Page 31 of Sizzling In the Mountains

He leans on the counter and crosses his big arms. “A story about what?”

“A story about a girl who found the love of her life,” I say as I walk over to him.

“I’m already hooked,” he says with a grin.

“It started when she got her dream job and moved to Montana,” I say as I go to him. He puts his warm comforting arms around me and I sink into his embrace, loving the safe feeling of being held by him. “And this girl promptly burned down the building and lost her dream job. But from the ashes, she found her dream man and they spent a wonderful year together—the best year of her life. And coming up in the second chapter of their epic love affair, they’ll be joined by an adorable little baby.”

His arms stiffen. He pulls back, looking down at me in shock. “Are you pregnant?”

I smile shyly. “Surprise.”

He hollers as he picks me up and spins me around, consumed with joy. I’ve never seen him this happy.

“I can’t believe it!” he says as he stares at me in awe. “We’re going to have a baby!”

He cups my cheeks and pulls my mouth to his.

It’s the happiest moment of my life. Tears fill my eyes. His brown eyes are all watery too.

“We’re going to have a baby,” he says again like he’s savoring the thought. “I love you so much.”

He kisses me again and it tastes like happy tears.

I can’t believe I get to start a family with this hot firefighting mountain man.

I must be the luckiest girl in the world.

EPILOGUE

James

Thirty-five years later…

“Come this way,” I say to the love of my life as I paddle around the island.

“But everyone is heading this way,” Victoria says, looking at me over her shoulder. She points to the huge group of our kids and grandchildren canoeing, kayaking, and paddling up the giant lake. We’re in the rear standing on our two paddle boards following them.

“Trust me,” I say with a grin. “I want to tell you something.”

Victoria looks skeptical, but she follows me over. It’s secluded on this side of the island with nothing but trees, birds, and frogs to see what we’re up to.

The family has been staying at our place for the long weekend and it’s been driving me nuts. I haven’t had a moment alone with my woman the entire time.

She’s been in a bikini all day and the sight has been driving me mad.

“So, what did you want to tell me?” she asks when we’re alone with the island between us and the rest of the family.

What can I tell this woman that hasn’t already been said?

She’s the love of my life. The one I adore. We’ve had three and a half decades together and every single day has felt like magic.

Four wonderful children, six beautiful grandkids, and counting. I can’t believe the amazing life we’ve built.

I’m retired now and I spend my days lusting after her. We don’t need money, but Victoria still works part-time at the children’s library because it’s her passion and she loves it.

I still do my weekly reading to the kids, although I retired my firefighter helmet and uniform a long time ago.

The only time I bring it out is when my frisky wife is in the mood to role-play.

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