"Thank you, Uncle Soren!" she squeals before running back to open another gift.
The warmth that spreads through my chest when she hugs me catches me off guard. Maybe there is something to be said for having someone who lights up when they see you. But then I shake off the thought. Kids are different.
Adults are complicated.
After Georgia is obviously hopped up on sugar, she begs her uncles, Carlow, Lachlan, and Murphy, to shift into their merman-forms.
"You can see that anytime with your dad," Lachlan says, giving her a tickle. "But did you know what Tyson over there can shift into?" He adds, pointing to my friend.
"A dragon!" Georgia shouts, her eyes widening as she claps.
"Seriously, in the backyard?" Tyson asks, looking around.
"Pretty please!" The birthday girl begs, and her little friends gather around with wide eyes, staring at the dragon shifter.
"Well, all right. But I'm not going to fly higher than your house. I don't need the cops called on your poor dad," he says, giving her a wink.
Tyson walks to the edge of the backyard where there's the most room and, before our eyes, shifts into a glistening dragon. The children all shout with glee as he takes to the air, flapping his large, dark wings and flying two stories high. He swoops around twice before landing and shifting back into his human-form. Everyone breaks out in applause.
As the party wraps up, Beck invites Tyson, Clem, and me to stay the night since we traveled a decent distance to attend the party. In the evening, we walk down to the beach to watch the sunset over the waves.
"It is gorgeous here," I admit, standing with Beck as the skies turn orange and pink. "But I still can't believe you left your mountain life."
"Oh, don't get me wrong, I still love staying up at my cabin on the mountain, but being with Dulce down here is worth it."
After a long beat, he adds, "Don't you ever feel lonely up there?"
Shrugging, I say, "I mean, yeah, but I love mountain life so much that it comes first. That's my priority. If someone is meant for me, then they'll be the same way, I guess. Who knows? Maybe there's a mountain woman up there just waiting for me to sweep her off her feet."
The drive up the mountain the next day is perfect with my truck's windows rolled down and the October mountain scents filling the cab. I always get a sense of peace as soon as my wheels hit the mountain roads. I meant every word I said to Beck last night. I can't imaginenotliving up here. It is my own little slice of heaven.
Once home, I notice my work landline is blinking with a message. Listening to the voicemail, I see that it was left by a Celia Weaver, who is looking for a handyman for several projects at her cabin on the mountain. Jotting down her number, I call her back and set up an initial appointment for the following day.
My client's cabin is just under a half-hour drive from my home. When I step out of my truck, I see the cabin's front door open, and the sight of a curvy, blue-haired woman immediately takes my breath away.
Holy shit. Damn, she's a knockout.
3
Celia
From my door, I watch the broad-shouldered mountain man slide into his truck and back out down my driveway, leaving after our initial meeting. Damn, that is a fine-ass man. Walking back into my cabin, I grab my phone and text the book club group chat.
Trudy, you didn't tell me this handyman was an absolute snack!
Jen:
Is he single?
Trudy:
I had absolutely no idea. Cal met with him. LOL.
Alice:
Girl, give us details!
Artina:
