Page 27 of The Forbidden Mountain Man Lumberjack
"Accept your recommendations. Implement them my way, on my timeline." I bring her hand to my lips, pressing a kiss to her palm. "You were right. Your suggestions protect what matters while making us more efficient. I was too stubborn to see it."
Relief softens her features. "What changed your mind?"
"You did." The simple truth feels easy to admit now. "Not by manipulation or seduction, but by showing me a path forward that doesn't sacrifice what I've built."
She leans forward, pressing her forehead to mine. "Thank you for trusting me."
"I do trust you." I cup her face in my hands. "And I love you."
The words hang between us, as natural and necessary as breathing. Her eyes widen, a spectrum of emotions crossing her face—surprise, joy, and something deeper that makes my heart race.
"I love you too," she whispers, and the world shifts on its axis.
I kiss her then, pouring everything I feel into the connection between us. When we finally part, both breathless, I know what I need to do.
"We should get to the office," I say, reluctantly pulling away. "I need to prepare before they arrive."
She nods, all business despite the monumental shift that's just occurred. "I'll help however I can."
An hour later, we're at the office, maintaining professional distance despite the magnetic pull between us. Tim gives us curious looks as we huddle in the conference room, refining our strategy.
"Your report is solid," I tell her, reviewing the final draft. "But we need to control the narrative. They'll try to use these recommendations as leverage to push for more radical changes."
"What's your counter?" she asks, the strategic mind I've come to admire clicking into gear.
"A phased implementation plan, starting with the hauling efficiency tracking system that's already proving successful." I pull up the data Mike had mentioned, showing the twenty percent improvement. "We demonstrate immediate gains while maintaining control over the pace and scope of change."
She smiles, pride evident in her expression. "Exactly what I would suggest."
We spend the morning preparing, and with each passing minute, my certainty grows. This is right—not just the business strategy, but us. Together. The how of our future might still be uncertain, but the what isn't. I want her in my life, permanently.
At precisely noon, Tim knocks on the conference room door. "They're here. Three of them, in the main meeting room."
I nod, squeezing Sophia's hand briefly out of Tim's sight. "Ready?"
"Ready." Her confidence bolsters mine.
The investors—Harrison, Weber, and Patel—rise as we enter the meeting room. All city men in expensive suits, with the polished look of people who make decisions about forests without ever setting foot in one.
"Brennan," Harrison nods curtly. "Ms. Coleman. Thank you for accommodating our impromptu visit."
"Hard to refuse when you're already on your way," I reply, keeping my tone neutral. "I understand you've reviewed Sophia's preliminary findings."
"We have." Weber smooths his tie. "And we're eager to discuss implementation. Particularly the digital integration aspects."
"I've prepared a comprehensive implementation plan," I say, sliding folders across the table. "Based on Sophia's recommendations but tailored to our specific operational needs."
Their surprise is evident as they flip through the detailed timeline and budget I've spent the morning preparing.
"You're agreeing to these changes?" Patel asks, suspicious. "All of them?"
"I am." I meet his gaze steadily. "With modifications to ensure they complement rather than disrupt our existing strengths."
Harrison frowns. "We were under the impression you were resistant to modernization."
"I was resistant to change for change's sake." I glance at Sophia, drawing strength from her presence. "Ms. Coleman has made a compelling case for targeted improvements that enhance rather than replace our core expertise."
The three exchange glances, clearly thrown off by my cooperative stance.
