Epilogue
“Show us!” Eva, Sierra and Clara, rush to me before we’re all the way in the house. Tanner called them at lunch as soon as he proposed and I said yes. I wiggle my fingers so the diamond catches the light and they ooh and ahh, showering me with kisses.
We’re all here on Valentine’s Day to watch the live, first episode of Blind Date for Life, the reality show being shot in Passion Pines. Most of the town is watching at City Hall, but Clara thought it would be better for Creed if we all watched it together in the privacy of her house.
Apparently, Creed and Lyssa dated in high school and loved each other on and off for years.
But during their last breakup, she signed up to be on the show and broke his heart.
It’s hard to imagine any of the burly, beefy Stone brothers could be so tender inside, but that’s what I found with Tanner, so I shouldn’t be surprised.
When Tanner ushers me into the living room with his hand on my lower back, and I still get goosebumps. There are bouquets of flowers with cards covered with hearts, scattered around with room, no doubt from Clara’s sons, and it makes me smile.
“Chocolate?” he asks, settling onto the couch and tugging me down beside him. He points to an enormous, fancy heart shaped box opened the coffee table.
I snuggle into him. “We still have our chocolates at home, and those roses you gave me at lunch, along with this.” I extend my left-hand and he grabs it and kisses the top.
“Thank God you said yes.” He gives me a peck on the cheek with a mischievous grin. “Your Valentine’s Day isn’t over, by the way. I have another little surprise for you as soon as we get home. It’s something you melt, and I lick off you.”
The thought sends me into a full body flush. My sweater’s draped over my shoulders and I quickly put it on.
“Are you cold, sweetheart?” His blue eyes narrow with worry. “The fires blazing. Are you getting sick?”.
“No, no, no. It’s nothing like that.” I whisper, “I’m just having a lady boner.
My nipples got hard when you said you were going to lick me, and I don’t want everyone to see them.
” I grin, running my hand over his thigh.
Just as I’m sure Tanner is about to drag me into one of the bedrooms, Clara rushes in, carrying bowls of popcorn.
She deposits them on the coffee table before flopping into her faded floral armchair and kicking off her slippers. “Have you come up with a date yet?”
“Yes,” I tease. “We’ve decided to have a Christmas wedding next year.” I nudge Tanner with my elbow.
He plays along, chiming in, “We’re going to be married on stage at City Hall in front of all those old biddies, complete with vows promising to be naughty together for the rest of our lives.”
“And I’ll wear a red elf hat instead of a veil.”
“Can you imagine the look on Mrs. Helmsley at that little shindig.” Clara laughs and then checks the clock on the mantel. “Now where is Creed?”
“It’s starting.” Zephyr snatches the remote and turns the volume up. Everyone finds a place to sit as he explains, “So there are four women including Lyssa. Let’s see if we know any of the poor bastards they’ve conned into appearing on this show.”
“Talk about public humiliation,” Slade cracks. “It makes the naughty list look like a walk in the park.”
Clara hops up. “Don’t steal my chair. This popcorn needs salt,” she says, dashing out.
On-screen, the announcer’s voice booms through Clara’s ancient surround sound. I squint, leaning forward, and bump Tanner’s elbow. “Is that?”
“Mom!” Tanner, Zephyr, Slade, Jude and Gideon shout in perfect, horrified unison.
“Hurry! You have to see this!” Sierra hollers toward the kitchen.
Clara skids back in. When she gets a load of what’s on the screen, the salt shaker slips from her fingers and clatters across the hardwood. “Turn it up!”
Zephyr cranks up the sound just as the announcer purrs: “Ladies, lock your hearts, because bachelor number three is about to climb into your dreams! Meet Creed Stone.” The camera zooms in on Tanner’s brother who doesn’t even look like himself.
Did he blow dry his hair? Are those highlights?
Where did he get those clothes? He looks gorgeous. The announcer continues.
“Creed’s forty years young, Passion Pines’ own towering lineman who keeps the lights on for the whole mountain town.
Six-foot-four of quiet thunder, that can splice a live wire, and a slow, crooked smile that’s melted more snow than April sunshine.
After years of fixing everyone else’s power, Creed’s ready to spark his own forever love.
And you’ll get to know him right after this break. ”
Clara’s hand flies to her heart. “What on earth has he done?”
Tanner brushes a kiss on my temple and keeps his voice low. “Guess we’ll have to tune in every week.”
Outside, snow starts to fall, and the Stone family leans forward as one, bowls balanced on knees, hearts racing for their brother. I don’t know Creed well, but if he really does adore Lyssa as much as everyone says he does, I hope he wins her heart.
I glance at Tanner, feeling my heart swell. I know for a fact stranger things have happened. Everyone should have the chance to be with their one and only true love.
Now matter how naughty they happen to be.
Thank you so much for reading The Mountain Man's Naughty List.