starts to protest.

"I said no," I cut her off, my tone leaving no room for argument. "Now finish your food."

They pout for a moment but quickly move on to debating the merits of chocolate versus vanilla milkshakes. I try to focus on their conversation, but my eyes keep drifting back to Kenzie. She's settled into a corner booth, her nose buried in a book as she waits for her order.

The peaceful atmosphere is quickly shattered when Paige struts in. She’s flanked by her usual crew. My jaw tightens as I watch them scan the diner, their eyes landing on Kenzie with a predatory focus.

"Y’all better hide your husbands." Paige's voice cuts through the chatter.

Kenzie's head snaps up, her book forgotten. I watch as she takes a deep breath, sitting up straighter. "Paige, please. I'm just trying to have a quiet lunch. Can we not do this here?"

Paige laughs, the sound sharp and cruel. "Oh, honey. You don't get to decide when and where we 'do this.' You made your bed when you went after my husband. Now you get to lie in it."

The diner falls silent, all eyes on the unfolding drama. I feel my jaw clench, my hand tightening around my coffee mug. The girls have gone quiet, their eyes darting between me and the scene across the room.

"I've told you a thousand times," Kenzie says, her voice low but firm. "I didn't know Ian was married. He lied to me, just like he lied to you."

"Bullshit," Paige spits. "You expect me to believe that? Because a woman just hops on a bus to meet a man she barely knows. How stupid do you think we are?"

I watch as Kenzie flinches, the words hitting her like physical blows.

“What is wrong with you? Are you deaf?” But she stands and looks Paige in her eyes.

“No. I’m not deaf. I want everyone to know that you’re nothing but a cheap tramp trying to worm your way into our town.” Paige's tirade continues, each word like a dagger. "Well, guess what? We don't want you here!"

I listen to the details of their argument. The pieces start to fall into place, and a sinking feeling settles in my gut.

Kenzie's telling the truth. She didn't know.

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