Page 18 of Her Protective Lumberjack

My mouth is as dry as the Sonoran Desert, but both these men have done courageous things to keep me safe. It’s about time I showed a little bravery myself.

“Dad, I have something to tell you,” I say.

Immediately, his face darkens with concern. “What is it? Is everything okay?”

“Yes, everything’s fine. Great, actually.” I press my lips together, my eyes flitting from Trace to my dad. They’re both watching me expectantly. “It’s about…me and Trace.”

“You and Trace?” Dad frowns, his confusion evident.

I swallow hard, my chest pounding. Once I say it, there’s no going back…but I don’t want to go back to life without Trace. He’s everything to me. Everything.

“Dad, I want to be with him.” I inhale deeply, meeting my father’s gaze. “I want to be with Trace. These past few days with him have been so special, and I…well, I’m in love with him.”

Beside me, Trace makes a noise deep in his throat, and I can’t tell if it’s surprise, delight, or both. But I keep my eyes on my dad. He doesn’t say anything for a while. His eyebrows are so high they’re almost disappearing into his hairline.

“And these…” he begins, gesturing between us, “these feelings…are they mutual?”

Trace answers immediately. “Yes. They are.” I feel his large hand rest against my shoulder. “I love her, Roman. More than anything.”

I can’t help it. I have to look at him. His brown eyes are twinkling at me, and all I want to do is throw my arms around his neck and kiss him until I’m dizzy. But Dad is still looking at us, blinking slowly.

“Well, shit.” He shakes his head. “I wasn’t expecting this.”

It’s painful to see the bewilderment on his face, and I take a step toward him. “I’m sorry, Dad. I know Trace is your friend,and I never wanted you to feel betrayed. But I can’t help how I feel about him.”

Dad takes a step backward and sits down in an overstuffed armchair, running a hand over his face. “I don’t feel betrayed. Shocked, yes. But not betrayed. When I left you here, I never thought…” He tails off with a sigh.

“Neither did we,” I say, perching on the arm of his chair. “Are you mad at me, Dad?”

“No, kiddo.” He reaches out to absent-mindedly pat my arm. “But I can’t pretend I’m crazy about the idea.” He looks at Trace. “The age gap, for a start.”

Trace nods. “I know. Your daughter is way too good for me, Roman. But I love her with all my heart, and I’ll treat her like a goddamn queen.”

Dad holds his gaze for a long time. “I believe you. I know you’ll treat her right.” He sighs deeply, throwing his hands up in defeat. “Guess that’s all a father can hope for when his daughter falls in love.”

My heart soars, tears pricking behind my eyes as I hug my dad. “Thank you for not being mad. I love you, Dad.”

“I love you too, Coco. I’m just glad you’re okay.” He rubs my back before pushing himself out of the armchair, looking between us. “I need to go. The sheriff was expecting me ten minutes ago. Take care of yourself, okay? I’ll be back in a couple of days, and we can talk more then.”

I nod, smiling at him. “Okay. See you soon.”

He kisses the top of my head, then heads for Trace, who holds out a hand. Dad shakes it.

“Keep her safe,” he says.

“I will.”

Dad nods, the hint of a smile on his lips. “I know you will.”

Then he heads out of the front door, looking back to wave at me before he gets in his truck and drives away through the trees.As soon as he’s gone, I throw myself into Trace’s arms, giggling as he picks me up and swings me around. Rocky barks with delight, circling us as we laugh and kiss, pure sunshine radiating from both of us. It feels like an immense weight has been lifted, leaving my heart to soar free. My dad reacted better than I ever could have hoped, and now there’s nothing to stop me from being with the man of my dreams.

The man I love.

The man who loves me.

“Fuck, you’re so beautiful when you’re happy,” Trace says, grinning beneath his beard. “I love you so much.”

“I love you too, Trace.”

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