Page 23 of Mountain Men Heroes

She shook her head in a negative response. “Not in the least. Not anymore. I always had you in my heart. This just makes it final.”

“And children. A family?” Her eyes brightened, and he smiled when her fingers splayed over the expanse of her abdomen. Never did he think he would be lucky enough to have his soul mate come back to him. Now that he could reach out, touch her and love her everything would change for them both.

“Does that make you happy?” Her answer frightened him more than he realized. If he didn’t literally count each heartbeat between his question and her next words, he would say everything in the world ground to a halt.

“Does it make you happy? A little late to ask, but still.”

“I can’t wait to get you home and make sure our activities produce a little Savage child.” Her laugh warmed him. “Oh, what will your family say to a Morgan being in the family?”

“Probably ask what took us so damn long and then mom will want to feed us.”

“And your brothers?”

She groaned. “Worse. The town. My father didn’t exactly leave on a good note.”

“The town is a problem for another day. I actually think everyone will be happy to see you back in town. But right now there are a few things a little closer to home we have to deal with first.

“What do you mean?”

“Your admirer from this morning has gotten into some trouble. Trouble he probably can’t get out of and resulted in this avalanche. A new resort is moving in on the land your father sold before he passed?—”

“Oh no. What kind of problems?”

“The kind that could be problems for the den and Savage Excursions. They’re a shady corporation willing to do anything for a buck. Sadly, so is Brax.”

“What are you going to do about it?”

“Not sure yet, but it will fall into my father’s hands to resolve since he invited him into our family back when he lost his. But let’s talk about it later.” He reached over her and fetched the folded piece of paper. Right now, they had other things to deal with.

“Sweetheart, when you’re ready, you’ll have to read this.” Esmeralda’s eyes narrowed on the folded envelope he held out to her.

“Let’s do it now.”

That surprised him. Staring down in confusion, she clarified for him. “If you’re with me, I can face anything.” He nodded as she continued. “I came here for answers, right?”

He gave a stiff nod. What if what she read in there made her rethink their coming nuptials? He bit back a string of expletives and mentally kicked his own ass for suggesting it.

Paper ripped and fear spiked his blood.

Dearest Daughter,

She paused to look up at him, tears already glittering in her eyes. Fuck, she was breaking him.

When I lost your mother, something in me broke. Something snapped and the father I once was morphed into a man afraid of losing something more precious. You, my child. The thought of losing you drove me to the extremes. Though I am too late, I see this now. At the time, taking you away from the danger was the answer. In actuality, I know I did you more harm than good. I only wished to protect you. One day when you are a mother, my actions will become clearer. Please forgive me this mistake. Forgive me for loving you so much I couldn’t breathe at the thought of losing you. Forgive me for taking you away from the happiness you deserve. If my final wish has been honored, then this letter finds you in good company. At least let this be one mistake laid to rest with me. Take what makes your heart sing with joy, my child. Everything else will work out.

Love always,

Dad

“Dad. Not father as he preferred after mom died.” Tears spilled down her cheeks. Coming to his knees, Drake pulled her to him and held her until the last of her tears dried.

“Thank you.” He reveled in the way her soft lips brushed against his chest. That one small connection filled him with the hope that he could be the man she needed him to be. Strong.

“Always.” Her mind enmeshed with his and the sensations that spiraled through his soul mate filled him.

“I have to tell you something else. “your father called me before he died. He asked me to keep an eye out for you and to help him fix his mistake.”

“So you knew I was coming?”

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