Page 40 of The Mountain Man's Fake Christmas Bride
"Jared, if this is another handmade baby toy, I'm going to cry." Pregnancy hormones have turned me into an emotional wreck. Last week I sobbed for ten minutes when he presented me with a set of hand carved wooden animals for the nursery.
"Just close them."
I comply, feeling him guide me forward a few steps.
"Okay. Open."
I blink my eyes open to see the most beautiful cradle I've ever seen. Made from rich cherry wood with intricate carvings of mountains and forests along the sides. The same design he carved into the box he gave me our first Christmas together. The rockers are curved perfectly, designed for smooth movement. A small mobile hangs above, tiny wooden stars and moons spinning gently.
"Jared." My voice catches. "It's beautiful."
"I've been working on it for months." He runs a hand along the polished wood. "Wanted to get it done before she arrives."
"She's going to love it." I reach for his hand, placing it on my belly where our daughter is currently practicing her gymnastics routine. "Feel that? I think she's saying thank you."
His expression softens as he feels the movement beneath his palm. "Hey there, little one. Your dad made you a place to sleep. Though from the feel of those kicks, you might be too busy for sleeping."
"She gets that from me." I lean against him, overcome with love for this man and the family we're creating. "Thank you. For this. For everything."
He wraps his arms around me, one hand still on my belly. "I should be thanking you. Two years ago I was alone on this mountain, convinced that's how I wanted it. Then you stormed in with your sassy mouth and your art supplies, and suddenly nothing made sense unless you were part of it."
"Quite a Christmas miracle," I tease, though my eyes are damp.
"The best one." He kisses me softly. "Though this year's miracle might give it competition."
We stand in his workshop, his hands cradling our growing daughter, snow falling outside, the sounds of our friends and family filtering through the door. It's everything neither of us knew we were looking for until we found each other.
Back in the living room, Chellie is teaching baby Noah how to "properly" open presents by demonstrating with one of her own gifts. Ridge and Stella watch indulgently while Mason snaps photos. Chloe and her boyfriend are deep in conversation with Dr. Matthews about the upcoming New Year's Eve celebration in town.
"Everything okay?" Ridge asks as we rejoin them.
"Perfect." I settle onto the couch, tucking myself against Jared's side. "Just got a preview of my husband's latest creation."
"Another woodland creature?" Stella asks. "The nursery's starting to look like a miniature forest."
"A cradle this time." I can't keep the pride from my voice. "Handmade and absolutely gorgeous."
"Of course it is." Ridge grins at Jared. "Jay doesn't do things halfway."
"Never have." Jared's arm tightens around my shoulders. "Never will."
Later, after our guests have departed and the cabin is quiet again, I stand at our bedroom window watching the snow blanket our mountain home. Jared moves behind me, hands automatically finding my belly, his now familiar touch instantly calming our active daughter.
"She always settles for you," I observe. "Daddy's girl already."
"She knows my voice." There's wonder in his tone. "I still can't believe we made a whole person."
"Well, she's not quite finished yet. Still cooking." I lean back against his chest. "But yeah, it's pretty miraculous."
We stand in comfortable silence, watching the snow, until the baby delivers a particularly enthusiastic kick that makes us both laugh.
"Definitely your daughter," Jared murmurs against my hair. "Already making her presence known."
"Just wait until she's actually here. Between my stubbornness and your intensity, we're in for quite the adventure."
"I can't wait." His sincerity warms me from the inside. "Every day with you is already more than I ever thought I'd have. Adding her to the mix? It's everything."
I turn in his arms, cupping his face in my hands. The scar on his cheek is smooth beneath my palm, as familiar now as every other part of him. "I love you, Jared.
