Page 13 of Trouble with the Mountain Man
"For everything. For showing up when my ceiling collapsed. For seeing potential in my falling-down house. For making me feel like I'm worth the effort."
His arm tightens around me. "Maple, you're worth everything."
"Even dealing with Derek's threats?"
He stiffens slightly. "What threats?"
Damn. I hadn't meant to bring that up. "He called yesterday. Made some comments about how I was making poor choices, how he wouldn't let me put Ally at risk."
"What kind of comments?"
"The usual Derek nonsense. Veiled implications about custody, suggestions that I'm being irresponsible. Nothing concrete enough to worry about."
But Flint is worrying. I can feel it in the tension of his muscles, see it in the hard line of his jaw.
"He texted me too," he admits. "Told me to stay away from his family."
"His family?" Anger flares hot and bright. "Ally and I haven't been his family since he walked out. He doesn't get to claim us when it's convenient. How did he get your number, anyway?"
He shrugs. "I know. But he's still her father. Still has legal rights."
"Rights he's never bothered to exercise. He sees Ally maybe six times a year, usually when his current girlfriend thinks it makes him look responsible."
"Courts don't always see it that way."
The fear in his voice mirrors my own. Derek has money, connections, the kind of resources that can twist legal proceedings in his favor. If he really wanted to make trouble...
"Hey." Flint turns to face me fully. "I won't let him hurt you or Ally. Whatever he tries, whatever it costs, I'll fight it."
"This isn't your battle, Flint."
"The hell it isn't. You're mine now, Maple. That makes your battles mine too."
The possessiveness in his voice should probably bother me. Instead, it sends warmth spiraling through my chest. After years of facing everything alone, having someone willing to stand with me feels like a gift.
"Mine?" I tease, trying to lighten the mood.
"If you'll have me."
The uncertainty in his voice breaks my heart a little. This strong, capable man still doubts his own worth, still expects to be left behind.
"I'll have you," I whisper, reaching up to kiss him. "All of you, for as long as you'll stay."
"Forever, then."
"Forever works for me."
The kiss deepens, and suddenly the cool mountain air feels warm against my skin. Flint's hands tangle in my hair, and I can feel his heartbeat racing against mine.
"Come home with me," he murmurs against my lips. "Let me show you how much you mean to me."
"Yes," I breathe, surprising myself with the certainty in my voice.
His cabin is only ten minutes from town, tucked into the trees with a view that takes my breath away. The interior is exactly what I'd expect—clean lines, handcrafted furniture, everything built to last. Personal touches are sparse but meaningful: a photo of him and Torin, a few pieces of his own stonework, books on architecture and craftsmanship.
"It's beautiful," I say, trailing my fingers along a dining table that's clearly his handiwork.
"Not as beautiful as you."
