Page 14 of Marrying the Mountain Man

Twenty minutes later, I took a breath, concluding with, “I believe we can create an immersive small-town experiencethat encourages families to stay longer—maybe even turn day-trippers into weekend visitors, thereby bringing more revenue to Hope Peak. My plan outlines initial steps, from a quick website revamp to collaborative promotions with local businesses, some of which I’ve already spoken to informally.”

Silence. My nerves danced. Then Alissa, the craft store owner, leaned forward, her eyes sparkling. “That’s fantastic! Are you sure you’re new here? Because you’ve captured exactly what we need.”

Denise and Jerry murmured their agreement, praising my clarity and familiarity with technology and social media platforms. Marcus asked a few sharper questions about costs and timeline, which I answered with as much detail as I could muster. Overall, it felt…wonderful. They seemed genuinely impressed.

Beth stood, clapping her hands softly. “So, Mindy, how soon can you start on a freelance contract with us? We’d love to have your expertise, at least through the carnival. After that, we can talk permanent options.”

My chest fluttered with excitement—and apprehension. “I can start whenever you need. I just…might need to juggle a few details.” Like living in Levi’s house, not having my own place, and the twins adjusting to school. But I couldn’t deny how happy I felt.

Jerry nodded knowingly. “We do want a local presence, but if you can commit at least part-time, we’ll work with your schedule.”

“Thank you,” I said, throat tight. “I’m thrilled. I’ll formalize a contract proposal once Beth and I talk specifics. Thanks, everyone.”

They all offered friendly goodbyes, leaving Beth and me alone. She gave me a delighted hug. “I can’t wait, Mindy! Let’s talk tomorrow about your official start date.”

At 5:00, I stepped outside into the chilly March air, file folder clutched to my chest. My hands trembled with adrenaline. I’d just landed a real opportunity—something simpler and more meaningful than any of my high-stress ad gigs in the city. A shot at building a stable life for me and the twins.Exactly what you’ve always wanted, a hopeful voice whispered.

Yet fear curled in my stomach. This was almost too perfect: a quaint town that embraced us, a potential job that let me use my marketing skills, a man who’d given up his bed so the boys and I could feel at home. In my experience, the higher the hope soared, the harder the crash if things fell apart. My parents’ distant, fragmented involvement after the twins were born had taught me that relying on others could sting. I was the only one I could truly count on. Right?

Sighing, I shook the thoughts away and searched my coat pocket for my car keys. They weren’t there. Confused, I patted my purse. Nothing. I must have tossed them in my bag. But the bag’s front pocket was empty.

Heart rate spiking, I circled the building’s tiny parking lot, scanning for my SUV. I spotted it, but when I tried the door—locked. No keys in the handle. I peered inside. My keys dangled mockingly from the ignition.

My stomach sank. “Seriously?” I groaned under my breath, tugging the handle again. The door remained locked tight. I rummaged for my phone—thank goodness that was in my jacket pocket—and dialed Levi.

He picked up on the second ring. “Hey, everything okay?”

My cheeks burned with embarrassment. “I, um, locked myself out of my SUV. The keys are inside. And I don’t have a spare set.”

Silence. Then a muffled sound of him suppressing laughter. “Where are you?”

“Outside the Visitors Bureau,” I mumbled. “I don’t know what to do. It’s not like I can call a big city locksmith here.”

He chuckled softly. “Actually, we have a local guy that services the county, but it might take a while. I can come, though. Might have some trick to pop the lock. Or we can break in carefully.”

Relief washed over me. “Would you? Sorry to be a bother. I’m such an idiot.”

“You’re not an idiot. It happens.” Then a pause. “Cody and Connor are here with me at Skyline…they’ve been hanging out, playing the arcade. Want them to come along? They’ll love the adventure.”

I smiled despite my embarrassment. “Sure. Thanks, Levi. You’re a lifesaver.”

Within fifteen minutes, Levi’s pickup pulled up to the curb. The twins hopped out, Cody waving excitedly. “Mom, are you okay? Levi said you locked yourself out!”

Connor snickered. “You used to make fun of me for forgetting my lunchbox.”

I fought a blush. “All right, all right. I had a moment.” Then I turned to Levi, who carried a small toolkit. “Thanks again.”

He shrugged easily. “No problem. Let’s see if I can jimmy this lock open.”

As he knelt by the driver’s door, kids crowding around, I observed the reassuring line of his broad shoulders. Somethingabout Levi’s calm, assured manner always made me feel a little safer, whether it was facing a snowstorm, new school jitters, or my own silly mistakes.

Finally, with a quick maneuver of a slim-jim tool, the lock popped. The door swung open. I exhaled, retrieving my keys from the ignition in relief. “Oh my gosh, thank you.”

Cody patted the car’s door. “Nice job, Levi. That was cool.”

Connor teased, “You look like a criminal, but in a good way.”

Levi ruffled his hair. “Let’s keep that to ourselves, yeah big guy?”

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