Page 115 of Wrecked on the Mountain
Now it's covered in her handwriting too.Best coffeewritten in purple ink beside Bear Paw Café.Perfect reading spotmarked at Silver Falls.Homescribbled over the top of my old writing where I had 'My Cabin' written in the corner with an arrow pointing to this cabin.
Home.Our cabin now.
Her contract became permanent three months ago. Martha practically threw a party when Brooke signed the papers, and the whole team cheered like we'd won the lottery.
Which we had, really.
Brooke fits into Mountain Rescue like she was always supposed to be here. The guys adore her, Martha treats her like a daughter, and even grumpy Beau brings her coffee when they work late shift together.
She belongs here. With me. With us.
"Jamie?" Her sleepy voice drifts from the bedroom, and my chest tightens with pure love.
I pad back to find her sitting up, sheet pooled around her waist, hair a gorgeous mess. Even half-asleep, she's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen.
"Morning, beautiful." I lean down to kiss her forehead, breathing in the scent that's become my favorite thing in the world. "I'm about to leave. Want to watch the sunrise with me, sweetheart?"
She blinks those honey-brown eyes, dazed and confused. "Mmm, what time is it? It's still dark..."
"The perfect time for sunrise." I pull on jeans and grab her robe from the chair. "Trust me, I've got everything ready. I'll carry you to the truck and you can go back to sleep in there."
"You're insane." But she's smiling, letting me help her into the robe. "You know it's winter, right? It's freezing outside."
"I'll keep you warm."
She studies my face in the dim light, and I wonder if she can see the nervous energy vibrating through me. Hell, she could probablyfeelit if she didn't just wake up.
I carry her out to my truck, the heaters already blaring as I defrost the window. Snow starts to trickle down from the dark sky, and a giant fucking smile creeps along my face.
Six months of this woman in my bed, in my life, in my heart.
Today I make it official.
The drive to Cascade Ridge drags I'm that nervous. I'm going over everything I've done to be organized with Brookecurled against my shoulder snoozing while I navigate the dark mountain roads.
Snow continues falling in fat, lazy flakes that catch in the headlights like tiny diamonds.
Perfect. Everything about this morning is absolutely perfect.
When we reach the trailhead, I carry her again, not trusting her sleepy coordination on the slippery, snowy path. She protests halfheartedly, but her arms tighten around my neck, and I can feel her smile against my throat.
"See? Still my Mountain Daddy," she teases, kissing my neck. "I can walk, though."
"Maybe I like carrying you."
The observation deck comes into view, and I see her eyes light up at how different it looks this morning.
"Jamie…" she breathes, forcing her weight in my arms so I have no choice but to drop her to her feet.
I've transformed our special place into something out of a fairy tale. Battery-powered heaters create a warm oasis against the winter cold, their gentle glow mixing with dozens of pillar candles arranged safely in glass lamps. Rose petals scatter across the wooden planks, dark red against the fresh dusting of snow. Our camping chairs have been replaced with a thick wool blanket surrounded by dozens of throw blankets and plush cushions.
I get to work, setting out Chloe's finest pastries like artwork. Fresh berries that cost a fortune in winter, and champagne chilling in an ice bucket hidden behind the heaters.
"Jamie..." Brooke's voice is breathless as she settles down amongst it all. "This is even more incredible than usual. What's the occasion?"
This is it. This is the moment I've been planning since she chose to stay.
I sit down beside her, my stomach a tumble-washer of nerves. Trying my best to hide it, I wrap heated throws around her shoulders before pouring steaming coffee from the thermos.
