9. Axel
Chapter Nine
AXEL
I pull up to my dad’s cabin and kill the engine, taking a moment to watch Sami’s reaction. Her green eyes widen as she takes in the rustic structure nestled among towering pines.
It’s not what most people expect when they hear “cabin.” Dad made sure of that when he built this place. Two stories of gleaming logs and floor-to-ceiling windows that reflect the surrounding forest.
“This is your dad’s place?” Sami’s voice carries a note of awe. “It’s beautiful.”
I reach across the console and take her hand, running my thumb over her knuckles. “Yep. Built it when he got out of the Marines and moved here.”
Watching her face as she studies my family home stirs something possessive and primal in my chest. Bringing a woman here means something. It’s a statement to my family, to her, to myself. I’ve never brought anyone but the band here before.
“You okay?” I ask, noticing how she presses her free hand against her stomach. “You look a little pale.”
“Just nervous,” she admits.
I lean over and kiss her temple, breathing in the vanilla scent of her shampoo. “Nothing to be nervous about.”
She gives me a wobbly smile that doesn’t quite reach her eyes. “Easy for you to say. You’re not meeting a whole new family today.”
“They’re not that scary,” I promise, even though I know my chosen family can be overwhelming as hell. “Dad’s a teddy bear, Lainey’s already your biggest fan, and Ruby and Clay are just... Ruby and Clay.”
Sami takes a deep breath and nods. “Okay. Let’s do this before I lose my nerve.”
I grab the bottle of wine from the backseat and lead her up the stone path to the front door. Before I can even knock, the door swings open to reveal Lainey, her pregnant belly even more pronounced than the last time we saw her.
“Finally!” She beams at us, pulling Sami into a hug before she can react. “I was starting to think Axel was keeping you all to himself.”
Sami stiffens for a split second before relaxing into the embrace. “It’s nice to officially meet you. I mean, as more than just a customer at the diner.”
“Get in here, both of you.” Lainey ushers us inside, one hand resting on her stomach. “Everyone’s already drinking my special lemonade, and Ruby’s about three glasses in, so prepare yourselves.”
I keep my hand on Sami’s lower back as we enter the great room.
The scent of Lainey’s cooking fills the air, mingling with the ever-present smell of pine.
Dad stands at the stone fireplace, drink in hand, deep in conversation with Clay.
Ruby sprawls across one of the leather couches, her red hair a stark contrast against the dark material.
“They’re here!” Ruby announces, jumping up with characteristic energy. She practically bounces over to us, throwing her arms around Sami. “I’m so excited to finally talk to you outside of the Summit.”
Sami laughs, some of the tension leaving her shoulders. “Definitely not the best place for first impressions.”
My dad approaches next, his imposing frame softened by the genuine smile on his face. “Welcome to our home, Sami. We’ve heard a lot about you.”
“All good things, I hope.” Her voice carries just a hint of uncertainty.
Dad’s eyes meet mine over her head, and I see the approval there.
“My son doesn’t usually bring women here,” Dad says, his voice warm. “So the fact that you’re standing in our living room says more than anything he could have told us.”
A flush creeps up Sami’s neck, but she holds his gaze. “Thank you for having me.”
“Drinks!” Lainey announces, swooping in with perfect timing. “Sami, lemonade or something stronger?”
“Just lemonade for now,” Sami says, pressing her hand to her stomach again. “I’m feeling a little off today.”
I place my palm against her lower back, concern threading through me. “You sure you’re okay?”
She nods, leaning into my touch. “Just nerves and maybe something I ate.”
I guide her to the couch, hyperaware of every microexpression that crosses her face. She’s trying to hide her discomfort, but I can feel the tension in her body. I make a mental note to cut this visit short if she doesn’t start feeling better soon.
Clay joins us, handing me a beer. “How’s the new album coming?”
“Almost there.” I keep my arm around Sami as I talk. “Two more tracks to finish, then it’s ready for production.”
“Sami,” Ruby calls from across the coffee table, “Axel tells us you’re a composer. That’s so cool! What kind of music do you write?”
All eyes turn to Sami, and I feel her shrink slightly against me before straightening her spine. Pride surges through me as she finds her voice.
