Page 17 of Craving the Mountain Man

"I don't want to waste any more time," I say, my voice rough with emotion. "Skylar Hayes, will you marry me?"

For a moment, Skylar is silent, her eyes wide with surprise. Then a brilliant smile spreads across her face, tears glistening in her eyes.

"Yes," she whispers, then louder, "Yes! Of course I'll marry you, Grayson!"

She throws her arms around me, peppering my face with kisses. I laugh, feeling lighter than I have in years as I hold her close.

"I don't have a ring yet," I admit sheepishly. "This wasn't exactly planned. But I promise to get you one as soon as we're back in town."

Skylar shakes her head, still beaming. "I don't need a ring. I just need you, Grayson Wells."

I pull her in for a deep, passionate kiss, pouring all my love and joy into it. As we break apart, both breathless, I can't help but marvel at how much my life has changed in such a short time.

"I love you," I murmur against her lips. "More than I ever thought possible."

Skylar snuggles closer, resting her head on my chest. "I love you too," she says softly. "Always and forever."

As we lie there, wrapped in each other's arms, I know that whatever challenges lie ahead, we'll face them together. With Skylar by my side, I'm ready for any adventure life throws our way.

The future stretches out before us, full of promise and possibility. And for the first time in a long time, I'm excited to see where the path leads.

EPILOGUE

Skylar

SIX MONTHS LATER

Istand in front of the full-length mirror, smoothing down the simple white dress that hugs my curves. I've never felt as beautiful as I do right now, even six months pregnant. I can't believe this day has finally arrived—I'm getting married to the man of my dreams, to the man I love. Grayson.

A soft knock on the door interrupts my reverie. "Come in," I call out.

Jake pokes his head in, a wide grin on his face. "You ready, sunshine? There's a very anxious mountain man waiting for you out there."

I laugh, feeling a flutter of butterflies in my stomach. "As ready as I'll ever be. How does he look?"

Jake's grin widens. "Like he might pass out from happiness at any moment. I've never seen the boss man smile so much."

Warmth blooms in my chest at his words. Even after all these months, it still amazes me how much Grayson has opened up, and how much lighter he seems.

I take one last look in the mirror, running a hand over my swollen belly. Our little surprise—an engagement baby, as it turned out. The news had initially thrown Grayson for a loop, but he'd quickly embraced the idea of fatherhood with the same intensity he approached everything in life.

"Okay," I say, taking a deep breath. "Let's do this."

Jake offers me his arm, and together we make our way out of the small cabin that's serving as my dressing room. The ceremony is being held outdoors, in a beautiful clearing on Fire Mountain. It seemed fitting to start our new life together in the place that brought us together.

As we approach the clearing, I can hear the soft murmur of voices and gentle guitar music. My heart races as we round the final bend in the trail.

And there he is.

Grayson stands at the end of the aisle, looking more handsome than I've ever seen him in a simple dark suit. But it's the expression on his face that takes my breath away. His eyes lock onto mine, filled with such love and awe that I feel tears prickling at the corners of my eyes.

The world seems to fade away as I walk towards him, my focus narrowing to just us—me and Grayson, about to start our forever.

When I reach him, Grayson takes my hands in his, his touch grounding me. "You're beautiful," he whispers, his voice rough with emotion.

I squeeze his hands, unable to stop smiling. "You're not so bad yourself, Mountain Man."

The ceremony passes in a blur. Before I know it, we're being introduced as Mr. and Mrs. Wells, and Grayson is pulling me close for another kiss as our friends and family cheer.

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