Page 8 of The Mountain Man's Secret Bride
"Can we talk about the money?"
Bay's words hit me hard as numbness takes over. He never truly cared about me; all he cared about was my money, just like everyone else in my life.
I never thought it would hurt this much to have your heart ripped out of your body. Because that's exactly what Bay is doing.
"Don't worry, Bay. I'll still give you the million dollars I promised you." I turn to walk away, feeling foolish in the wedding gown.
What was I thinking? It's always about money. Didn't I learn that from my uncle?
"I don't want your damn money." Bay grabs my arm and spins me to face him. "I was going to ask you if you wanted to go in with me as a partner in opening a wounded warrior sanctuary here on the mountain. I own the land, I just don't have the finances to build the training center and the housing."
“That's what you wanted the million dollars for—your wounded military buddies?" I blink back tears, realizing I should never have doubted him.
"Of course it's for them. They deserve peace and happiness."
My handsome fiancé's eyes look vacant. I wish I knew what or who he was thinking about.
"What about you Bay?" I gently disengage my arm from his grip. "Don't you deserve peace and happiness?"
"I didn't until a certain mail-order bride landed on my doorstep, making me an offer I couldn't refuse." He brushes a lock of myhair off my cheek and behind my ear. "I think Charlie and I fell in love with you the moment we laid eyes on you."
“You love me? But you don't even know me.”
"I know you well enough to know you love my grilled cheese sandwiches, my dog, and drawing me naked." I slap my hand over his mouth and glance over my shoulder, praying that no one heard him, but no such luck.
“She draws you naked?" Brooks shakes his body as if he's just heard something so gross he's trying to banish the image from his mind.
The thought of anyone making fun of Bay, with or without clothes, makes me drop my hand and turn to face Brooks. "Yes, I draw him naked. And I'll have you know he has a beautiful cock."
Now it's my turn to have a hand over my mouth as Bay tries to stop the line of conversation. "My brother doesn't need to know anything about how I look naked. Besides, we're brothers, he's seen me naked hundreds of times."
“It's not like I ever looked at your cock," Brooks's laughter stops. "Let's never talk of this again."
I turn my head to the side and give Bay a nod, quietly promising to behave. With a sigh, Bay drops his hand.
“Okay, now that that's settled, let's take you two to the bakery so you can meet Junie and Molly since I have a feeling they'll insist on helping plan the wedding.”
I glance at Bay, waiting for him to show any sign he still wants to get married. To my surprise, he bends down on one knee, reaches into his pocket, and pulls out a velvet box, opening it to reveal a gorgeous diamond surrounded by emeralds.
“This was my great-grandmother's ring. My mom gave it to me ten years ago. I've been holding onto it until I found someone to share my life with." He takes the ring out of the box and puts it on my left ring finger. "I want you to be the one. Will you marry me?"
Tears well up in my eyes. This might not be every girl's idea of a romantic proposal, with a strange lawyer looking uncomfortable and Brooks seeming like he's about ready to say, I told you so, and Bay kneeling in the drying mud, but to me, it's perfect.
"Yes!"
With a smile of relief, he stands and wraps his arms around me. Our mouths meet in a clash of teeth and lips as we seal the deal, as both the lawyer and Brooks clap, joining us in celebration.
It's the first time since my parents passed away that I finally feel at peace knowing I'll be spending the rest of my life with my mountain man.
Epilogue - Bay
Ten Years Later
"Daddy! Daddy! Watch me!"Six-year-old Bella chases after her three older brothers as they do backflips off the dock at our secret spot on the lake.
"Be careful!" Jessa tries to stand, only to be hindered by baby number six getting ready to pop right out of her at any moment.
Damn, she looks sexy as hell in that tiny bikini that shows every inch of curves and baby bump. Sure, I'd prefer she were naked, but that's something we only do when we know we are alone at the lake, especially after the time Brooks and Junie caught us skinny dipping.
