Page 5 of Protected By the Mountain Man

Okay, it’s not a dump. But it’s not exactly the best place for a mom and baby.

I’ve tried my best to spruce it up. I purchased new sheets and pillows for the bed.

While it’s a studio apartment, I hung a draping curtain to section off a more private area for mom and baby.

I even bought some nice-smelling candles from Works of Heart down the street. Avery, the shop’s owner, had assured me the candle would make my apartment smell more homey.

I hope so. All I want is for this younger woman and her kid to feel at home here. To feel safe.

It’s the least that she deserves.

It’s the least thatanyonedeserves.

And while I might have failed at making that happen back in my military days, I know better now. I’m determined to do better now. I just hope I don’t screw it all up again.

Mariah

By the time I wrestle Billy and his car seat, his stroller, his diaper bag, and our carry-ons off the tiny plane that’s landed at the closest airport to Heartwood, sweat is streaming off my body. It doesn’t matter that it’s a crisp, cold March, or that we have to deplane straight onto the tarmac because the plane is so tiny. I’m sweating like I’m doing the workout of my life.

Which is fair, because I kind of am.

Mom life is not for the faint of heart, and it is guaranteed to put your body through its paces for years.

I’m learning that the hard way, I guess. With gritted teeth and a pitted-out shirt as I haul all our stuff toward the terminal.

At least once I’m off the plane, I can buckle Billy into his car seat, then clip that into his stroller, stashing the diaper bag in the storage area beneath his seat. Then I’m just pushing the stroller and toting my duffels, one over each shoulder.

I thought I’d packed conservatively. But my screaming muscles are telling me otherwise.

Nobody tells you when you have a baby how much stuff they come with. Even when you travel light, there are certain essentials that you’ve got to have.

All of our essentials are pushing my body to the max right now.

But that’s nothing compared to how my mind is reeling, seeing the familiar mountains of my old hometown with my own eyes for the first time in years.

The last time I saw these mountains, I was barely eighteen and ready to take on the world. I was certain I had the brightest, most beautiful future ahead.

Now look at me. A single mom on the run from her ex, returning to live in the one place I swore I never would, tail between my legs.

A failure.

My cheeks burn with heat, but not from the effort of pushing Billy’s stroller up the ramp into the terminal, twin duffel bags threatening to topple me backward.

No, my face is on fire with embarrassment. With shame.

Maybe I was crazy to come back here.

Then I glance at Billy, who’s grinning sleepily up at me from his car seat, and my belly contracts.

He’swhy I’m here. To protect my son. It doesn’t matter what I think or how I feel about Heartwood. I couldn’t protect Billy from Ryan on my own. If Graham thinks I have a better shot at doing that here in Heartwood, I believe him.

I have to.

What other choice do I have? I’ve already fucked things up enough when left to my own devices. It’s time to give my family’s way a chance.

And if I have to do that, I’ll follow my brother’s lead.

At least, that’s what I think until he meets me on the other side of airport security with news of my living situation for the foreseeable future.

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