Page 20 of A Very Mountain Man Wooing

“I love you,” I tell him, and he relaxes, smiling as he pulls me into his arms.

“I love hearing you say that. And I love you too.”

I let him tug me closer until our lips meet, and I smile as he kisses me. The embrace is over far too soon for my liking, but I don’t say anything as he pulls me from his truck and sets me on my feet.

“I can be here in five minutes,” Whit tells me, and I lean up on my tiptoes, pressing my lips against his in a chaste kiss.

“I know. It will be okay. I’ll text you soon.”

He nods, looking like he doesn’t want to let me go, and I hurry inside before he throws me over his shoulder and takes me home. Not that I would be opposed to that, but I need to get to work.

I wave once before I head inside. Mabel and Grier are already inside, and I smile when they both give me knowing looks.

“It’s about time!” Mabel says with a bright grin, and I laugh.

“I know, I know.”

“He is so perfect for you,” Grier says, and she looks so happy for me.

Sometimes I wish I could have this kind of relationship with my family, especially my mom. I know that I never will, though. I’m lucky to have such good friends.

I see Whit pull out of the parking spot as I get settled at my station.

“Is he taking you out tonight?” Mabel asks as she grabs her iced coffee.

“I think so. We didn’t really make concrete plans, but he didn’t want to let me out of his sight this morning.”

“Sounds like someone I know,” Grier grumbles, and I laugh.

“Yeah, I saw Hunter carry you out of here the other day,” Mabel says as she chuckles.

“He’s such a caveman,” Grier complains, but she’s smiling while she says it.

“Hey! Ready for us?” Magnolia asks as she comes in the door with Myra, Rory, Snow, and Tilly right behind her.

As I see my friends, I realize that I’ve built the family I’ve always wanted here. They may not be blood, but our relationship and bond are already stronger than any I’ve had with my parents or brothers.

I’m glad I don’t have to leave this place or the family I’ve found.

“I’m ready!” I say, and Myra grins as she heads over to my chair.

“How’s the family?” I ask, and it’s like a light has been switched inside her.

She lights up as she tells me about Alder and their kid. I wonder if I look that way when I talk about Whit.

“We’re probably going to have to add another extension onto the house soon,” she says, and I nod as I comb out her hair.

“For Alder’s art studio?”

“Yeah, he’s been getting busier.”

“Well, that’s good, right?”

“Yeah, I’m always amazed at what he can create,” she says in a dreamy tone.

“What about you, Rory? How are you and Rhodes doing?” Grier asks, and I try to pay attention as Rory tells us about what their little one is doing.

Mabel is busy working on Magnolia’s hair, and the conversation changes to Tilly and Ledger. Mabel is with Jonah, Ledger’s cousin, and they’re busy talking about their new house. They just moved in a few weeks ago and are still getting settled.

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