Page 44 of Entangled with a Mountain Man

Big Bear hugs her back, his massive frame dwarfing her. "You take care now, you hear? You're family, Kenz. And if you need anything, you just holler. I have no problem climbing that mountain and thumping some heads."

Kenzie laughs, brushing away her tears. "I don't think that'll be necessary, but hearing it makes my heart full."

They embrace once more and I think about Big Bear's statement.

She's special. Been through more than most, and she's still standing.

I guess that makes four of us.

I watch the exchange, feeling like I'm intruding on something private. The way Kenzie fits into their family. It's... unsettling. Like she's cast some kind of spell over everyone.

Not me, though. I can't afford to fall for her charms. This is about giving the girls a stable home life and getting my team up and running. Nothing more.

The twins scramble out of the truck, wrapping themselves around Big Bear's legs.

"Bye, Uncle Bear!" they chorus.

He chuckles, tugging one's plait and squeezing another's nose. "You two be good now, you hear?"

They nod solemnly, and then each grabs one of Kenzie's hands. The sight of them leading her to the truck hits me in a way I wasn't expecting.

As we pull away, I can't shake the feeling that everything's about to change. And I'm not sure I'm ready for it.

The drive out of town is quiet. I sneak glances at Kenzie. She's gazing out the window, a soft smile on her face. The girls are unusually quiet, too, like they can sense the weight of the moment.

As we approach the gate to my property, I hear Kenzie gasp. It's a small sound, but it speaks volumes.

Harper, ever the perceptive one, pipes up. "You haven't seen anything yet, Miss Kenzie!"

Kenzie peaks back over her shoulder with a smile.

I catch her eye in the mirror and wink. "That's right, peanut. Just wait."

The girls giggle, and some of the tension eases. I punch in the gate code, and we start the climb up the mountain.

This place... it's more than just a house. It's our sanctuary.

Bringing the girls here after Jillian left was the best decision I ever made. I spared no expense in making it a home, a place where we could heal and grow together.

As we round the final bend, the house comes into view. I hear Kenzie's sharp intake of breath.

"Oh my God," she whispers.

Pride that swells within me. It's a beautiful place if I do say so myself. The log cabin-style exterior blends seamlessly with the surrounding forest, and the large windows offer breathtaking views of the mountains.

"Told you," Hazel says smugly from the backseat.

I chuckle, pulling up to the house. Before I can even cut the engine, the girls are scrambling out, tugging Kenzie along with them.

"Come on, Miss Kenzie! We'll show you around!"

Kenzie laughs, letting herself be pulled along. But before she disappears into the house, she turns back to me. Our eyes lock, and for a moment, everything else fades away.

"Thank you," she says softly, her voice full of sincerity.

I swallow hard, caught off guard by the warmth in her eyes. "You're welcome," I manage. "I'll see you for dinner."

She nods, then lets the girls drag her inside. I stand there for a moment, listening to their excited chatter fade as they move deeper into the house.

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