Page 41 of Unwrapped By the Grumpy Mountain Man
Home.The word slips out naturally, and neither of us corrects it.
After we hang up, I call Ivy, needing to talk to someone who understands the complexity of what I'm feeling.
"Well, if it isn't Mrs. Mountain Man," Ivy teases when she answers. "How's married life treating you?"
"That's actually why I'm calling," I admit, pacing the kitchen. "I think I'm in trouble, Ivy."
"What happened? Did Hudson do something?"
"No. That's the problem. He's... perfect." I sink back into a chair. "We had sex."
"What?" Ivy shrieks. "I thought this was just a business arrangement!"
"It was. Is. I don't know anymore." I run a hand through my hair. "It just happened. And then it happened again. And again."
"Well, well, well. Sounds like someone's enjoying the benefits package."
"It's not just the sex," I confess. "It's everything. The way he is with his daughters. How he looks at me sometimes like I'm the most fascinating thing he's ever seen. The little things he does, like making coffee just how I like it or clearing space in his closet without me asking."
"You're falling for him," Ivy states. It's not a question.
"I'm terrified," I whisper. "This wasn't supposed to happen."
"What did you expect? You married a hot, devoted, protective single dad who apparently has magic hands in the bedroom. Of course you're falling for him."
"But what happens when it's over? The deal was six months, Ivy. Just until he gets custody." My voice cracks slightly. "What happens to me when he doesn't need a wife anymore?"
Ivy's tone softens. "Have you talked about it? About what happens after?"
"No." I stare at the receipt still in my hand. "It seemed so straightforward at first. Now everything's complicated."
"Honey, you need to protect your heart. If this is just temporary for him, you need to know that."
"You're right." I tuck the receipt into my purse. "I should go. The girls are being dropped off soon."
"Call me later," Ivy insists. "And Vi? Be careful."
I hang up, her warning echoing in my mind as I gather my things to leave. On the counter, I leave a note for Dad?—
Made you lasagna.It's in the fridge. Back next weekend. Love, Vi.
As I pull awayfrom the house, I look back one last time, wondering when my childhood home stopped feeling like the place I belong.
I'm waitingon the porch when Kristy's car pulls into the driveway. After yesterday's confrontation, I brace myself for another scene, but she doesn't get out. The girls tumble from the car with their weekend bags, and the vehicle speeds away before they even reach the steps.
"Violet!" Lucy shouts, racing toward me. "Where's Daddy?"
"He had to work late, sweetie," I explain, kneeling to her level. "But he'll be home soon. I thought we could have some fun until then."
Lucy throws her arms around my neck without hesitation. Over her shoulder, I see Angie approaching with a shy smile, while Silvie hangs back, suspicion in her eyes.
"Is Dad okay?" Silvie asks, her young face serious beyond her years.
"He's fine," I assure her. "Just cleaning up after a fallen tree. He called to make sure I'd be here for you girls."
Some of the tension leaves her small shoulders. "Okay."
"Let's get inside where it's warm," I suggest, helping Lucy with her backpack. "I have a surprise."
