Page 11 of Paired with the Mountain Man

“Out back!” I called.

A few moments later, Jack walked out the back door with Bailey hot on his heels along with Adalynn and Suzie.

“Hey, what’s up? I wasn’t expecting company.” I stood up and walked over to them. “Ads, Suz, how are you?”

“We need to talk to you about something.” Jack said.

“Okay. It’s nice out, want to join me?” I led them over to my patio and we sat around the table. All three of them had a weird expression and I wondered what the hell was going on. Especially with Suzie. She couldn’t stop grinning like a cat who just found all the milk. “Anyone want a drink?”

They all shook their head and silence fell between us.

Finally, Jack took a deep breath after what felt like years. “Adalynn, you want to tell him?”

I fixed my gaze on the woman I was secretly in love with, and my heart pounded at triple speed. She looked beautiful in the warm late morning sunlight, the sun highlighting the few freckles scattered along her nose. I’ve pictured myself kissing each one so many times.

“I’m sorry Forrest, but the woman you’ve been talking to online is me.”

It felt like someone smacked me upside the head. “What?” I chuckled, unable to believe what I heard.

“ApplesNotSweet is me. There is no Joanie. I made up the name and used a different picture. I’m so sorry. Suzie and I had a bit too much to drink, and I never expected things to progress the way they have or for us to even match, never mind message each other. But once we started, I couldn’t stop. Because the truth is, I’ve always been in love with you, Forrest.”

I sat there, stunned into silence.

“I overheard Suzie and her talking this morning. Adalynn confessed everything to me and while I don’t love the idea of you two being together, I know she’d be in good hands, and I honestly wouldn’t trust anyone else but you to take care of my sister. If you don’t feel the same, that’s okay, too. But I couldn’t let Adalynn let this go on any longer. I don’t want to see either of you hurt.” Jack explained.

No words formed, my mind in complete shock.

“I’m sorry, Forrest.” Adalynn said. “If we want to blame someone for the profile, we can blame Suzie.”

Suzie gasped in mock anger, but it quickly changed into a warm smile. “She’s been in love with you for years. I needed to get the ball rolling.”

“I don’t even know what to say or where to begin.”

“Why don’t we give you some space to process it all?” Jack offered as he tossed the ball to Bailey for the millionth time. “You’re probably mad and you have every right to be. Adalynn shouldn’t have deceived you.”

“I know and I’m sorry.” Adalynn blurted and the hurt on her face made my heart crack. I didn’t like seeing her upset, didn’t like her being sad. But at the same time, an anger pulsed through me.She lied. Adalynn lied to me.

I can’t help but wonder how long this would’ve gone on for if Jack hadn’t overheard her?

“I…I’m…” I gathered my thoughts and took a deep breath, trying to work out what I wanted to say. “I’m hurt you lied to me. I think I need to be alone for a bit. Thanks, Jack, for looking out for me.” I stood up and they followed along. Adalynn snuck a quick look at me before her and Suzie hightailed it out there, nearly sprinting, as if they couldn’t get away fast enough.

Jack tapped me on the back. “I’m here for you if you need anything. And it’s okay if you don’t feel the same way about my sister. I just want you both to be happy.”

I swallowed over the sudden lump in my throat.

Just say it, Forrest. Tell him already. He won’t be mad.

“I’m in love with your sister. I always have been. I kept it hidden for fear she didn’t feel the same or that you would be upset. To find out she feels the same and you are okay with it is what I’d always hoped for. But now, it feels tainted because she deceived me. I…fuck…I don’t know, man.”

“I get it. You’re right. She lied. One hundred percent. But rememberwhyshe did it. She felt the same way as you. Afraid to confess her feelings and afraid of what I’d think. What I think is the two of you should start fresh, go out on a date, and see what’s really there.”

“Where’s all this mushy stuff coming from? And what the hell have you done with my best friend?”

“I’ve been thinking about what you said. We’re only getting older, man. It’s about time we accepted love instead of only chasing tail.”

I saton the couch and stared at the TV, the screen dark. Bailey snoozed beside me, her soft snores a small comfort. I rubbed her ears absentmindedly as I tried to sort through the chaos of thoughts.

Adalynn loves me.

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