Page 19 of Mountain Protector

It’s breathtaking.

Men would slay dragons for it.

I think I would do anything to make Lark smile.

Unaware of my musings—thankfully—Lark changes the subject, asking, “So you built the cabins, right? If they’re anything like your house, they must be amazing.”

“I did.” As the car rolls forward again, I focus on answering her question and not the feelings I’m trying very hard to tamp down. “Now that we have snow on the ground, I’ll have to wait to start the next ones until late spring. I’m hoping to get two more done plus a building to use as headquarters by fall.”

“But Green Mountain—GMG, I mean—has only been open for about a month, right? How could you get two cabins built that quickly?”

“Well, once we decided to start the company, we all agreed it was really important to have a place for our clients to stay on the property. Enzo’s girlfriend, Winter, ran into some trouble over the summer, and she didn’t have anywhere to go at first. The police set her upat a motel, but it just… it didn’t seem safe. And Winter was scared there.”

“I don’t blame her. To be in a strange place, and a motel at that—” Lark cuts herself off. “I mean, it’s different from here. I’m not complaining.”

“I know you’re not. And I get it. Being here isn’t the same as being home.”

As we wind along the narrow gravel road through the GMG property, I gesture at one of the cabins. “That’s one of them. It’s the first cabin I built. To answer your question about finishing them so quickly, I took some time off work. Held off picking up a few jobs so I could bring some of my crew in on it. With six of us working, plus Ronan and Gage pitching in, we were able to get both cabins done in two weeks.”

Lark peers out the window as we pass the cabin. Her voice lifts with enthusiasm. “It’s so cute, Knox. I love the porch and the dormers. Both would be perfect for curling up with a good book.”

“That’s what Winter said,” I reply. “She loves reading, too.”

“Is the other one just like this?”

“Mostly. I made a few changes with the second one, upgraded some features, but it still has the porch and dormers.” With a side smile, I add, “I added a built-in reading bench in the main bedroom upstairs. So you can sit up there and read if you want.”

“Oh, Knox.” Her smile brightens. “That’s wonderful. I can’t wait to see all of it.”

A minute later, we pull up in front of the second cabin, which I know has already been prepped for Lark. A wisp of smoke trails from the chimney, the porch andfront walk are cleared of snow, and there’s even a cheery welcome sign hanging from the front door.

“Enzo and Winter came over earlier to get it ready,” I explain. “After they stopped by your house to pick up your things.”

Worry flickers across her face. “Are you sure they didn’t mind? After going to the hospital in the middle of the night, and then going to my house…”

I turn off the car and turn toward her. “They didn’t mind. I promise. And Winter is really excited to meet you. When you’re ready, of course.”

Lark nods. “I’d like to meet her, too.” She pauses, sagging a little. “But… maybe I could take a shower first. And a nap.”

“Of course. Maybe some food, too,” I suggest. “Since you didn’t eat in the hospital. You must be starving.”

“Um. I guess.” Twisting around, she tries to open the car door with her left hand, wincing as she does it.

“Lark.” I touch her shoulder gently. “Let me come around. Okay?”

For just a second, I can see her indecision—the little jut to her chin and the flare of determination in her eyes. The desire to do it herself wars with the reality of hurting herself in the process. Then she lets out a small sigh. “Okay.”

I’m doubly glad I offered because once Lark gets out of the car, she just stops, swaying slightly. The hand that’s still on the car door tightens as she fights for balance.

Sliding my arm around her waist, I say quickly, “Let me help you inside. I know you can do it yourself, but after such a long night…”

Lark tilts her head up to meet my gaze. She gives me a tiny nod. “Thanks, Knox. I think… I’m just tired.”

But as we walk up the path to the cabin, she leans into me, giving me more of her weight. Giving me her trust to support her.

And that protective instinct comes roaring forward again.

What I want to do is scoop her into my arms and carry her inside, deposit her on the couch and insist on taking care of everything for her.

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