Page 23 of Forbidden Mountain Man

"You asked if I'm sure of my choice to accept your offer. So, officially, yes, I'm sure I want to move up here. I'm sure I want to go into business with you. I'm sure I love you. I'm sure I want to spend the rest of my life with you if you'll have me."

“Sweetest fucking words I’ve ever heard,” Forest rasps. “But you still haven’t seen the inside of the cabin. It might be a deal-breaker.”

I laugh and swat his chest, both of us taking a step back to get some fresh air. “I know an interior designer and a furniture maker who can work wonders on anything they set their minds to. I’m sure they can handle it.”

We’re both grinning like fools at each other as we walk up to the cabin. I don’t care what’s inside the cabin, I only care that Forest invited me into his life and wants to share it with me. I can’t wait for our future to begin.

EPILOGUE

FOREST

"Iwant to help!" Hannah, our six-year-old says as she tugs on my shirt. "We're making Mommy a surprise?"

“Yes,” I confirm, putting down the mixing bowl and spoon before kneeling down in front of my daughter. “It’s mommy and daddy’s anniversary,” I explain. “We got married ten years ago today.”

Her eyes grow wide with understanding. I love that they’re green, just like her mother’s. “But then why isn’t there a surprise for you?” My girl has such a big heart.

“Because it’s much easier for me to be married to your mother than it is for her to be married to me,” I answer with a grin. Hannah tilts her head to the side and chews on her thumb. “You’ll understand one day when you’re older. Men are… a bit ornery and difficult at times.”

“On-er-y?”

“Ornery,” I correct. “It means we can be stubborn.”

“Like Jake?”

I chuckle when she mentions her older brother. Jake is eight, and he’s certainly stubborn.

“Something like that,” I say before lifting her up into my arms. “Let’s wash your hands and then you can help me mix up the pancake batter.”

“Pancakes!” Hannah squeals.

“Where are pancakes?” Jake asks as he wanders into the kitchen. He rubs the sleep from his eyes and then sits on a stool next to the counter.

“I still have to make them, buddy. You want to help? It’s a surprise for Mom.”

He wasn’t interested until I said who it was for. The kid loves his mom and would do anything for her. “Yes! Let’s do it. She’s gonna love this.” Jake hops off the stool and goes to the sink to wash his hands.

Twenty minutes later, the kids and I are carefully making our way down the hall toward the master bedroom, where Fiona is still sleeping. Jake is holding a glass of fresh-squeezed orange juice while Hannah is in charge of the napkins. I carry the tray loaded with freshly cut fruit, pancakes with peanut butter and maple syrup, and three strips of bacon, cooked extra crispy, just the way my wife likes it.

I nudge the door open with my foot, surprised to see Fiona sitting up in bed. Hannah runs toward her and leaps onto the bed, immediately dropping the napkins. There’s a reason I didn’t give her any food to carry.

“Happy wedding day!” she announces. Fiona grins and gives her daughter a side hug.

“Thank you, love,” she says.

“I got juice for you. I made it myself. Mostly. With some help from Dad.” Jake walks over to the side of the bed and hands her the drink.

“Wow, I bet this is the best-tasting orange juice ever.” Fiona smiles at Jake then lightly grips his chin and turns his head to the side so she can kiss his cheek.

“I made the pancakes!” Hannah says excitedly. “Dad helped, too.”

“Thanks for giving me some credit, guys,” I say with a laugh as I set the tray down on the bedside table. “Give your mom one last hug and then you two should get dressed.”

Both kids pout, but Fiona appeases them. “How about you get ready for the day and then you can come back and cuddle with me for a little bit?”

They nod and race out of the room, leaving me with my gorgeous bride. “Happy anniversary, sweetheart,” I say, leaning over and taking her lips in a slow, meaningful kiss.

“You, too,” she whispers when we break apart.

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