Six Months Later
Chloe
The sun is shining overhead, warming me as I walk down the main street of Rock Creek. I still have to pinch myself sometimes to remind myself that I actually live in this amazing place now with my sexy mountain man. I’ve never been happier than I have in the last few months.
Ryder and I were married at the lodge less than a month after we met. It was a small ceremony with his family and a few of my friends from the city. It was absolutely perfect.
Just like the last few months have been.
Ryder is so supportive and encouraging about my writing. He even made me my own office in the log home we share, and I spend so much time writing. The words flow freely now and I’m always so inspired.
How could I not be when I have my very own incredibly hot mountain man helping me with research all night, every night—and throughout the day, too?
I’d finished two books since I’d been in Rock Creek and even reached out to a publishing house with Ryder’s encouragement.
But I’ve been keeping a little secret to myself, waiting for this moment.
When I reach the door to the Den, the bar and restaurant owned and operated by Ryder’s parents, I shift the box I’m carrying to one arm and push the door open.
I scan the dim light inside to find my husband at the bar waiting for me.
“Hey there, kitten.” He greets me with a deep kiss and takes the box from my arms. “What’s this?”
“Open it.”
I’m so nervous as he slides a knife through the tape and opens the box flaps. Ryder removes some crumpled paper and then…there it is.
My book.
Our book.
He stares at it for a moment, looking at the author name Chloe Wolf, and then back to me. “Is this…”
I nod as he lets out a whoop of congratulations. Before I know it, I’m in Ryder’s arms and he’s swinging me around.
“This is incredible,” he says when he finally puts me down. “You are incredible. I can’t believe you kept this a secret.”
He has one arm around me, with the book in his other hand.
“I wanted it to be a surprise.”
“Well, you definitely succeeded, kitten. Your first published book. The first of many. Congratulations. You deserve this.”
He kisses me, and I let myself sink into his embrace.
“I couldn’t have done it without you and your support.” He looks like he’s about to protest, but I stop him before he can. “There’s something else I couldn’t have done without you.”
Ryder narrows his eyes and tilts his head in question. “I don’t know if I can handle any more exciting news.”
“I think you can.” I wink and take the book from his hand before guiding it to my belly.
It takes him a moment to realize what I’m telling him, but when he figures it out, Ryder once more lets out a whoop of excitement, this time attracting the attention of everyone else in the bar. “We’re going to have a baby?”
I nod, the tears I’ve tried to hold back all day finally slipping down my cheek.
I know how badly Ryder wanted to put a baby in me. Just as badly as I’ve wanted it. It just took a little longer than we expected.
“What’s this I hear about a baby?” Ma came out of the kitchen and pulled us both into an embrace.
Ryder’s entire family had welcomed me with open arms. I’d never felt so loved. It was incredible to be part of a loving family.
And have the love and devotion of a good man.
My man.
Ryder pulls me into his arms again and tips my chin up to look at him. “I love you so much, Chloe. Today is the most incredible day.”
“It is.”
With my dream career well on its way, the man of my dreams in my arms, his baby in my belly, surrounded by a loving family, I truly can’t think of a better day.
“And it’s just the first of many to come, kitten.”