Page 56 of My Knotty Mountain Men

“Then, sure.”

“They think I hate my birthday. So once we started dating, they got me a gift, wished me a happy birthday and that was it.”

“But you just said you didn’t like them,” I point out.

“Yes and no,” he sighs. “It’s complicated. I said I didn’t care about them. Because why would I? It was depressing to spend it alone. But really, I used to love them. Back before my parents fell on hard times, we used to go all out. And it wasn’t even about what we did, it was the people I had with me, you know? My cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents. It was a day we all just hung out and enjoyed spending time with each other. When I got with the guys, it felt easier to brush it off as not a big deal because that’s what I was used to. But then as time went on, seeing Thomas and Aiden go all out for one another on their birthdays, I wished I was honest with them,” he explains with a hint of embarrassment. “Stupid, huh?”

“No.” I shake my head, leaning in and pressing my lips against his forehead. “Not stupid. It’s called childhood trauma,” I sigh. “We all have some.” I give him a sad smile. My heart breaks for him even more. There’s no way in hell this man isn’t getting everything he deserves for this birthday this year.

“That took a depressing turn,” he chuckles, trying to lighten the mood. “Let me tell you more happy things about me... like how I love to bake and cook, even though Aiden is the cook of the house. He likes to take care of the pack, so be prepared to have him ready and willing to please your every need.”

“On no. Sounds horrible,” I comment in mock horror.

He chuckles. “As much as I love it, it can also be a bit too much. I’m a Beta, I don’t need to be cared for in the way hecraves it. Both he and Thomas are caretakers. You have no idea how excited they are to spoil you rotten.”

I bite my lip as I think about it. I kind of can’t wait to be spoiled. I’ve always been independent, but I kind of had to. It was hard to always have to do things on my own.

Eventually, I had the girls, and Jenny took the mother-of-the-group role, but it’s not the same. It’s different having an Alpha friend take care of you versus your pack Alpha. Your lover. Your scent matches.

The connection and bond can’t be compared. Even the simple act of Aiden making me food and Thomas making sure I’m fed felt so good.

“I can’t wait,” I reply. “So what kind of things apart from food do you like?”

“I like outdoors stuff, like camping, fishing, and hunting. Also, ATVs and snowmobiling. Oh!” his eyes light up. “Ever been skydiving?”

“No.” My eyes widen in horror.

“We’re gonna have to go some time. You know, after the baby is born.”

I want to tell himhell nothat there’s no way he’s getting me in a damn plane. But the look of excitement on his face has me zipping my lips shut. He makes me want to at least try. It could be fun. And if I’m with him, why not?

“We can talk about that later.” I laugh nervously, and he tosses his head back, body shaking with laughter.

“You should see the look of horror on your face.”

“Hey.” I slap him playfully. “I’m considering it.”

“Really?” he asks, cocking his head to the side.

“Why not?” I shrug. “If it’s something you like.”

“Your fucking perfect, you know that?” he questions, grabbing the back of my head and pulling me down to him for a kiss. It takes everything in me not to grind down against him,and it’s bad enough that I’m sure my tampon is soaked with slick right now. I don’t need to be dirtying these hot springs with my bodily fluids.

Normally, I don’t wear them while swimming, but since becoming pregnant, I’ve been slicking a lot more frequently than normal. Hormones are a bitch, and so is my libido. That's why I sadly pull back from the kiss and keep the conversation going.

I find out his favorite color is blue. But not the normal blue. He describes it as a deep ocean blue, like when the waves mix together, creating different shades that come together as one. No idea what he means, but it sounds pretty.

I also find out he hates country music but loves metal and secretly loves Brittany Spears. I mean, who doesn’t?

He goes on and on while I listen, eating up everything he says. By the time he’s done, I feel like I’ve known him my whole life.

And he still knows nothing about me.

“Now you,” he encourages me, cupping my face as he brushes his thumb against my cheek. I lean into his touch as my eyes flutter closed. “Tell me everything there is to know about you, Miss Violet... What is your last name?”

I laugh, my eyes opening as I grin down at him. “Hart,” I tell him.

“Violet Hart.” He smiles. “I like Violet Wheeler just the tiniest bit better.” He winks.

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