Page 66 of Entangled with a Mountain Man

"And you're their leader," Kenzie says. It's not a question.

I nod, my jaw tightening as an unusual pressure settles in my stomach, torn between the burden of concern and the flicker of something that feels like pride.

"Yeah. And this mission isn’t just another job. It's a test. Of our skills, our trust in each other."

Kenzie's quiet for a moment, her hand still on my arm. When she speaks, her voice is steady. "You'll come back. I know you will."

The faith in her voice nearly breaks me. "Kenzie, I... you deserve better than this. Than a man who might not come home."

She shakes her head fiercely. "Don't. Don't push me away because you're scared."

"I'm not scared," I growl, but we both know it's a lie.

Kenzie leans in, her eyes blazing. "You are. And that's okay. But don't use it as an excuse to shut me out."

I stare at her, stunned by her fire. This woman sees right through me.

"I can't promise I'll always come back," I say, the words tearing at my throat. "But I promise I'll always fight like hell to."

Kenzie nods, her eyes shining with unshed tears. "That's all I ask."

I carry the girls upstairs, their weight a comforting reminder of what I'm fighting for. Kenzie follows her presence, a balm to my frayed nerves.

"Storytime, Daddy?" Harper asks, her voice thick with sleep.

I nod, settling onto Harper's bed. The girls curl up on either side, their small bodies warm against mine. Kenzie stretches out at the foot of the bed, her eyes soft as she watches us.

"Once upon a time," I begin, the familiar words grounding me, "there was a brave knight..."

The story unfolds, a tale of courage and loyalty. As I speak, I envision the parallels to my own life. The knight's quest, his unwavering dedication to protect those he loves. It hits closer to home than I'd like to admit.

Hazel's breathing deepens first, her little hand going slack in mine. Harper follows soon after, her head heavy on my shoulder. I finish the story in a whisper, more for myself than for them.

"And the knight returned home, victorious and safe, to the family who waited for him."

Kenzie's eyes meet mine over the sleeping girls.

Her presence is a balm to my battered soul. And I feel something shift inside me. A wall crumbling, letting in light.

My heart whispers thank you. To the universe, to God, to fate.

Thank you for our paths crossing. That I can leave my girls safe with Kenzie. That I have this to come home to.

I ease myself off the bed, tucking the girls in. Kenzie stands, her hand brushing mine as we leave the room.

In the hallway, the air between us shifts. Kenzie looks up at me, her eyes searching mine. I want to reach out, to pull her close, but uncertainty holds me back.

Tomorrow looms, dark and dangerous.

I cup her face in my hands, drinking in every detail. The curve of her cheek, the warmth of her skin. I lean in, pressing my forehead to hers.

"I don't want to leave," I murmur, the admission tearing from my throat.

Kenzie's hands come up to cover mine. "Then don't go."

We both know it's not that simple. But for a moment, I let myself imagine it.

Staying here, safe with her and the girls.

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