Page 15 of Billionaire Lumberjack's Bargain

I grit my teeth, trying to breathe through my nose. “We’re fine. Davey and I arefine.”

Tears sting my eyes as I say the words I know aren’t true.

But I want them to be so badly.

I want to be able to care for him on my own, to give him the life up here Dave and I always planned for him. I want him to see me being strong, resilient, not caving under the weight of what’s been thrust upon my shoulders.

Yet none of that seems possible, and that realization slams into me full force as I stare at the handsome young man who came to my rescue today, even when I didn’t want it.

He offers me a kind smile, one that seems entirely genuine and softens his eyes. “I know you’re doing the best you can. I can’t imagine what you must have to do every day to keep him occupied and safe and also try to manage everything you need to here.” He spreads his hands wide. “This would be a lot for anyone, but for a single mother…”—his eyes drift down to my stomach, and I immediately drop my hand there protectively—“who is expecting another one… There’s no way you can do this on your own.”

Firey indignation ignites deep in my veins, but he holds up a hand before I can argue.

“And that isn’t meant as an insult to your capabilities. Obviously, you’re more than capable. It’s just a statement of fact. I’ve lived on this mountain my entire life, and it’s hard enough for me to maintain our property, even with my grandfather still helping where he can. Youcan’tdo it alone.”

His words cut to the very core of the agonizing despair that keeps me up every night.

I didn’t want to hear anyone else say it.

It was one of the reasons I never asked for help—not just because I was too proud, but because it might mean leaving here.

This place that Dave loved so much.

ThatIdo.

The only home Davey has ever known, above the town where his father is buried.

And I can’t bear the thought of that.

Every time I consider the possibility of leaving James Mountain, I can’t bring myself to reach for that radio or to tell anyone in town what’s happening when we drive down for supplies or my doctor’s appointments.

That we don’t have money for anymore…

Dalton watches me for a few moments as I try to gather my wits and some sort of response, but I can’t come up with any way to answer the truth he’s laid out very blatantly at my feet.

I just stare at the determined young man who showed up out of the blue to save my ass and who is now calling me out on the one thing I wish I didn’t have to admit.

“You need help, Mrs. Bower, and I know how hard it is to admit that for people like us, believe me. I’m going to come back tomorrow, and I’m going to walk the property with you and examine everything. Figure out what needs to be done and where you stand. Winter will be here faster than you think, and it could be a very hard one if you’re not prepared…”

He trails off, and my throat constricts.

If I’m not prepared, I’m not just putting myself at risk but Davey and this baby, too.

It’s the awful truth I’ve known since the moment I found Dave and realized our perfect little life here was over.

A fresh wave of anguish engulfs me.

Just as hot and raw as that fateful day.

Tears flood my eyes, blurring Dalton’s face.

He waits for me to respond in some way, but all I manage is a little nod as I swipe at the drops before they can fall.

Dalton smiles—a true, genuine offering from a stranger, who I have a feeling won’t be one for very long. “Again, I am sorry I wasn’t here sooner. Radio us if anything comes up tonight, but I’ll be here at first light. Keep your gun close.”

I nod and suck in a long, slow breath to try to contain my sob as Dalton stalks over toward the barn, unties and mounts his horse, and takes off through the dark woods.

It doesn’t take long before he completely disappears, swallowed up whole by the night and the trees, leaving me alone here with Davey and my own guilt and twisted emotions I can’t seem to get a grip on…

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