Page 29 of Christmas With The Broken Mountain Man
"That obvious, huh?"
"Like a neon sign." He picks up a box of outdoor lights. "Question is, what are you going to do about it?"
"That's the complicated part." I explain the situation with Greg, including the black SUV and his appearance at the courthouse.
Jax's expression hardens. "Need me to assemble a welcome committee if this asshole shows up again?"
"Tom's handling security."
"Tom's handling the legal side. I'm talking about making sure this guy understands what happens to men who hurt women in our town." There's steel in Jax's voice.
"Let's hope it doesn't come to that," I say, though a part of me appreciates the offer. "For now, I'm focusing on keeping Destiny safe and happy."
"And telling her how you feel?"
I hesitate. "It's too soon. She's been through hell, Jax. The last thing she needs is pressure from me."
"Or maybe what she needs is to know she's not alone in this." He gives me a pointed look. "That what you're building together is real, not just convenient timing or physical attraction."
His words stick with me as I finish shopping and head home. Is Jax right? Would knowing my feelings help Destinyfeel more secure, or would it only complicate an already complex situation?
I'm still pondering this when I pull up to the cabin. The sight that greets me pushes all other thoughts from my mind.
Destiny stands on the porch, laughing with Deputy Martinez as they hang a fresh evergreen wreath on the front door. She's wearing one of my flannel shirts over her jeans, the sleeves rolled up to her elbows, her blonde curls captured in a messy bun. She looks like she belongs here, like she's been a part of my life for years, not days.
She spots me and waves, her smile brighter than all the Christmas lights in town. "Perfect timing! We need someone tall to hang these icicle lights!"
I stand frozen for a moment, struck by the domesticity of the scene and the certainty that floods through me. I want this. Every day. Not just for Christmas, not just until the danger passes. I want mornings tangled in sheets and evenings on the porch. Arguments and reconciliations. Birthdays and anniversaries. All of it, with her.
"Mason?" Concern crosses her face at my silence. "Everything okay?"
I shake myself out of my reverie. "Everything's perfect."
And in that moment, despite the lingering threat of her ex, it truly is.
Deputy Martinez leaves once I'm home, and Destiny pulls me inside to show off her handiwork. The cabin has been transformed into a winter wonderland, pine garlands draped over doorways, candles on every surface, handmade paper snowflakes hanging from the ceiling.
"I got a little carried away," she admits sheepishly. "Martha had some extra decorations in her patrol car, her daughter makes them, and one thing led to another..."
"It's amazing." I pull her into my arms. "You're amazing."
She beams, clearly pleased by my reaction. "Wait till you see what's for dinner."
In the kitchen, a pot of something delicious simmers on the stove. The table is set with the good plates my grandmother left me, candles waiting to be lit, wine already breathing.
"What's the occasion?" I ask, genuinely curious.
"Do I need an occasion to cook for my fake fiancé?" She winks, stirring the pot. "Actually, I wanted to thank you. For everything you've done for me."
"Destiny—”
"Let me finish." She sets down the spoon, turning to face me fully. "I know our arrangement started as a cover story, a way to hide from Greg. But these past few days..." She takes a deep breath. "They've been the happiest I've had in years. Maybe ever."
My heart pounds as she continues.
"You make me feel safe, but not just physically. You make me feel safe to be myself. To want things I'd given up on." Her eyes shine with unshed tears. "And I just wanted you to know that whatever happens with Greg, whatever comes next... I'm grateful for this time with you."
The emotion in her voice undoes me. I cross the kitchen in two strides, gathering her in my arms and kissing her with all the feelings I can't yet put into words. She responds instantly, arms winding around my neck, body pressing against mine.
