Page 41 of Entangled with a Mountain Man

I've made so many bad decisions. I just don't know if my heart can weather through another one.

"I don't know, Mel," I murmur, wrapping my arms around myself. "It's a big risk."

"Life's full of risks, sweetie." Mel reaches out and squeezes my hand, her touch grounding me. "The question is, are you gonna let fear hold you back? Or are you gonna take a chance on something that could be really good for you?"

I swallow hard, my gaze flickering over to Everett. He's watching me intently, his expression unreadable. But there's something in his eyes. Like he wants me to say yes, even if he'll never admit it out loud.

But as terrifying as this opportunity is, it's also a chance to prove something to myself. To show that I'm more than just the sum of my past mistakes and heartbreaks. That I'm strong enough to take control of my own life and create the future I want for myself.

"Okay," I hear myself say. "I'll do it."

Mel grins, giving my hand an excited squeeze. But it's the girls' reactions that really get me—Harper lets out a squeal of delight while Hazel pumps her fist in the air, a triumphant grin spreading across her face.

Everett's eyes widen slightly, as if he didn’t expect me to agree. "You're sure?"

I nod, more confident now. "Yeah. I'm sure."

A small smile tugs at the corner of his mouth. "All right then. We'll hash out the details tomorrow. For now, let's get the girls home."

As if on cue, Harper and Hazel pop their heads out of the truck window. "Is Miss Kenzie coming with us, Daddy?"

Everett glances at me, a question in his eyes. I hesitate for a moment, then nod.

"Yeah, girls. Miss Kenzie's coming with us."

Their excited cheers bring a genuine smile to my face. Maybe this won't be so bad after all.

As I climb into the truck, Mel catches my eye. "You got this, girl," she mouths, giving me a thumbs up. "And if you have any problems, I'll send Big Bear."

I nod, my heart pounds a little faster, fingers tightening at my sides. What have I gotten myself into?

Everett turns on the engine and glances over at me. "Do you want to grab your things?"

"Yes, if you don't mind."

The drive to the shelter is quiet. The only sound the soft country music playing on the radio and the occasional giggle from the girls in the backseat. I stare out the window, watching the familiar sights of Silver Ridge fade away as we drive through town.

My mind's racing, replaying the events of the night. That kiss... Lord, that kiss. I can still feel the heat of Everett's body against mine, the way his hands cupped my face so gently. It was like something out of a movie, not my real life.

And now here I am, about to move in with him and his girls.

"You okay over there?" Everett's deep voice breaks through my thoughts.

I turn to look at him, taking in his strong profile in the dim light of the dashboard. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just... processing, I guess."

He nods, his eyes never leaving the road. "It's a lot, I know. But we'll figure it out."

His confidence should be reassuring, but it just makes me more nervous. How can he be so calm about all this?

"So, um... when do you want me to start?" I ask, trying to focus on the practical details.

"Tomorrow work for you?" he replies, glancing over at me.

I blink, surprised by how quickly this is all happening. "Oh. Yeah, I guess that works."

We lapse into silence again, and I find myself sneaking glances at Everett. The streetlights cast shadows across his face, highlighting the strong line of his jaw, and the slight furrow between his brows.

He's handsome. There's no denying that. But it's more than just his looks. There's something about him that draws me in, even when I know I should keep my distance.

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