Chapter 9
CHAPTER NINE
WYATT
The morning light streams through my bedroom window, illuminating Sophia as she sleeps beside me. One arm is tucked under her cheek, dark hair spilling across my pillow, her breathing deep and even. The peaceful sight stands in stark contrast to the turmoil of last night's conversation.
I'd pushed her away, questioned her integrity, even implied that our personal relationship might be compromising her professional judgment. Yet here she is, still in my bed, still willing to give me another chance I'm not sure I deserve.
The realization hits me with sudden clarity: I'm in love with her.
Not just attracted. Not just enjoying her company. In love. Completely, irrevocably in love with this brilliant, determined woman who challenges everything I thought I knew about myself and my business.
The certainty of it should terrify me. Instead, it brings a strange sense of peace, like finally naming something I've known but couldn't articulate.
Careful not to wake her, I ease out of bed and head downstairs to make coffee.
Her preliminary report still sits on the counter where we left it last night after going through each recommendation point by point.
Looking at it now, without the filter of fear and doubt, I can see the care she's taken to preserve what matters most to me while suggesting practical improvements.
She wasn't trying to change my company's soul. She was trying to protect it by making it stronger.
My phone vibrates on the counter. Tim.
"Morning, boss," he says when I answer. "Just wanted to let you know the investors are on their way to Grizzly Ridge. They'll be at the office by noon."
The news lands like a stone in my stomach. "Today? Without notice?"
"Got the call twenty minutes ago. Something about wanting to discuss Ms. Coleman's preliminary findings in person."
"She hasn't submitted her report yet." I glance at the papers on the counter. "We just reviewed it last night."
"Apparently she sent them a draft yesterday afternoon, before..." He trails off diplomatically.
Before I acted like an ass and pushed her away. Of course she sent it. It's her job.
"I'll be there in an hour," I tell him, ending the call.
I stare out the kitchen window at the mountains beyond, decision crystallizing.
The investors' sudden appearance isn't coincidence.
They've been looking for an excuse to push me out for years, to replace my sustainable approach with practices that maximize short-term profit.
Sophia's report—even with her careful recommendations—gives them just enough ammunition to make their move.
Unless I make mine first.
Upstairs, Sophia stirs as I sit on the edge of the bed. Her eyes flutter open, finding mine immediately.
"Morning," she says, voice husky with sleep.
"The investors are coming today. They'll be at the office by noon."
She sits up, instantly alert. "What? Why didn't they call me?"
"They saw your draft report." I take her hand, needing the connection. "This isn't a routine visit, Sophia. They're making their play."
Understanding dawns in her eyes. "They want to use my recommendations to force bigger changes."
"Or force me out entirely." I squeeze her fingers gently. "But I'm not going to let that happen."
She studies my face, searching. "What are you going to do?"
"Accept your recommendations. Implement them my way, on my timeline." I bring her hand to my lips, pressing a kiss to her palm. "You were right. Your suggestions protect what matters while making us more efficient. I was too stubborn to see it."
Relief softens her features. "What changed your mind?"
"You did." The simple truth feels easy to admit now. "Not by manipulation or seduction, but by showing me a path forward that doesn't sacrifice what I've built."
She leans forward, pressing her forehead to mine. "Thank you for trusting me."
"I do trust you." I cup her face in my hands. "And I love you."
The words hang between us, as natural and necessary as breathing. Her eyes widen, a spectrum of emotions crossing her face—surprise, joy, and something deeper that makes my heart race.
"I love you too," she whispers, and the world shifts on its axis.
I kiss her then, pouring everything I feel into the connection between us. When we finally part, both breathless, I know what I need to do.
"We should get to the office," I say, reluctantly pulling away. "I need to prepare before they arrive."
She nods, all business despite the monumental shift that's just occurred. "I'll help however I can."
An hour later, we're at the office, maintaining professional distance despite the magnetic pull between us. Tim gives us curious looks as we huddle in the conference room, refining our strategy.
"Your report is solid," I tell her, reviewing the final draft. "But we need to control the narrative. They'll try to use these recommendations as leverage to push for more radical changes."
"What's your counter?" she asks, the strategic mind I've come to admire clicking into gear.
"A phased implementation plan, starting with the hauling efficiency tracking system that's already proving successful." I pull up the data Mike had mentioned, showing the twenty percent improvement. "We demonstrate immediate gains while maintaining control over the pace and scope of change."
She smiles, pride evident in her expression. "Exactly what I would suggest."
We spend the morning preparing, and with each passing minute, my certainty grows. This is right—not just the business strategy, but us. Together. The how of our future might still be uncertain, but the what isn't. I want her in my life, permanently.
