Page 8 of Desired By the Lumberjack

I stare at him, stunned into silence because that is not the answer I expected to hear.

"Wait, you own the resort?"

"No," he says, reaching across the seat for my hand and lacing his fingers with mine. "I'm an investor, one of many, and the main role I play is to ensure that the resort doesn't negatively affect the land or the animals. Guests hike with trained guides who ensure the safety of participants and that they aren't leaving trash behind or doing other things they shouldn't. Any building activity needed is carefully planned to minimize disruption and impact on the surroundings, and we're focused on using as much renewable energy as possible. Solar roofing generates some of it, but we also have a turbine powered by the waterfall, and wind turbines as well."

"Oh." I examine him, and his gaze is direct every time he looks over at me. Open, nothing hidden. And the explanation meshes solidly with what I've seen of him since we met. "But you don't even like people."

That bold statement makes him laugh. "You're right. I don't like most people. I'm picky about who I work with. And very picky when it comes to anyone I invite to stay in my home."

The glance he gives me when he says that is hot and loaded with meaning. It makes my doubts and worries slip away, and I relax when he squeezes my hand tight.

"I'll take that as a compliment," I say, my heart beating fast. I want to climb into his lap and kiss him but choose safety in the moment. Crawling all over a man when he's trying to navigate a slick mountain road isn't the smart thing to do. Tempting, but not smart.

"You should," and there's another squeeze from him to accompany that short statement. It feels like he's hugging me every time he does it. "I also made a couple calls while you were on the phone. Your car will be towed as soon as the road is clear enough for the trucks to make it up there, and the shop will get it fixed up for you."

The problems of daily life threaten to intrude upon this little piece of paradise we've built, and I grimace at the thought. Too soon. This is ending too soon. And I don't want it to be over yet.

"Okay, thank you. I have insurance. I'll get a claim filed when I get home."

He shakes his head, his big warm hand still cradling mine. "It's taken care of, Laurel."

"I can't let you pay for my mistake."

"It's not a problem." He slows down, and pulls over, putting the truck in park and looking at me. We're at a wide point in the road, and it's one of the few spots where there aren't any curves for a stretch. Good visibility, and I understand why he chose to stop here. It's as safe as we can get for the moment.

He unbuckles his seat belt and slides across the wide seat toward me. "Let me be very clear with you, Laurel. Taking care of what I love is important to me. That's what I use the money I've earned for. That includes this mountain and everything on it. And it includes you, too."

His words soak into me, wrapping me up in a feeling that's hard to know, because it's more than comfort or security. It makes my stomach flip with excitement, and my heart race a little. His eyes drop to my lips, and he gives me another one ofhis rare, wide smiles. Which I recognize now he only shares with me.

"You love me?" My voice is breathy as I ask the question, but I don't care.

"I do. It may seem fast to you, but to me, well, it just feels right. You're the light I needed in my life, sweetheart. It's all right if you don't feel the same yet. I'll do whatever it takes to prove to you that I mean this. With all my heart."

Just like the first time we met, I throw my arms around his neck and cling to him. His arms wrap me up, and I feel safe all over again.

"I love you, Merritt. Everything about you. Your grumpy looks, and the flannel, your giant sweaters and how I can't imagine we'll ever use all the firewood you have chopped, but I feel better knowing it's there just in case. And your biscuits, of course. Because those are delicious."

"Well, thank goodness for my biscuits." He waggles his brows at me, and I laugh. It's a sound full of joy, that emotion I was struggling to identify moments ago. Joy because I've found the person I belong with. And the place I was meant to be. Beside him.

"Merritt," I say, and he pulls back to look down at me. "Take us home, please."

EPILOGUE

TWO YEARS LATER

MERRITT

Laurel stands up from her desk, stretching her arms over her head, then rubs her hands over the taut skin of her belly. I've loved watching her change as our baby has grown, and there's something even more beautiful about her now than the moment we met.

I expanded the cabin, adding on space for a baby's room, and a small office. It's enough for us, at least for now. Who knows what the future will bring. As long as we're together, I'm happy.

Laurel left her job in the city three months after we met and started volunteering her marketing services to the Rescue and Restoration Shelter that was the reason we met. She goes into town three days a week to work from a community office space for virtual meetings and to submit her designs. Because of them, I have this woman in my life. A large donation was made to them to mark the day she crashed into my world. And another one in honor of our wedding. The investment group I'm part of is now working with the shelter to sponsor more veterans in their job training and residence program. I meant what I said to my wife in the truck that afternoon.

My money is there to care for what I love.

And I love this woman.

Laurel spots me standing in the doorway and smiles. Holding her hands out to me, she waves me forward.

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