“Film scoring is my passion,” she explains, her confidence growing as she talks about her music. “Creating emotional landscapes through sound, enhancing what’s happening on screen without overshadowing it.”
Ruby leans forward, genuinely interested. “That’s fascinating. Have you scored anything we might have seen?”
“Not yet.” Sami’s smile turns wistful. “Still working on breaking in. It’s a tough industry. I still have a lot to learn.”
“Don’t do that,” Lainey admonishes gently as she joins us. “Own your talent. Men never downplay their abilities. Why should we?”
Sami laughs, relaxing further. “Fair point.”
“Dinner’s almost ready,” Lainey announces. “Marcus, help me bring everything to the table.”
As everyone moves toward the dining room, I pull Sami back slightly, studying her face. “You sure you’re okay? We can leave if you’re not feeling well.”
“I’m fine,” she insists, though her complexion has a slight greenish tinge. “Everyone’s being so nice. I don’t want to ruin the evening.”
I press my lips to her forehead. “Nothing you do could ruin anything.”
She smiles up at me, and the sight still hits me like a physical blow. One week together, and I’m more certain than ever that she’s it for me. The one I’ve been waiting for without even knowing I was waiting.
“Come on,” I say, leading her toward the dining room. “Let’s get some food in you. Might help settle your stomach.”
Dinner is exactly what I hoped it would be.
The conversation flows easily, stories and laughter bouncing around the table.
Dad shares embarrassing tales from my childhood while Lainey and Ruby take turns grilling Sami about her life before Fit Mountain.
Through it all, I watch her transform from nervous to comfortable to genuinely happy.
This is what I wanted her to see. That she belongs here. With us. With me.
“So, Sami,” Dad says as we’re finishing dessert, “how are you liking Fit Mountain so far?”
She considers the question, her finger tracing the rim of her water glass. “It’s growing on me. The first few months were tough, but lately...” Her eyes meet mine. “Lately it’s starting to feel like home.”
Home. The word echoes in my chest, setting off a chain reaction of possessive satisfaction. She’s mine, and she knows it. Feels it. Is accepting it.
“The mountain has a way of claiming its own,” Dad says, his knowing gaze moving between us. “Some of us just belong here.”
The double meaning isn’t lost on anyone at the table. Ruby giggles into her lemonade while Clay smirks. Lainey just looks smug, like she’s personally responsible for bringing us together.
The rest of the evening passes in a haze of contentment.
I catch Dad’s approving nods when he thinks I’m not looking, see the way Ruby and Lainey include Sami in their inside jokes, notice how Clay treats her with the same respectful warmth he shows the women in our family.
Every moment confirms what I already knew, that she fits here perfectly.
By the time we’re saying our goodbyes, Sami looks genuinely reluctant to leave. She hugs everyone, promising to come back soon, and I feel another piece of my plan click into place.
“Drive safe,” Lainey calls as we head toward the truck. “And Sami, don’t be a stranger!”
I help Sami into the passenger seat, noting how she still looks a little green around the edges. The queasiness has persisted all evening, though she’s tried to hide it. As I start the engine, concern overrides my satisfaction.
“Feeling any better?” I ask, reaching across to squeeze her thigh.
“A little.” She leans her head back against the seat. “Your family is wonderful, Axel. I can see why you’re so close to them.”
I pull out of the driveway, my headlights cutting through the mountain darkness. “Dad pulled me aside while you were helping Lainey clear dishes. Said you’re a keeper.”
A soft smile crosses her face.
“Your dad is nothing like I expected. After all those stories about mountain men and their possessive tendencies, I thought he’d be more intimidating.”
I chuckle at that. “Trust me, he can be terrifying when he wants to be. Ask any guy who ever looked at Lainey wrong.”
“I can’t believe they’ve only been married two years. They seem like they’ve been together forever.”
“That’s how it works around here.” I glance at her. “When you know, you know.”
The weight of my words settles between us. She doesn’t argue, doesn’t roll her eyes like she might have a week ago. Progress. She’s accepting our reality.
