Page 18 of Burning Mountains

Asour bed turned into a playground,IcaughtAxel'seye over the chaos.Thelove and contentmentIsaw there mirrored my own feelings perfectly, with just a hint of 'dearGod, what have we created' thrown in for good measure.

Eventually, we managed to corral our brood and make our way downstairs for breakfast.Ourcabin, once a rustic bachelor pad, had been transformed into a cozy bed and breakfast that perfectly blended luxury with mountain charm.

AsIwhipped up a batch of my famous blueberry pancakes (using wild berries we'd picked ourselves),Axelentertained the kids with stories of his latest wildlife encounters.Hisdeep voice rumbled through the kitchen, punctuated by gasps and giggles from our rapt audience.

"Andthen," he said, leaning in conspiratorially, "the mama bear stood up on her hind legs, looked me right in the eye, and said, 'Excuseme, sir, but you're in my fishing spot!'SoIsaid, 'Well, ma'am,Idon't see your name on it.'Andshe said, 'It'swritten in bear scat behind that tree.'AndIsaid-"

"Axel!"Iinterrupted, trying not to laugh. "Maybesave the bear negotiations for when they're older?Idon't wantEmmatrying to debate territory rights with the local wildlife again."

Thekids erupted in laughter.Axelcaught my eye and winked, his blue eyes twinkling.God,Iloved this man.

Afterbreakfast, it was time to get to work.Wehad a wedding to put on.AsIkissedAxelgoodbye - he was taking a group of guests on a guided hike -Ifelt that familiar thrill of excitement.Evenafter five years and countless ceremonies,Istill got butterflies before each wedding.

"Knock'em dead, darlin',"Axelsaid, giving me a quick peck. "Show'em why you're the best damn wedding planner in all ofWyoming."

Igrinned, straightening his collar. "Andyou be careful out there, mountain man.Don'tgo wrestling any grizzlies today."

Helaughed, the sound rich and warm. "Nopromises.Youknow how those bears like to challenge me to arm-wrestling contests."

Withone last kiss we parted ways,Axelheading out into the wilderness whileImade my way to the ceremony site, my heels sinking into the ground with every step"

Thewedding was, of course, perfect, in that special way.Thecouple exchanged vows with the majesticRockiesserving as a backdrop, their voices carrying on the crisp mountain air.

Afterthe ceremony, as guests mingled and enjoyed cocktails on the terrace,Isnuck away for a moment of quiet.Ifound a secluded spot overlooking the valley, the same place whereAxelhad proposed five years ago in a moment of romance.

AsIstood there, taking in the breathtaking view,Ifelt a pair of strong arms wrap around me from behind.

"Pennyfor your thoughts,Mrs.Hawke,"Axelmurmured, his breath warm against my ear and smelling suspiciously like he'd been sampling the wedding cake.

Ileaned back into his embrace, sighing contentedly. "Justthinking about how perfect everything is.Thewedding, our life here...Inever imaginedIcould be this happy."

Axelturned me in his arms, his blue eyes intense as they met mine. "Youdeserve all the happiness in the world, darlin'.AndIplan on spending the rest of my life making sure you have it."

Myheart swelled with love for this man. "Ilove you,AxelHawke,"Iwhispered, reaching up to cup his face.

"AndIlove you,ZoeMitchell-Hawke," he replied, before capturing my lips in a kiss that made my toes curl.

Westood there for a moment, lost in each other, the sounds of the wedding celebration fading into the background along with the distant howls of wolves that were definitely not getting closer, no sir.

"Dutycalls,"Isaid with a rueful smile as we heard the photographer calling for group shots in a voice tinged with panic.

Axelgrinned, giving me one last quick kiss. "Gowork your magic, darlin'.I'llsee you at home."

AsImade my way back to the reception,Imarveled at how seamlessly my two worlds had merged.TheskillsI'dhoned as a city wedding planner had translated perfectly to our mountain venue, allowing me to create events that were both elegant and rustic, sophisticated and down-to-earth.

Therest of the day flew by in a whirlwind of cake-cutting, first dances, and teary toasts.Bythe time the last guest had departed, looking happy, the sun was setting.

WhenIfinally made it home,IfoundAxelin the kitchen, expertly juggling dinner preparation with bedtime stories for the kids.Thesight of my rugged mountain man, his hair still tousled from his day of hiking wearing an apron that said "KisstheCook(AtYourOwnRisk)" and making airplane noises as he tried to getLilyto eat her peas, made my heart.

"Needa hand, mountain man?"Iasked, hanging up my jacket and kicking off my heels with relief.

Axellooked up, his face breaking into a wide grin. "Always, city girl.ThoughIthinkI'vegot this feeding thing down pat.Watchthis."

Heturned back toLily, holding up a spoonful of peas. "Okay, wildflower, here comes the eagle, soaring over the mountaintops!"Hemade a swooping motion with the spoon, complete with sound effects that sounded suspiciously like a dying moose, and miraculously,Lilyopened her mouth wide, accepting the vegetables without a fuss.

Ilaughed, shaking my head in amazement. "Ibow to the master,"Isaid, giving him a mock curtsy.

Afterdinner, we tucked the kids into bed, reading them stories of brave mountain explorers and magical forest creatures, carefully edited to remove any scenes that might encourage them to try and adopt a bear cub again.

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