Page 95 of Twins for the Mountain Daddies

Wyatt’s off on a job down the mountain, Holt’s pulling a shift at the firehouse, and Ivy—she went with them. Can’t say that I blame her. I wouldn’t want to be stuck up here all by myself with me either.

But it leaves me trying to find something useful to do so I don’t sit here stewing in my own thoughts.

I split firewood for a while, the rhythmic crack of the axe helping to burn off the restless energy crawling under my skin. After that, I check the traps, make sure we’ve got enough food stocked, and take care of all the usual maintenance that comes with living up here.

It doesn’t help much.

Ivy’s been on my mind since the second she walked out that door this morning, but that’s nothing new. She’s on my mind every waking moment. Hell, she’s even in my dreams.

I’m halfway through reinforcing one of the window latches when the radio crackles to life. For a split second, my brain goes straight to the worst.

What’s happened?

Ivy. The babies.

Then a voice cuts through. “Hank? You there?” It’s Mason.

I snatch the radio off the table, pressing the button hard enough I hear the plastic creak. “Yeah, I’m here. What’s going on?”

Mason exhales, short and clipped. “Nothin’ urgent. Just figured you’d want a heads-up.”

I don’t like the sound of that. “About what?”

There’s a pause, like he’s trying to find the right words. Then?—

“Ivy’s mother.”

I go still, my grip on the radio tightening. “She’s in town?”

“Yeah,” Mason says. “Rolled up in some big-ass, shiny SUV. Rumor has it she and Ivy had some big confrontation. Did not go well from what I hear.”

“Shit.” That knot in my stomach tightens. “How bad?”

Mason hesitates, which means it was bad. “Ivy held her own,” he says finally. “But she looked rattled. She left with Wyatt and Holt—headed toward the doc’s office, I think.”

I let out a breath, but it doesn’t do a damn thing to loosen the vice grip around my chest. At least she’s not alone. Wyatt and Holt’ll keep her steady.

Still.

“That all?” I ask, even though I know damn well Mason wouldn’t have called just for that.

Another pause. “Nah. Figured you oughta know her mother’s still stickin’ around. Word is, she’s askin’ questions. Tryin’ to figure out where Ivy’s been holed up.”

My pulse kicks up. “You think she’ll come up here?”

“Wouldn’t put it past her. Woman like that ain’t used to being told no.” Mason sighs. “I doubt she even knows what road to take, but if she finds someone willing to point her in the right direction...”

I don’t hear the rest because my brain’s already going a hundred miles an hour.

The idea of her leaving—of her packing up, climbing into that SUV, and disappearing back into the life she left behind—hits me like a punch to the gut.

No.

No, that doesn't sit right with me.

I drag a hand down my face. “Appreciate the heads-up, Mase.” My voice comes out rougher than I mean it to.

“You gonna do something about it?” Mason’s tone is pointed.

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