Page 9 of Protected By the Mountain Man

Graham’s saying something about the next steps in the case, how he hopes it won’t take long, but I barely hear him. Nodding like I understand even though I’m also certainly missing something, I can’t take my eyes off Mariah.

She’s got tired circles under her eyes, her hair’s a mess, and she keeps boosting her kid up higher on her hip like she’s been doing it forever and is exhausted.

She’s travel-worn and weary. But something about her catches at my heart, making it snag in a way that tells me I’ll do anything for this woman.

Anything.

I’d be lying if I said the sensation wasn’t familiar. Hadn’t I felt just the same thing all those years ago, in my military days?

The truth sears in fast and hot. Because I failed the object of that affection. Who’s to say I won’t do the same with Mariah and her son?

Graham’s still talking, but I’m fighting a war within myself — a waragainstmyself. Against my memories.

Who’s to say I won’t make the same mistakes again? Me, that’s who.

Maybe this is my shot at redemption, even though I’m not sure I believe in such a thing. Still, just because I’ve failed once doesn’t mean I have to do so again.

Maybe this time, I can do better.

No, I tell myself. This time Iwilldo better.

I’m determined. Starting right here, right now.

I step forward, extending my arms to Mariah. “Need a break? I can hold your little one for a bit if you want.”

Both Graham and his sister freeze, his eyes on her and hers on me.

For a long, breathless moment, I fear that I’ve done exactly the wrong thing.

But then she softens and nods. “Was it that obvious? He refused to sit anywhere this whole trip other than in my lap, and I’m tired.”

“No shame in being tired,” I mutter, accepting the soft squish of the little one as she passes her son over. I don’t miss the fact that Mariah trusts me, a total stranger, enough to let me hold the most precious part of her life.

I don’t take that lightly.

Gathering the kid into my arms, I make sure he’s secure. He sits up straight, perching high on my hip, big eyes exploring my face. I look back, surprised to find myself enjoying the examination. There’s no judgment in it, no fear, only easy curiosity.

Before I know it, a smile has cracked across my bearded face. A big one. I can’t recall the last time I grinned so big.

Graham notices, sucking a breath in. “Ace smiling?” He chuckles, shaking his head. “I’m not sure I’ve ever seen you smile, man.”

I grunt. “It’s a completely normal human expression, Graham. Or haven’t you heard?”

Mariah stifles a giggle, and I take the win, heart swelling. I made this beautiful woman laugh, even though she looks like she is so tired that she might fall asleep standing.

“Yeah,” Graham’s saying. “Just not for you.”

I shoot him a glare. “You don’t think I’m human?”

He raises both hands in surrender. “I do. I just wasn’t sure until this moment.”

I’m not sure if I should be grumpy about Graham’s words until he winks at me and I soften, turning back to the kid in my arms.

“What’s this one’s name?” I growl, biting back a second smile as the little one tugs gently at my beard.

“Billy,” Mariah says, her voice a chorus of bells in my ears despite the exhaustion permeating it.

“Hello, Billy.” I take his tiny hand between my thumb and index finger, shaking it gently. “Pleasure to meet you.”

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