Page 6 of Mountain Gift

I wasn’t mad at her. Caroline’s husband died a few years back and her daughter is still pretty young. I can’t imagine how tough it must be to grieve while being a single mom.

It's been three years since that fateful night at Callum's wedding reception - but even all these years later, thinking back on that night brings a flood of emotions to my heart like it was only yesterday.

I've never told anyone, but Caroline is the real reason that I decided to take Callum up on his offer to move to Cooper Hills. It sounds crazy, but I'm in love with Caroline and will do anything to be near her. I plan to fix my shop and then let her know I've moved into town.

But telling her now is way ahead of schedule.

Callum’s voice shakes me out of my thoughts.

"Cody and I are about to head to Caroline’s house in a couple of hours for a family dinner party. How about I bring you with me? You can talk to her, and we'll ask her then if you can stay over."

I open my mouth to say no and that the whole idea is ridiculous. But before I can get the words out, my back twinges again.Reminding me that any bed will be far more comfortable than what I experienced last night.

As awkward as staying at Caroline's house might be, I really need a good night's sleep.

I also really, really want to see her again.

So, instead, I give a stiff nod. "Okay. I'll go with you. We'll ask her."

"Great."

"But I'll drive my truck, so I can leave if I'm not welcome. No harm, no foul."

Satisfied, Callum smiles. "Deal."

After Callum leaves,I manage to get some of the debris cleared up before hopping into the shower.

Fortunately, the water is damn near scalding.

It feels great on my aching muscles. I change into a fresh pair of jeans and a plaid shirt. Then, I throw together an overnight bag and hop in my truck.

I arrive at Caroline's house about twenty minutes later. She lives in a fancy subdivision on the east side of the mountain. As I pull up to the house, I'm amazed at just how beautiful it is. The brick home is huge, and it's covered in bright Christmas decorations.

Lights twinkle around the windows, a large wreath hangs above the door, and the yard is filled with festive reindeer statues and snow-covered pine trees. Even from here, I can see that eachwindow has a unique ornament hanging from it, and I'm pretty sure I spot a star on top of the chimney.

As I walk up the stone pathway, a nervous thrill runs through me.

I’ve thought about what this moment might be like for what feels like a thousand times, and I can't believe it's actually here. The whole drive here from Texas, I went over what this would be like in my mind.

I know that some people might think it's crazy that I'm in love with someone I only met once. But I know what I feel.

The only question is, does Caroline feel the same about me?

I ring the doorbell, and Caroline opens the door. For a second, it feels like the floor has disappeared beneath my feet.

I didn't think it was possible, but somehow Caroline looks even better than I remember.

She's wearing a sparkly pink turtleneck sweater and a long, black skirt. Her dark brown hair is down around her shoulders, and a few strands of gray glitter among the strands. Her lips are a pouty fuchsia color, and when her honey eyes meet mine, they form the perfect 'O' shape.

"Boone?" she breathes out, her eyes wide with shock.

Judging by the look on her face, Callum clearly forgot to tell her I was coming.

I decide to let it go for now.

"In the flesh," I reply with a chuckle. I reach out and pull her into my chest for a hug. "How are you, sweetheart? It's good to see you."

She reaches up and touches my face, then catches herself and drops it.

---