Page 48 of Entangled with a Mountain Man

"Yeah," I say softly. "They are."

We head upstairs, the sound of the girls' chatter growing louder as we approach their room. Kenzie pauses at the door, looking back at me.

"You coming in?"

I shake my head. "Nah, you go ahead. I'll say goodnight after."

She nods, then slips into the room. I lean against the wall, listening to the muffled voices inside. Kenzie's laugh mingles with the girls' giggles, and something in my chest tightens.

This feels right. Like this is how it's supposed to be. And that scares the hell out of me.

After a few minutes, Kenzie emerges, closing the door softly behind her. She looks up at me, her eyes soft in the dim hallway light.

"They're ready for you," she says quietly.

I nod, pushing off the wall. "Thanks. For... all of this."

She smiles, and for a moment, I forget how to breathe. "It's my pleasure, Everett. Really."

We stand there for a moment, the silence stretching between us. There's so much I want to say, so much I'm afraid to say.

Finally, I clear my throat. "Well, goodnight then. I'll see you in the morning."

"Goodnight, Everett," she says softly, then turns and heads down the hall to her room.

I can't take my eyes off her as she walks away, her hips swaying gently with each step. I stand rooted to the spot as if I’m balanced on the edge of something massive, something that could change everything I’ve ever known.

With a sigh, I push open the girls' door. They're tucked in, eyes already heavy with sleep.

"Night, Daddy," they mumble in unison.

I kiss each of their foreheads, my heart full. "Night, munchkins. Sweet dreams."

As I close their door, I glance down the hall towards Kenzie's room. The light's still on, a soft glow under the door.

I head to my office, the familiar creak of the floorboards under my feet a stark contrast to the laughter that filled the house earlier. The silence now feels heavy, almost oppressive.

I pull out the blueprints for Raven V headquarters, spreading them across my desk. The crisp paper crinkles under my fingers as I smooth it out. This is it. It's really happening.

I gave Specter the green light. Raven V is a go.

I should be focused, excited even. This is what I've been working towards for months. But my mind keeps drifting back to Kenzie. To her smile, her laugh, and the way she fit so seamlessly into our lives today.

It's just one night, I remind myself. But it counts.

My eyes scan the blueprints, taking in the layout of the command center, the training facilities, and the secure communications hub. But instead of seeing the future of Raven V, all I can picture is Kenzie tucking the girls in, her soft voice drifting down the hallway.

Kenzie. In my house. Right now.

I run a hand through my hair, frustration building. This isn't like me. I don't get distracted. I don't let my guard down.

But today... today was different. The house felt alive again. Warm. Like a home should feel.

I push away from the desk, giving up any pretense of work. My feet carry me to the liquor cabinet almost of their own accord. The smooth glass of the whiskey bottle is cool against my palm as I pour a generous measure.

The first sip burns, grounding me in the present. I close my eyes, savoring the smoky flavor. This is a moment to celebrate, I remind myself.

Raven V is happening. My team, my brothers, we're going to make a difference.

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