Page 2 of Stuck with the Mountain Man

“A proposal? What kind of proposal? I already said yes to being your bridesmaid.”

“I wanted to ask you if you’d do some artwork for the orchard.”

My stomach swirled. That was the last thing I expected her to ask. Not only was I touched, but I was honored too. “You want me to paint the orchard?”

“Yes. I have a new marketing strategy I want to try with the busy fall season coming soon, and I think some fresh artwork could really stand out and show the beauty of this place. Especially with how vibrant and colorful your paintings are.”

“Wow, Ads, I’m…just wow.”

“Girl, you know how amazing your art is. Your paintings should be showcased around the world. And if I can get you more exposure, then I want to help in any way I can. You can set up a little studio here or at Jack’s place and paint until your little heart’s content.”

I put my wineglass down and scooted down the couch to the other end where Adalynn sat. I hugged her close as tears sprang to my eyes. “Thank you. You don’t know how much this means to me. Truly.”

“I do, babe.” Adalynn hugged me tight, and when we broke apart, tears filled her own eyes. “I see you never giving up on your dream. I admire you so much.”

“Aw, Ads! We weren’t supposed to cry tonight!” I laughed and cried at the same time, and we hugged again.

“Okay, okay, enough sad shit.” Adalynn wiped her face with the back of her hands. “And before you ask, no, I haven’t discussed the new marketing with Jack or Forrest. I’ve decided I don’t need to. I’m head of marketing. Besides, Dad said so on the phone last night.” Adalynn grinned, and I couldn’t help but snicker.

Adalynn and Jack’s parents were off traveling and handed over the reins of the Miller Apple Orchard to Jack and Forrest, with Adalynn in charge of marketing. Forrest didn’t deal much with the business side of things, so usually, Jack and Adalynn discussed new marketing techniques.

“Uh-oh, you argued with Jack and called to complain to your dad?”

“You know it, Suz. And he agreed with me. Jack needs to focus on the other side of the business—like profit and loss. Let me handle the marketing, and Forrest can handle the apple trees.”

“I agree. Let’s do it.” I reached over and grabbed my wineglass, and Adalynn did the same. She knew what was coming. I held it up, and we clinked glasses. “Cheers to us!”

“Cheers!”

I sipped my wine. “Now show me the wedding ideas. I’m dying to see.”

* * *

Later that night,I lay in bed in my small apartment, my head fuzzy from all the wine. But I was already buzzing with painting ideas and doubted I’d get much sleep tonight.

The thought of making money from my artwork sent a thrill through me. Maybe I could finally give up my waitressing job that paid like crap. Perhaps I could actually sell more than one painting a year.

Thankfully, my parents were supportive. They saw my sacrifices, like my small apartment, my daily grind, my continued paintings I kept cranking out in hopes one day someone would buy them, and they cheered me on. My older sister, Shannon, hung one in her house, and my younger sister, Marlowe, encouraged me to pursue my dreams just like she was with her baking career.

And of course, my best friend always lifted me up and kept me sane. I truly didn’t know where I’d be without her.

But a small part of me felt empty. Lonely. Missing.

A name popped into my head, but I pushed it away. Jack and I weren’t ever happening. We couldn’t stand each other.

So why the hell does his name jump into my head every time I think about finding my person?

Since I knew sleep was out of the question, I sat up in bed and grabbed my laptop from my nightstand. I opened it and navigated to a new browser tab. I typed inMountain Mates dating website.

I set the location and did a search for the only name I wanted to see:Jack Miller.

His profile popped right up. Ha! I knew he’d make one after giving Forrest shit for it.

My heart beat wildly in my chest as I read it over, not a lie or omission in sight. He was exactly himself on there.

And that only made me crush harder.

Before I did something stupid, I slammed the laptop shut and gently tossed it to the side.

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