At precisely noon, Tim knocks on the conference room door. "They're here. Three of them, in the main meeting room."
I nod, squeezing Sophia's hand briefly out of Tim's sight. "Ready?"
"Ready." Her confidence bolsters mine.
The investors—Harrison, Weber, and Patel—rise as we enter the meeting room. All city men in expensive suits, with the polished look of people who make decisions about forests without ever setting foot in one.
"Brennan," Harrison nods curtly. "Ms. Coleman. Thank you for accommodating our impromptu visit."
"Hard to refuse when you're already on your way," I reply, keeping my tone neutral. "I understand you've reviewed Sophia's preliminary findings."
"We have." Weber smooths his tie. "And we're eager to discuss implementation. Particularly the digital integration aspects."
"I've prepared a comprehensive implementation plan," I say, sliding folders across the table. "Based on Sophia's recommendations but tailored to our specific operational needs."
Their surprise is evident as they flip through the detailed timeline and budget I've spent the morning preparing.
"You're agreeing to these changes?" Patel asks, suspicious. "All of them?"
"I am." I meet his gaze steadily. "With modifications to ensure they complement rather than disrupt our existing strengths."
Harrison frowns. "We were under the impression you were resistant to modernization."
"I was resistant to change for change's sake." I glance at Sophia, drawing strength from her presence. "Ms. Coleman has made a compelling case for targeted improvements that enhance rather than replace our core expertise."
The three exchange glances, clearly thrown off by my cooperative stance.
"Well," Weber says finally. "This is certainly a positive development. Though we'd like to discuss accelerating certain aspects of the timeline."
"I'm open to discussion," I reply, "as long as we maintain the integrity of our selective harvesting approach and crew training protocols."
What follows is three hours of negotiation, during which I hold firm on what matters while yielding on points that don't compromise my vision.
Throughout, Sophia supports my position with data and analysis that even the investors can't dismiss.
We're a team, seamlessly complementing each other's arguments, finding middle ground where possible and standing firm where necessary.
By late afternoon, we've reached an agreement that satisfies both sides—modernization on my terms, with the investors' backing for the necessary capital expenditures.
"I believe we have a path forward," Harrison says as we conclude, extending his hand. "I admit I'm surprised, Brennan. Perhaps Ms. Coleman has been a positive influence."
I shake his hand, resisting the urge to glance at Sophia. "She's helped me see possibilities I might have missed otherwise."
After they leave, the office falls quiet. Tim has already gone home, and even the radio chatter from the crews has ceased as operations shut down for the day.
Alone in the conference room, Sophia turns to me with a smile that melts something inside me. "You were incredible."
"We were incredible," I correct her, finally free to pull her into my arms. "They never stood a chance."
She laughs, the sound pure joy. "So what happens now? With the company?"
"We implement your recommendations, my way. Make this operation even stronger." I brush a strand of hair from her face. "But that's not what I meant when I asked what happens next."
Her expression softens. "What did you mean?"
"I meant us." I take her hands in mine. "I meant that I love you, and I don't want this to end when your consultation does."
"I don't want it to end either," she says, voice catching. "But my job, your company—"
"We'll figure it out." I've never been more certain of anything. "Maybe you consult remotely for other clients. Maybe you find a position with the Forest Service that lets you stay in Grizzly Ridge. Or maybe I learn to handle having you travel sometimes."
Hope blooms in her eyes. "You'd be willing to try?"
"I'd be willing to try anything to keep you in my life." The truth of it resonates through me. "These past two weeks have changed everything, Sophia. I was afraid of change, in my company and in my life. You showed me that the right changes don't threaten what matters—they protect it."
Tears shine in her eyes. "That might be the most romantic thing anyone's ever said to me."
"I'm just getting started." I cup her face in my hands. "Stay with me. Not just for the implementation phase. Not just for a few more weeks or months. Stay."
"Are you asking me to move in with you?" A smile plays at the corners of her mouth.
"For starters." I brush my thumb across her lower lip. "Eventually, I'll be asking for a lot more than that."
Her eyes widen at the implication. "Wyatt..."
"Not today," I assure her. "We've got time. But I need you to know that's where I'm headed. Where I hope we're both headed."
"I love you," she whispers, rising on tiptoes to brush her lips against mine. "And yes, I'll stay. We'll figure out the details together."
As I pull her closer, deepening the kiss, certainty settles over me like the quietness after a fresh snowfall. Whatever challenges lie ahead—with the company, with our age difference, with balancing her career ambitions and my rooted existence—we'll face them together.
Because some changes, as Sophia taught me, don't threaten what matters.
They complete it.