Page 6 of Entangled with a Mountain Man

As I turn to leave, the woman's voice stops me. "Miss?" I look back, and I read the warning of her expression. "You might want to be careful. Silver Ridge is a small town. News travels fast."

I swallow hard, fighting back a fresh wave of tears. "I'll keep that in mind. Thank you."

Gathering what's left of my dignity, I hoist my duffel bag onto my shoulder and step out of the bus station. The town that had seemed so welcoming just an hour ago now feels sketchy, like everyone’s watching my every move.

Then I see the sun setting, painting the sky in brilliant shades of orange and pink, just like the pictures I saved on my phone. It should be beautiful, but I can only think about how I have no idea where I will sleep tonight.

As I stand, lost and alone, it feels like coming to Silver Ridge was the biggest mistake of my life. But I've come too far to give up now.

Somehow, I gotta make this work.

2

GRUMPY MISGIVINGS

EVERETT

"Hazel! Harper! Get back here right now!" I stand on Main Street, trying to corral the twins.

They giggle, darting and weaving between the parked cars like mischievous sprints. Hazel sticks her tongue out at me before disappearing around the corner of Millie's Diner.

"Dammit," I mutter, breaking into a jog to catch up with them. As I round the corner, I nearly collide with Harper, who's stopped dead in her tracks.

"Daddy, look!" She points excitedly at the window display, her eyes wide with delight.

I follow her gaze to the bakery's storefront, where colorful cupcakes and cookies are arranged in a whimsical scene. A small sign proclaims, "Welcome to Silver Ridge!"

Despite my frustration, I can't help but smile at the pure joy on her face. These girls have a way of finding magic in the most ordinary things, reminding me why I chose to raise them here.

The late afternoon sun casts the street in a warm, golden light, highlighting the rustic charm of the storefronts lining Main Street. In the distance, the Rocky Mountains loom, their snowcapped peaks a constant, majestic presence. The scent of pine mingles with the aroma of fresh-baked goods wafting from the bakery, creating that unique blend of nature and small-town life that defines The Ridge.

"That looks yummy, huh?" I say, tipping her head back to kiss Harper’s forehead. "But you know the rules—no sweets before dinner."

Harper pouts and Hazel runs back, bouncing on the balls of her feet. "What about ice cream? Can we have ice cream instead?"

I level them both with a stern look that usually has them falling in line. "You two have been a real handful today. I'm not sure you've earned any treats."

"But Daaaad," they whine in unison, their faces the picture of exaggerated misery.

I open my mouth to scold them, but a familiar laugh cuts me off. I turn to find Steph Peterson watching us, amusement dancing in her warm brown eyes.

Steph’s the resident saint. She and her husband, Big Bear, run the local shelter for women and children escaping domestic abuse, and they own one of the largest ranches in town.

"Having a tough day, Everett?" she teases, sauntering over with her easy confidence.

"You could say that," I grumble, though I can't quite keep the gruffness in my tone. Steph's been a good friend over the years, one of the few people in this town who sees past my prickly exterior.

"Well, don't be too hard on them," she winks at the girls, who beam back at her. "They're just keeping you on your toes."

I snort, shoving my hands in my pockets. "More like driving me up the wall. Pretty sure they've scared off every nanny in a hundred-mile radius."

"We have not!" Hazel protests indignantly. "Mrs. Perkins was just a big ol' grump."

Harper nods emphatically. "Yeah, she wouldn't even let us have cookies for breakfast!"

Steph laughs again. That rich, full-bodied sound always makes me feel lighter. "Well, there you have it, Everett. Can't blame them for having good taste."

I shake my head. I'm fighting a smile. Leave it to Steph to take the twins' side. "Don't encourage them. They're already little terrors without your help."

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