Page 112 of Mountain Protector

Everyone’s heads turn toward us, smiles of welcome on their faces.

Then Devin smirks. “NowI know why you’re late to breakfast.”

Mal smacks his arm. “Shush. Maybe they were just sleeping in. And anyway, it’s none of your business.”

Jake glances at me, and he breaks into a broad smile. “Well. Glad you had a good morning.” His hand slides around RJ’s waist. “I can’t say anything. RJ and I have had plenty of mornings like that.”

Gunny lifts his chin at me. “Ignore these guys. Grab some breakfast. And if you’re interested, I can show you around the ranch after.”

Mal comes over to us and gives me a quick hug, then Lark. “I’m so glad you guys are here. We have a party planned at the bar tonight, and then—” Her mouth drops open. Then she grabs Lark’s hand. “Is that what I think it is?”

Lark beams. “Yes. Knox just proposed. And obviously, I said yes.”

“Are you sure she’s feeling okay?” Devin asks. “Not jet lagged? Still too tired to think clearly?”

RJ tosses a fork at him. “Shush! This is exciting!”

He grins. “It is. I’m just kidding. Congrats to both of you.”

“Congrats,” Jake echoes with a smile.

“So it’s an engagement party tonight,” Mal announces. “Even better!”

Lark turns to me, joy bright in her eyes. “I can’t believe it. We’re engaged.”

“I know.” I brush a kiss across her lips. “I never knew I could be this happy.”

As Lark looks up at me, she asks, “Do you remember when you told me that people come into our lives for a reason? That some people are just meant to meet?”

I take both her hands in mine. “Yes. And I believe it.”

“I do, too.” Her gaze holds mine. “I think everything in my life led me to you. Even the bad things were worth it because they brought us together.”

“Lark.”

“I wouldn’t change a thing, Knox. Not one. Because now I get to marry the love of my life. It couldn’t get any better.”

“Songbird.” My nose prickles. “I feel the same way.”

And she’s right.

I’d face every struggle again. Every fear. Each hurt.

Because in the end, I found what I thought never existed.

Lark.

My miracle.

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