Page 132 of Snowed In With the Mountain Man
She worked her jaw to the side, trying to keep her cool. “You know, if you’d taken my suggestions and that proposal I sent you a couple months ago into consideration, the next few weeks wouldn’t be quite so busy.”
They hit her with dual glares, their expressions stony and unimpressed.
Their silence only fueled her anger. “I work late for you. I come in early for you. I do everything you ask of me.”
They looked at each other with clear exasperation. Like she was a child having a tantrum.
“I haven’t asked for overtime or extra leave, but—”
“But what?” Marian interrupted. “You’re doing your job. Do you expect a trophy just because you’ve gone above and beyond once or twice?”
“Once or…” Dahlia trailed off, her mouth gaping open in disbelief. Did they really have so little appreciation for all she’d done? Did they really not see how much she’d given this company? “You never say thank you.”
“Excuse me?” Jason drawled.
“You never acknowledge anything I do, and I feel totally underappreciated.”
“Oh, so we’re talking about feelings now?” Marian huffed.” If you want to do that, you can run on down to HR.”
“I’msoover this.” Dahlia shook her head. “I’m so over trying to make you guys happy.” She threw her hands up. “And I’m worth so much more than this.”
That made her stop. She’d never thought of herself that way. She’d always served, provided for, and cared for others. But now there was someone out there who wanted to care forher. There were people out there who loved her without demanding or expecting anything. She didn’t have to earn their love; it was automatic.
The thought made her laugh, which in turn made her bosses frown.
“Oh my gosh.” She let out another joyous whoop and grinned at them, feeling completely liberated.
She didn’t need this. She didn’t need them. Everything she’d fought for, everything she’d wanted—the love, the family, the life—it was all hers for the taking.
She just had to be brave enough to reach for it.
Her bosses looked at her like she’d gone insane, and she just laughed again, her shoulders going back and her chin tilting up.
“I quit.” Her voice was cheerful and confident. “I’m so done.”
Their faces dropped. “You can’t leave now. We’re coming into a really busy time of year.”
“Not my problem.” Dahlia shrugged and then had to say it again. “That is not my problem.” She laughed and spun on her heel, heading for the door. Just before grabbing the handle, she turned back with an impish grin. She just couldn’t help herself. “By the way, good luck finding someone to replace me. You guys have no idea how lucky you’ve been.”
And with that, she walked out of the office, shutting the door on their protests and feeling lighter than she ever had before.
47
Cody left early to do his ushering duties at the church, which left JJ alone in the bunkhouse to get ready.
It was nearly impossible to keep his gaze away from his phone on the nightstand as he donned his nicest suit and made himself as neat and tidy as a burly mountain man could be. Which wasn’t all that neat. And definitely not tidy.
He was relieved Nash hadn’t asked him to be a groomsman. He didn’t know if he was up for standing in front of a big crowd while the loved-up couple shared their vows. Thankfully, his boss and the lovely Emma had decided to go for a small party of Lizzy on one side and Kit on the other.
Chloe was, of course, the flower girl, and little Corbin was taking his duties as the ring bearer with utmost seriousness.
JJ’s lips twitched as he reached for a tie. He wished Dahlia was here to see it all. She was on his mind more than ever, and not just because he yearned for her like she was a missing limb, her very absence an ache he could feel. But also, he was worried about her.
They all were. Rose and the others up at the main house, Kit and Lizzy. Dex had even stopped him in town the other day to see if he’d heard from her recently.
Miss Strong and Steady was hurting, and everyone knew it, but no one knew how to help her. He’d given in to the urge to call her the night before, though he’d been doing his best to respect her need for space.
She hadn’t answered.
