Page 90 of Entangled with a Mountain Man

How can I explain to him that my heart already belongs to someone else? That despite the chaos and confusion, I'm falling for Everett in a way I never thought possible?

I think of the girls, of the bond we've formed. Of the life I've started to build here, fragile as it may be. And I think of the possibility growing inside me—a new life, one I never imagined wanting until it became a reality.

"I can't," I say finally, the words leaving me in a rush. "I'm sorry, but... I'm in love. With someone else."

Ian's face falls, disappointment and something darker flickering across his features.

"And if everything continues as it is," I add, my hand drifting unconsciously to my stomach, "I'll be a mother. For the third time, counting the girls."

The weight of my own words hits me like a punch to the gut. A mother. To Everett's child. The thought is both terrifying and exhilarating, filling me with a sense of purpose I've never known before.

But what will Everett say when he finds out? Will he be happy, or will this just be another reminder of my past mistakes?

Ian seems to read the conflict on my face. "This is about Logan, isn't it?"

I nod, unable to meet his gaze. "It's... complicated."

To my surprise, Ian lets out a soft chuckle. "Isn't it always? I've got some big plans brewing. Even been writing Kendrick. He's gonna come out here when he gets out. We've got a little business opportunity?—"

"Don't," I cut him off. The last thing my brother needs is another reason for them to bury him under that prison. "Kendrick needs to stay far away from schemes and fast money. He has two strikes, and I want to see my brother out of prison and living a full life."

He nods and studies me for a moment, his expression unreadable. Then, slowly, he opens his arms.

"Can I at least get a hug goodbye?" he asks, his voice gentle. "For old time's sake?"

I hesitate, every instinct screaming at me to keep my distance. But as I search his eyes, I see only sincerity—a glimpse of the man I once thought I loved.

Tentatively, I step forward and let him enfold me in his embrace.

It's both familiar and foreign, his arms around me. I could melt into the comfort of his touch and let myself get lost in the memories of what we once shared. But that ship has sailed, and I've moved on to something deeper, something real.

After a moment, Ian pulls back, his hands lingering on my shoulders. He leans in, pressing a soft kiss to my forehead.

"Take care of yourself, Kenz," he murmurs. "And that little one."

I nod, blinking back tears. "You too, Ian."

With one last searching look, he turns and walks away, disappearing through the front doors of the store.

I stand there, rooted to the spot, my mind reeling from that encounter. It feels good to close that door. A part of me mourns the loss of what Ian and I could have been if things had been different. But a bigger part, the part that's learning to trust in love again, knows I made the right choice.

I turn to walk to the register, but movement outside the window catches my eye. Paige. Standing across the street, watching us with a smug smile.

Her eyes locked on me with an expression of pure venom.

Shit.

I practically run to the checkout, tossing money at the cashier and bolting out the door. My heart's racing as I make my way to my van, feeling eyes on me the whole way.

The drive home is a blur. All I can think about is the test burning a hole in my purse and the look on Paige's face. By the time I pull up to the house, my hands are shaking.

I grab the test and hurry inside, making a beeline for the bathroom. As I wait for the results, time seems to slow to a crawl. I pace back and forth, my mind racing.

What if it's positive? How will Everett react? Are we ready for this?

The timer on my phone dings, making me jump. I take a deep breath, steeling myself for whatever I'm about to see.

Two pink lines.

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