Page 39 of Christmas With The Broken Mountain Man
"Greg was at the school," he begins without preamble. "Tom intercepted him in the lobby before he could enter the gymnasium. I was there as a witness."
"And?" My heart pounds painfully against my ribs.
"And Tom made it very clear that you're under the protection of the Whisper Vale Sheriff's Department. That any attempt to contact or harass you would result in immediate arrest."
"That's it?" I can't keep the disbelief from my voice. "A warning?"
"Not just a warning." Mason's thumb traces circles on my palm. "Tom had done his homework. Turns out your ex has a record—DUI from five years ago, sealed by his brother. And a domestic violence complaint from before you, also buried."
"Eliza," I whisper. "The other teacher."
Mason nods. "Tom made it clear he knows about these incidents, knows about Greg's brother's involvement in covering them up. Said he's prepared to go to the state level, even federal if necessary."
"And Greg just... accepted that?" I shake my head. "I don't believe it."
"He didn't have much choice. Especially after I told him about the security footage."
"What security footage?"
"From your Reno motel." Mason's expression hardens. "His investigator friend assaulted you, Destiny. That's a felony. One I bet Greg doesn't want tied to him."
Hope flickers, faint but present. "You have footage of that?"
"Tom does now." Mason's smile is grim. "Amazing what a sheriff can accomplish with a warrant."
"So what happened? Where were you for three hours?"
"Filing paperwork." Mason runs a hand through his hair. "Statements, evidence logs, the works. Making sure everything was documented properly in case he tries anything. Then we followed him to the county line, watched him drive away."
"He just left?" I can hardly believe it. "Just like that?"
"With the understanding that if he ever sets foot in this county again, he'll be arrested on sight." Mason squeezes my hand. "It's over, Destiny. He's gone."
I want to believe him. Want it so badly I can taste it. But years of fear don't disappear in an instant.
"What if he comes back? What if he sends someone else?"
"Then we deal with it." Mason cups my face in his hands. "Together. Because I meant what I said at the party. I love you, Destiny Brooks. And I'm not letting anyone or anything take you from me."
The declaration, spoken with such certainty, such conviction, brings fresh tears to my eyes. "You barely know me."
"I know enough." His thumbs wipe away my tears. "I know you're brave and kind. I know you bake when you're anxious and sing in the shower when you think no one's listening. I know you sleep with one leg outside the blankets and take your coffee with too much sugar. I know you're the first thing I want to see when I wake up and the last thing I want to see before I sleep."
Each simple truth hits me like concrete. Is this love? This bone-deep certainty after a lifetime of wandering?
"I love you too," I whisper, the words feeling simultaneously enormous and inadequate. "I didn't mean to, didn't expect to, but I do."
His smile is brilliant, transformative. "Good. Because I have plans for us, Destiny Brooks. Plans that include many more Christmas parties, many more mornings in my bed, many more years in this cabin."
"Years?" The word catches in my throat.
"If you'll have me." His expression turns serious. "I know our beginning was unconventional. I know you came here running from something, not toward something. But now that you're here, now that we've found each other... stay. Not just until Christmas, not just until you feel safe. Stay for good."
It's everything I want, everything I've been afraid to hope for. A home. A future. Love. But doubt still gnaws at me.
"What if it's too soon? What if this is just... intensity born from danger? What happens when things calm down, when real life sets in?"
"Then we figure it out together." Mason takes my hands in his. "Day by day. No pressure, no expectations. Just us, building something real."
