Page 76 of Entangled with a Mountain Man

"Well, if it ain't my favorite troublemakers!" he booms, scooping them up in a bear hug.

I smile as I watch them. This is what family looks like, I realize. Not the broken mess I grew up with, but this—love, laughter, and unconditional support.

"Kenzie!" Mel's voice calls out. She's coming out of the barn, hay in her hair and a grin. "Glad you could make it!"

I hug her tight, grateful for her friendship. "Thanks for having us. The girls were going stir-crazy at home."

"Missing their daddy?" she asks softly.

I nod, not trusting my voice. Mel squeezes my hand. "He'll be back before you know it. Now come on, let's get these girls on some horses!"

The day flies by in a blur of laughter and sunshine. We ride horses, help feed the chickens, and even have an impromptu water fight when the girls decide to "help" water the garden. I'm exhausted but happy when we sit down for dinner.

Miss Steph's made her famous fried chicken, and the conversation flowed easily around the table. For a while, I almost forget about the Everett-shaped hole in my chest.

After dinner, while Miss Steph and Big Bear wash dishes with the girls, Mel pulls me aside.

"Come on," she says, tugging me towards the porch. "Let's have some girl talk."

We settle into the porch swing, and the evening air cools my skin. For a moment, we just rock.

"So," Mel says finally. "Spill. How are things with you and Everett?"

I feel my cheeks heat up. "They're... good. I think. I don't know, Mel. It's complicated."

She snorts. "Ain't it always? Come on, give me details. Did you two finally..."

"Mel!" I laugh, shoving her playfully. "A lady doesn't kiss and tell."

"So there was kissing!" she crows triumphantly.

I bury my face in my hands, but I can't hide the smile spreading across my face. "Maybe a little more than kissing," I admit.

Mel squeals, and I have to shush her, glancing towards the kitchen window. "Keep it down! The girls don't know anything."

She sobers quickly. "Sorry. But seriously, Kenz. Are you happy?"

I pause, really thinking about it. "I am," I say slowly. "When I'm with him, it's like... I don't know. Like I've found a piece of myself I didn't know was missing."

Mel's quiet for a moment. "I get that," she says softly.

Something in her tone makes me look at her closely. "Mel? What's going on?"

She sighs, twirling a strand of hair around her finger. "Can I tell you something? And you have to promise not to laugh."

"Cross my heart," I say solemnly.

Mel takes a deep breath. "I've had a crush on Axton since... I was knee-high to a grasshopper." She laughs, and there is a hint of self-mockery in her voice. "You'd think I'd have found someone else to obsess over by now!"

"Now you're ready to admit it?" I tease, remembering when she was tight-lipped about him a few months back.

She nods miserably. "I know, I know. It's stupid. He's never seen me as anything more than Everett's little sister's best friend."

"It's not stupid. Feelings are feelings."

"Yeah, well," she sniffs. "I think it's time I moved on. There's this guy, Jake. He asked me out on a date."

"That's great!" I say, then pause when I see her expression. "Isn't it?"

---