“Did you see how Ruby kept trying to get me alone to quiz me about us?” Sami laughs, relaxing further into her seat. “She’s persistent.”
“Ruby has no concept of boundaries.” I squeeze her hand. “But she means well. She’s wanted me settled for years.”
“Settled.” Sami tests the word. “Is that what we are?”
“Of course. What else would we be?”
“It’s been two weeks, Axel.”
“And?” I shrug. “Time is just a number.”
“A pretty important number for most people.”
“We’re not most people.” I turn onto the long road that leads to my house. Our house. The perfect moment approaches. “Speaking of the future, there’s something I wanted to talk to you about.”
She turns toward me, curiosity clear in her expression. “What is it?”
“I made a call earlier this week.” I pause, building anticipation. “To Lane Rivers.”
“Your contact in Nashville?” Her brow furrows slightly. “Why?”
“Because I believe in you.” I slow the truck, wanting to watch her face for this next part. “I sent him recordings of you playing.”
Her body goes completely still. “What recordings?”
“From when you played at the house. I have a recording setup in the living room. For when the band works on new material.” I see shock register on her face, quickly followed by confusion. “I hope you don’t mind. I wanted him to hear how talented you are.”
“You recorded me without telling me?” Her voice wavers between disbelief and something else.
“I wanted it to be natural. Not something you overthought or prepared for.” I turn onto a scenic overlook and put the truck in park, needing her full attention for this. “Lane listened to them yesterday.”
Sami’s hand tightens in mine. “And?”
This is it. The moment that seals everything.
“He wants to meet with you. Said your compositions have exactly the emotional depth he’s been looking for in his film projects.” I watch her face carefully as I deliver the news. “He’s working on two independent films right now and wants to discuss bringing you on to score sections of both.”
Her expression transforms before my eyes.
Disbelief. Shock. Hope.
Joy.
Each emotion washes over her face in waves, her green eyes widening as she processes what I’m telling her.
“That’s not possible.” She shakes her head. “Lane Rivers is a major name in the industry. He wouldn’t just offer something like that to someone with no professional experience.”
“He would if that someone had raw talent that blew him away.” I reach out and cup her cheek. “This is real, Sami. He heard something special in your music. Something worth investing in.”
Tears well in her eyes. “This isn’t just you pulling strings? Using your connections to get me a pity meeting?”
“Fuck no.” I need her to understand this part clearly. “I made the introduction, but the interest is genuine. Lane doesn’t do favors that could cost him money or reputation. He’s a businessman first. He wants you because you’re good. Because your music touched something in him.”
A tear spills down her cheek. I catch it with my thumb.
“When would he want to meet?” Sami asks.
“Next week. He’s flying into Jackson for some other business and wants to have lunch with us.
” I stroke her hair, memorizing every detail of her face in this moment.
“If things go well, he’s prepared to offer you a contract for both films. Paid work, Sami.
Doing exactly what you’ve always dreamed of. ”
She throws herself across the console and into my arms, nearly strangling me with the force of her embrace. Her body shakes with sobs, but I can feel her smile against my neck.
“Thank you,” she whispers over and over. “Thank you for believing in me.”
I hold her tight, satisfaction spreading through me like wildfire.
This is what I wanted. Her gratitude. Her joy. Her recognition that I can give her the future she deserves. This cements everything.
“You don’t need to thank me.” I pull back enough to look into her eyes. “This is all you. Your talent. Your hard work. I just made the introduction.”
“I can quit The Summit.” Her eyes widen at the realization. “Even if it’s just these two projects, it’s a start. A real start.”
“You can quit tomorrow if you want.” I brush my lips against hers. “I’ll support you while you build your career. You don’t ever have to set foot in that place again.”
The gratitude in her eyes is exactly what I’ve been working toward. The final piece clicking into place. My woman, dependent on me not just for shelter and protection, but for her future. Her dreams. Everything.
She settles back into her seat, wiping tears from her cheeks, her face glowing with happiness.
“I can’t believe this is happening. Any of it. Meeting you. Your family. Lane Rivers. It’s like a dream.”
“It’s real, Kitten.” I reply as I start the truck again. “Now, let’s go home.”