Protective (Mail Order Mountain Men #1)

Epilogue

One Year Later

Heather

Sun shines down on the riverbank and I dip my toes in the water, letting the pebbles massage the soles of my feet. Chevy stands next to me, his wide frame strong and steady as he casts his pole into the water.

We married here on his property six months ago, right next to this riverbank, in the field of wildflowers that accidentally sprouted. It was a small ceremony, but it was perfect for us. Truthfully, I’d have married Chevy next to a dumpster covered in sludge as rain poured down, but he had other plans. He wanted a memory for us, something we could think about every time we came down here. He wanted a legacy of romance, like the kind his grandparents had.

He lands his big hand on the small of my back and pulls me against his chest. “How’s our baby girl today?”

“Hungry as usual.” I join his hand on my stomach, losing myself in the perfection of this moment.

The rumble and crash of the river rushes over the ridge. The blue water tickles my feet as the warmth of the sun lies on my shoulders and the scent of the heated soil surrounds us. My perfect, giant, protective man stands next to me as we take it all in.

If struggling through a terrible relationship led me here, I’d do it again without a second thought.

“Can you believe this time next year we’ll have a baby out here with us?” Chevy’s voice is low and soothing.

“Not really. It’s crazy to think about. The year after that, you’ll have a baby girl calling you dad.” I grin and stare up at him, watching his eyes flicker with happiness.

There’s something so gut wrenchingly beautiful about this man. Sure, he’s big, strong, and handsome. And sometimes, we get into it about the right temperature setting in the house or his wild driving habits, but when it comes down to it, the way he loves me is everything. He takes the lead by being confident without arrogance. He takes the lead by planning dates and showing continued interest in me. He takes the lead by showing me empathy and respect. He takes the lead by being protective and communicating clearly.

This man is a man I’d gladly follow anywhere, forever, without a single doubt in my mind. I let him be a man, and he makes space for me to be his woman.

Maybe I’m living in some archaic fantasy that most women don’t want anymore, but for us, it works. And I know without a shadow of a doubt that all of those qualities will help our daughter grow into a secure, happy, and kind woman.

Chevy kisses the top of my head. “It’s crazy to think about, right? Are you ready for someone to call you mom?”

“Yes!” I grin and respond without further thought. “I’m so ready. I want a houseful of your babies calling me mom.”

He laughs and casts his line again as the cool water splashes up onto my calves. “Have we settled on a name for the first one yet? I really like Beth.”

“Beth?” I narrow my gaze and offer a playfully disgusted look. “No. What about Daisy? It reminds me of the bouquet you first brought me when we were in the cabin pods.”

A wide grin spreads onto his face before he glances toward me. “That seems like a hundred years ago now.”

“Right? I still can’t believe all we’ve accomplished in twelve months. I mean, a wedding, a baby, a move, an addition to your cabin.”

“And finding you was the most important part.” Chevy leans down slowly, landing his lips against mine.

Our eyes close, and though I’m pretty sure something is pulling on his fishing pole, he doesn’t let me go. He wraps his arm around my waist and tightens his grip. “Daisy is a perfect name. Let’s go with that.”

The kiss deepens and once again, I’m lost in the scent of cedar on his skin, mesmerized by the weight of his calloused hands, and above all else, I’m thankful beyond words for the bumpy, dirt road that lead me to forever.

THANK YOU FOR READING.

READ TRISH’S STORY HERE.