Page 21 of Marrying the Mountain Man

Gathering my courage, I opened the door. “Tessa, right?”

She mustered a shy smile. “Yeah, hi Mindy.”

I stepped aside, letting her in. “Come in. It’s cold.”

She entered, rubbing her hands together. We stood in the small entryway awkwardly. Her eyes darted around the house—Levi’s couch, the neat arrangement of boxes. “So, you’re here.”

I forced a friendly tone. “Yes, thanks to you impersonating your brother, I am.”

She winced. “That’s exactly what I’m here to apologize for. I messed up big time, Mindy. The catfishing was beyond unethical. I should’ve told you the truth earlier, but once I realized how invested you were, I panicked.”

I folded my arms, studying her face. There was genuine remorse there, tears threatening. “You hurt me,” I said quietly. “I left my job, my city, for a man I’d never met. I…” My voice cracked. “I felt so betrayed when Levi had no clue who I was.”

She nodded as her tears began to slip free, slowly dripping down her cheeks. “I’m sorry. I truly am. I swear, at first I just wanted to help Levi find someone. He’s been so lonely, even if he wouldn’t admit it. Then I started chatting with you. You were kind, intelligent, and I saw how badly you wanted a safe, stable place for your kids. I thought maybe Hope Peak could be that. And if you two connected…”

Pain lanced through me. But as I looked at Tessa, I saw the same fierce loyalty that Levi had. She’d lost her parents young, and Levi had basically raised her. This was her misguided attempt at helping him.

I exhaled a shaky breath. “You should’ve come clean sooner. But…Levi and I…” My cheeks warmed. “We…um…we’re figuring it out.”

Tessa’s face lit up. “That’s great! Levi’s been through a lot. He’s always worried about me, rarely takes time for himself. I wanted him to have someone else to care about.” She sniffled, wiping her eyes. “And you seem wonderful, Mindy. I know how you love your boys.”

My own tears welled. “I love them more than anything. And the truth is—I’m falling for your brother, and I’m pretty sure he feels the same way about me.”

Tessa let out a half-laugh, half-sob. “That makes me happier than you know. I just pray you can forgive my methods.”

It was impossible to stay angry. The swirl of events, plus my own happiness, made it easier to let go. I touched her arm gently. “You forced my hand, but you also led me to the best thing that’s happened to me in a long time. I’ll forgive you, just don’t catfish any more single moms, okay?”

She laughed through tears. “Deal.”

I smiled, the tension dissolving.

We hugged, tears and laughter mixing in a swirl of relief. She left soon after, promising to keep in touch. I closed the door, leaning against it with a shaky exhale.

Not long after Tessa left, Levi returned. I heard his key in the lock and met him in the living room. He paused, scanning my face.

“You okay?” he asked, setting down a small bag of groceries.

I nodded. “Tessa was here. She apologized.”

His eyes widened. “Really? How’d that go?”

I relayed the conversation, how she’d explained her reasons, how we ended up hugging. His shoulders relaxed visibly, relief crossing his features. “Thank God. I was worried you might never forgive her.”

I shrugged, smiling. “She meant well, even if it was a bad plan. I told her I’m grateful for the end result.”

Levi’s lips curved gently. “I’m glad.” He stepped closer, brushing hair from my face. “Speaking of results… any word from Beth?”

My pulse fluttered, remembering the morning’s text. “Yes, actually. I’ve got the official offer.”

He beamed. “That’s amazing!”

My expression sobered. “But I also got a call from a Chicago ad agency with a huge promotion offer. Triple the salary, big brand clients…” My voice wavered. “I have to decide.”

His face fell slightly, though he forced a neutral tone. “That’s a big choice.”

Tears prickled again. I swallowed. “Yeah. But…I don’t want that old life, Levi. I called them back and said no. I’m accepting the local job here in Hope Peak instead.”

Levi’s eyes lit up, a grin spreading across his face. “You are?”

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