Page 24 of Rescued By the Surly Sasquatch

"Yes, Betsy?"

"Next time my mom asks what I'm doing with my life, can I just tell her I'm in 'forest management'? I have a feeling 'magical Sasquatch girlfriend' might be a bit much for her to handle."

Chase's rumbling laugh echoed through the trees, a sound of pure joy and contentment. And as Betsy joined in, her laughter mingling with his, she knew that whatever challenges lay ahead, they would face them together—human and Sasquatch, united by love and a forest full of magic.

As they stepped onto the porch, the last rays of sunlight filtering through the trees, Betsy felt a sense of peace and rightness settle over her.

She turned to Chase, a mischievous glint in her eye. "So, Mr. Sasquatch, now that we've saved the forest and unlocked my magical mojo, what's next on the agenda? Do we get magical forest steward badges? Is there a secret handshake I need to learn?"

Chase's lips twitched in amusement. "There are no badges, Betsy. But there is much for you to learn about your new role and abilities."

Betsy nodded, her expression turning serious for a moment. "I know. And I'm ready for it, Chase. All of it. The good, the bad, and the magically weird."

She paused, a sudden thought occurring to her. "Oh god, please tell me I don't have to start wearing flowing robes or talking in riddles. I don't think I have the gravitas to pull off the whole 'mysterious forest witch' look."

Chase chuckled, pulling her close. "You need not change who you are, Betsy. Your unique spirit is what makes you perfect for this role."

Betsy grinned up at him. "Good, because I'm pretty attached to my jeans and terrible puns."

As they stood there, wrapped in each other's arms with the restored forest stretching out before them, Betsy felt a surge of excitement for the future. She knew there would be challenges ahead, new magical crises to face, and probably more than a few mishaps as she learned to control her powers.

But with Chase by her side and the forest thrumming with life around her, Betsy knew she was exactly where she was meant to be. And really, who needed a corner office when you had an entire magical forest as your workplace?

With a contented sigh, she snuggled closer to Chase. "You know," she murmured, "I think Grandma Francine would be proud."

Chase pressed a gentle kiss to the top of her head. "I know she would be, little one. As am I."

Epilogue

Betsy

One Year Later

Betsy woke to the sound of birdsong and the gentle rumble of Chase's breathing beside her. Sunlight filtered through the cabin's curtains, casting a warm glow across the Sasquatch's fur. She smiled, still marveling at how natural it felt to wake up next to a creature she'd once thought was mere legend.

"Morning, Fuzzy Wuzzy," she murmured, running her fingers through the soft fur on Chase's chest.

Chase's eyes fluttered open, dark pools of warmth that never failed to make Betsy's heart skip a beat. "Good morning, little one," he rumbled, voice thick with sleep.

As Chase stretched, his massive form taking up most of the bed, Betsy reflected on how much her life had changed in the past year. From corporate drone to magical forest steward, from single and directionless to deeply in love with a Sasquatch. It was crazy, it was impossible, and it was absolutely perfect.

"Ready for another day of magical mayhem?" Betsy asked, sitting up and reaching for her phone on the nightstand.

Chase's brow furrowed. "Must we involve that infernal device in our morning routine?"

Betsy grinned. "Oh, come on, big guy. It's time you joined the 21st century. Besides, think how useful it could be for forest patrol if you could actually use it."

With a resigned sigh that sounded more like a gentle landslide, Chase sat up. "Very well. I shall attempt to master this tiny machine once more."

What followed was fifteen minutes of hilarity as Betsy tried to teach Chase how to use the satellite smartphone. His massive fingers dwarfed the device, making even the simplest swipe a challenge.

"No, no, you're pressing too hard," Betsy laughed as Chase accidentally opened seventeen apps at once. "It's not like chopping wood. You need a gentle touch."

Chase growled in frustration. "This device is clearly not designed for beings of superior size and strength."

"Sure, blame the phone," Betsy teased. "Face it, honey, you're just a tech-challenged Sasquatch."

Despite his grumbling, Betsy didn't miss the twinkle in Chase's eye or the slight upturn of his lips. He was enjoying their banter as much as she was, even if he'd never admit it.

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