Page 15 of Liberated Mountain Man

Her tears soak into my neck, and I can barely breathe, my chest tightening with the weight of what just happened.

“I promise,” she whispers, her voice thick with emotion. “I promise I won’t. I just... I couldn’t let them hurt you.”

I pull her even closer, my breath ragged against her skin.

“I love you,” I murmur, my voice breaking under the strain. “I love you so damn much. Just don’t ever scare me like that again. Please.”

I scoop her up in my arms, my sweet girl.

“Where are we going, Jax?” she asks, her voice trembling.

“I’m calling the authorities to clean this up and getting the minister from town,” I growl.

“Why?”

“Because I’m marrying you today.”

She rests her head on my shoulder as I carry her to the cabin.

Two hours later, atop the mountain with the police still clearing up, Cassie stands beside me in a pristine white dress. The officiant prepares as we exchange vows.

When we’re finally pronounced husband and wife, I pull her to me, my kiss fierce and desperate, full of every ounce of relief and passion I’ve been holding back.

“Mine,” I growl into the dusky air. And she is. Completely and always.

Epilogue

Cassie

Three years later

The meadow is bathed in late afternoon sunlight. I sit on a blanket with Benjamin, our baby boy, painting bright splashes of colour on a canvas. Emma is toddling close by playing with some soapy bubbles.

The grass feels cool beneath me, and the serene beauty of the place contrasts sharply with the unease I can see in Jax’s eyes as he approaches. His stride is purposeful, but there’s a tense energy about him today.

“Cassie, you are not on your usual spot.”

I smile up at him, trying to ease his evident tension. “Everything’s fine. Benjamin’s been quite the little artist. And we have this huge mountain to ourselves. I thought it’d be nice to give the kids a new view.”

Jax’s gaze softens as he looks at our son, but his worry doesn’t entirely dissipate. He takes a seat beside me, his arm brushing against mine.

“I know I’m being overprotective,” he admits, “but I just can’t help it.”

I reach over, intertwining my fingers with his. “I appreciate how much you care, Jax. But sometimes I wish you could relax a little.”

He chuckles softly, but it’s tinged with frustration. “Relaxing is easier said than done. I keep thinking of all thethings that could go wrong. Especially when I’m working hard and need to go into town. It’s for all for us.”

I lean in closer, brushing a soft kiss against his cheek. “You know, you’re not the only one with dreams. Maybe next year, I’ll be able to go into town alone without you shadowing me everywhere.”

His eyes narrow playfully. “Is that so? I’ll think about it. But don’t get too used to the idea.”

I laugh, the sound light and airy. “And the year after that, we could even go to Ireland. I’ve always wanted to see it. Those green hills and the pubs.”

Jax raises an eyebrow, a smirk playing on his lips. “Ireland, huh? Don’t get greedy now.”

I nudge him gently, feeling the warmth of his body against mine. “I’m just dreaming. Besides, it’s nice to think about what’s ahead.”

His hand moves up to cup my cheek, his thumb brushing across my skin. “You know I’d do anything for you,” he says softly. “Even if it means facing my fears.”

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