Page 7 of Mountain Man's Secret Crush

“Is that so?” Bale raises an eyebrow, looking between me and Brooks. “How do I go about finding a princess of my own?"

“Junie isn’t a princess. She’s a good witch just like in that movie mom makes me watch.”

“Okay, tell me how to find a good witch of my own—or a naughty witch. I’d take either one of those.”

Brooks and I laugh at Bale’s joke, but Molly gives him a serious look, “She might not be a witch, she’s more like a fair godmother.” When Molly doesn’t elaborate, the three of us stare at her, wondering what is going on in her mind.

Bale jumps in to break the awkward silence. “Alrighty then, just let me know when you find her.” Molly nods, still lost in deep thought, as he ruffles her hair with his hand. “I’d better get back to the firehouse display before they send a search party out for me.” Bale jogs out of the petting zoo toward the display of fire trucks, police cars, and ambulances.

“Okay, ladies, you have me all day—what would you like to do with me?”

A naughty thought crosses my mind, but I’m spared from dwelling on it when Molly says, “Food, then rides.”

Eight hours later, the three of us are full on corndogs, funnel cakes, and fresh fruit I suggested we eat it to help combat all the greasy fried foods you have to eat at festivals.

“Where do you think we should set up to watch the fireworks?” Brooks asks as he reaches into his truck to grab a blanket for us to sit on while we enjoy the show.

“Actually, Uncle Brooks, I have other plans.” I hold back a laugh at how serious Molly sounds for a six-year-old.

“And what exactly are your plans, young lady?” Brooks raises an eyebrow, his expression a cross between seriousness and playfulness.

Before she can answer, a truck pulls up with its window rolled down and a sweet dog hanging his head out of the passenger side window.

“I called Uncle Bay to come and pick me up. I didn’t want him and Charlie to be alone tonight.”

Brooks’s gaze shifts to one of understanding, but I’m still not sure what’s happening as he nods to the guy who just stepped out of his truck and is walking toward us.

“Bay, it’s been a while. This is my girlfriend, Junie.” I’m stunned speechless by Brooks's casual comment, but quickly snap out of it as Bay nods and says hi.

“I’m glad you’re giving him a chance, so I don't have to hear Molly talk about how the two of you exchange goofy looks every time you see each other.”

I feel my cheek heat up and turn to Brooks, whose cheeks look just as hot as mine feel.

Brooks recovers first and says, “And on that note the two of you are free to leave.”

Bay helps Molly into his truck, and they wave as they drive out of the parking lot.

“Well, that was interesting.” I turn to Brooks—his gaze firmly locked on mine, causing my body to heat up.

“I want to show you something.” He takes my elbow and helps me into his truck, and in that moment, I know I would go with him anywhere.

six

Brooks

I’ve already wasted toomuch time away from Junie. It’s time I step up and show her exactly how I feel about her.

I put my truck in park and turn it off as we come to a stop at the secret spot my brothers and I always watched the fireworks from. I get out of the truck and walk over to Junie’s side, helpingher out. This spot has always been a special place for me, and now I want to include Junie and share it with her.

We walk a short distance to a secluded spot surrounded by trees at the edge of the lake, with only the lights from the stars above and the bright moon reflecting off the water providing some light.

“It’s beautiful up here.” Junie spins in a circle, taking in the scenery of my special place. Her short skirt twirls around her thighs, giving me the slightest glimpse of the heaven beneath her dress.

Needing to keep myself busy, I spread out the blanket I remembered to grab from my truck so we wouldn’t have to sit on the grass. Not that I would make Junie sit in the grass unless she wanted to. I would pull her onto my lap and keep her there forever if I could.

Once I spread out the blanket, I reach for Junie’s hand and help her down to the ground with me. “The fireworks are much better to see if you’re lying on your back.”

With a smile, she snuggles her side against mine as we look up into the night sky and wait for the first burst of light to shoot over the trees.

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