Page 29 of Connecting with the Mountain Man

Silas doesn’t answer right away. Instead, he pulls out a small black box, turning it over in his palm for a moment before his gaze locks with mine.

“I’ve had this for a while,” he admits, voice low and thick with emotion. “I was just waiting for the right time.”

My breath catches as he flips the box open, revealing a simple but stunning diamond ring that glimmers in the firelight.

“Eden,” he says, taking my hand in his, his thumb grazing over my knuckles. “I want you. Every day. Forever. Move in with me, marry me… be mine in every way.”

Tears blur my vision, and I bite my lip, trying to keep from crying. “You’re serious?”

He chuckles, leaning down to kiss me softly. “Dead serious.”

I laugh breathlessly, throwing my arms around his neck. “Yes. Of course, yes.”

His lips crash into mine, and he slips the ring onto my finger, holding my hand up between us as if sealing the moment.

“You were already mine,” he whispers against my lips. “This just makes it official.”

I smile, pressing into him. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

We sink deeper into the sheets, wrapped in each other, as the fire flickers beside us, warming the room—and every part of me.

Chapter 10

Silas

Five Years Later

There’s syrup in Ava’s hair. Again.

I can’t help but laugh quietly to myself as I watch her argue with Caleb over the last pancake. She’s got my stubborn streak—Eden swears it’s mine, but I know better. Caleb’s quieter, more patient, but the kid knows how to strike when the time’s right. He’s biding his time, waiting for Ava to get distracted before swooping in for the win.

Eden’s at the stove, flipping another batch. She hums softly, barefoot, hair tied in a loose knot that’s falling apart at the edges. Her tank top clings to her, and the soft curve of her hips peeks out from the hem of her shorts.

I swear to God, five years and two kids later, she’s still the sexiest thing I’ve ever seen.

I lean against the doorframe, arms crossed, watching her like I haven’t seen her a thousand times before. And yet, every time feels like the first. That tight pull in my chest, the raw ache of wanting her—none of its gone away. If anything, it’s worse.

“Stop staring, Silas.” Her voice is teasing, but she doesn’t look back. “You’re distracting me.”

I push off the frame, walking up behind her, hands sliding around her waist as I press a kiss to the back of her neck. “Can’t help it,” I murmur against her skin. “You’re too damn tempting.”

She laughs, soft and breathy. “There are children here.”

“They’re busy,” I growl, trailing my lips along her shoulder, pulling her tighter against me. “And I’m making up for lost time.”

“You made up for lost time last night.”

“Not enough.” My fingers graze the sliver of skin where her shorts ride low, and I feel her shiver.

“Silas,” she warns, but her voice wavers just enough to keep me going.

Before I can slip my hand lower, Ava shrieks. Caleb, sneaky little thing, snatched the pancake right off her plate.

Eden twists in my arms, stifling a laugh as Ava chases him around the table. “You going to help or just stand there groping me while they burn the place down?”

I sigh dramatically, pressing one last kiss to her lips. “I guess I’ll parent today.”

I catch Caleb mid-run, tossing him over my shoulder while he laughs uncontrollably. Ava jumps at my side, trying to wrestle the pancake out of his grip. “Alright, alright,” I say, setting Caleb down and ruffling his hair. “There’s more where that came from. Your mom’s a pancake machine.”

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