Page 9 of Marrying the Mountain Man

I considered. “Maybe the grocery store. I can grab a few things for dinner. I figure it’s my turn to cook.”

An easy grin tugged at his mouth. “I won’t argue with that.”

We arrived at the elementary school just before the final bell. Through the glass doors, I spied Cody and Connor huddled near a bulletin board. They spotted me and Levi, waving excitedly.

“Mom! Levi!” Connor burst out as soon as we stepped inside. “Today was great. Ms. Brewster said if we keep reading, we could win tokens for games at the carnival next month.”

Cody nodded. “I met a kid named Logan who loves comics. He said we should all go to the library tomorrow after school!”

My chest flooded with relief. They were adapting so much faster than I’d dared hope. Levi offered them each a high-five, which they returned with broad grins.

“Nice job, guys,” he said. “Maybe we’ll all check out the library soon.”

We headed to the car. The boys chattered non-stop about their teachers, new friends, and the cafeteria’s attempts at taco pizza. Levi’s eyes met mine in the rearview mirror, sharing a silent moment of amusement at their excitement. I couldn’t help feeling an overwhelming sense of gratitude. Just two nights ago, we’d crashed into his life with no plan. Now it felt like we were forging something…real.

Later, back at Levi’s house—our current home—Connor and Cody retreated to the office to work on their homework. I rummaged in the newly organized pantry for spices, planning to whip up a simple pasta dish. Levi hovered by the counter, offering to help chop vegetables.

As I handed him a cutting board, the familiarity of the scene struck me: a mom cooking dinner while an adult presence—a father figure maybe, helped in the kitchen? Only we weren’t a couple. We’d met by insane circumstance. Yet every passing hour, the arrangement felt…natural.

“So, you sure you’re okay with all this?” I asked softly, slicing onions. “I mean, I’m basically nesting in your house, rearranging your kitchen, getting comfortable…”

Levi set down the knife, meeting my gaze steadily. “I’m sure. I won’t pretend it isn’t unexpected, but you’re not intruding. If anything, it’s nice having some life around here.”

My chest tightened. “I appreciate that.”

Dinner came together quickly—pasta with a simple tomato sauce, sautéed veggies. We all ate at the small table, kids regaling Levi with school highlights. He listened with genuine interest, occasionally tossing in a playful remark. Afterward, the boys huddled in the office to watch some short videos on my old tablet.

While the boys wound down, I washed dishes. Levi dried them, standing beside me at the sink in companionable silence. I noticed his broad shoulders, the faint scent of his soap—woodsy and clean. Warmth fluttered in my stomach, and I forced my attention back to the soapy plates.

At one point, he cleared his throat. “You know, it’s only Monday, but if you want, we could do something fun this weekend. I dunno, go ice skating at the lake, maybe? It will probably stay frozen over for another week or two. The forecast said the spring thaw is just around the corner, so we may want to take advantage of cold weather activities in the meantime.”

“Really?” I asked, a smile tugging my lips. “They’d love that.”

He gave a half-shrug. “Then let’s plan on it.”

We finished the last of the dishes, turning out the kitchen light as we went. “I’ll say goodnight to the boys,” I murmured.

Levi smiled. Then, with a gentleness in his eyes, he added, “Tell them I said ‘night, too, Sweet dreams, Mindy.”

“Sweet dreams, Levi,” I whispered, a strange contentment settling in my chest.

I made my way to the office, where Connor and Cody were already half-asleep on the pullout. They both mumbled drowsy goodnights. Softly closing the door, I walked the short hallway to Levi’s bedroom—my borrowed room. Just two full days in this house, yet the loneliness I’d felt before arriving had eased.

As I settled into bed, I replayed the day’s events: the twins thriving at school, Beth’s positive reaction to my résumé, Levi’s unwavering kindness. A sense of cautious hope bloomed. Perhaps this move, insane as it was, might be leading to a life I never imagined could be mine. One where family dinners, mountain town living, and maybe—just maybe—someone like Levi could factor in.

I drifted off with that quiet, promising thought, Levi’s handsome form taking center-stage in my mind.

Chapter Four

LEVI

The sun wasn’t even fully up when I rolled off the couch, shoulders stiff from another night on those lumpy cushions. I ran a hand through my hair, listening to the quiet house. A faint hiss came from the radiator, and the smell of brewed coffee teased my nose. Mindy must already be awake.

Stretching, I ambled into the kitchen. Sure enough, Mindy stood there, hair in a loose ponytail, pouring coffee into a ceramic mug. She wore comfy sweats and a light hoodie, clearly still in morning mode. She glanced up with a half-smile.

“Morning,” she said, voice hushed.

“Hope the couch didn’t kill your back this time.”

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