Page 37 of The Mountains Edge

She can't argue as I prove my point thoroughly.

Much later, we finally make it downstairs. The dogs give us judgmental looks as Daisy starts coffee.

"Drama queens." But she sneaks them treats.

I watch her move through my kitchen wearing my shirt and nothing else

"What?" She catches me staring.

"Nothing." I pull her close. "I’m just happy."

Her smile is brilliant. "Yeah?"

"Yeah."

Scout bumps my leg, reminding us he exists. Luna joins the cuddle pile, tail wagging.

"Your dogs are needy," Daisy teases, as the dogs whine as they watch her get their breakfast ready.

There was nothing more perfect than watching her in my home. Now our home. All I had to do was ask her to marry me and life would be complete.

Chapter 18: Daisy

"Ten bucks says he runs."

I smirk at Marcus as we watch Jake practically leap over a display to avoid Dr. Chloe Roberts. Our newest town doctor has been trying to corner him for weeks about the mountain rescue protocols.

"Twenty says she catches him this time," Marcus counters, pulling me closer.

We're hosting the Trading Post's holiday party, my first as Marcus's wife. The simple ring on my finger still makes me smile. We got married last month, just us and the mountain men on his, now our, mountain.

Chloe spots Jake's escape attempt and changes course, cutting off his exit route with impressive strategy.

"She's good," Marcus admits.

"Learned from the best." I pat his chest. "I had to corner my mountain man too, remember?"

His laugh rumbles under my ear. "Like I could forget."

Jake finally admits defeat as Chloe corners him by the coffee bar. The look on his face reminds me of Marcus in those early days of equal parts terror and fascination.

"Poor bastard doesn't stand a chance," Marcus murmurs.

"Neither did you."

He kisses me in response, still making my toes curl after all these months.

Chapter 19: Jake

I'm trapped.

Dr. Chloe Roberts has me cornered with questions about wilderness first aid protocols. All I can focus on is how her eyes light up when she talks medicine, how her hands move animatedly.

"Are you even listening?" She crosses her arms.

No. Too busy noticing how that sweater hugs your curves.

"Just thinking about the logistics," I lie.

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