Page 10 of Cozy with the Mountain Man
“It’s still something in its own right. Everyone’s story is.” I wiped at my eyes, tears slipping down the sides of my cheeks. “I miss them so much, Jules. Rena was fifteen and still had so much life to live.”
Jules lifted herself and looked at me. She searched my eyes, her own eyes wet with tears. “You know it’s not your fault, right?”
I said nothing.
“Rowan, look at me. Tell me you believe me. It’s not your fault.” She placed her hands on each side of my face and forced me to look at her.
“It’s not your fault,” she repeated.
Again. And again.
Finally, the dam broke free, and tears poured down my cheeks. I turned and buried my face in her shoulder as sobs wracked my body. “I miss them so much, Jules. So fucking much. And they would be here if it wasn’t for me not paying attention…”
Jules rubbed my back and shook her head. “It’s not your fault. Accidents happen. And now look how safe a driver you are.”
I continued to sob, years of emotion and pain pouring out of me, all while holding Jules close. Not once did she wiggle her way out or try to move. Instead, she waited for however long I needed.
I’d opened my heart and let my guard down, but for her, it felt so right.
When I had no tears left to cry, I kissed her soft lips and told her I loved her.
EPILOGUE
Emilia
Three months later
“I toldyou it would hit you hard and fast. It always seems to be around these mountain men.” Hailey smiled at me from across the table. We had met for coffee at the bakery in town, Appleridge Sweets, and were enjoying apple cinnamon muffins and caramel vanilla lattes while catching up on all the latest juicy details of our lives.
A lot had happened. And we needed to break it all down.
“Phew, that’s one heck of a rock. I love the rubies surrounding it. He did a good job, girlfriend.” Hailey lifted my hand and brought it closer to her face for the millionth time since we sat down.
I laughed. “How is this real? How the hell am I engaged right now?”
Hailey smirked. “You love it. Besides, we had a ball at my wedding last month, didn’t we?”
I nodded my head. Because she’s right, we did. Rowan and I danced our asses off and got shit-faced at the open bar, not stopping until two a.m. when the venue kicked us all out. Then we went home and had wild sex all night long.
Tingles ran through me as the memories of the night ran through my head. My sex life with my soon-to-be husband was the stuff fantasies were made of, and I loved it. And I loved telling Hailey all about it.
“There’s this flicking thing he does with his tongue. Holy shit. Instant orgasm,” I said. Hailey’s eyes widened in excitement, and she nodded her head. Her man did the same thing. She told me so when they first got together.
“What’s your favorite position? Mine’s reverse cowgirl. Have you tried that yet?”
“Oh yeah. He loves to twist me around like a pretzel.” I laughed as I finished the last of my muffin.
“He’s a good one.” Hailey winked. “I want another muffin. Do you?”
I shook my head. “No, thanks.”
“Damn pregnancy cravings have me all fucked up,” Hailey said as she stood from the chair.
It took a second for her words to register, and when my eyes landed on her, she was frozen in place, both hands covering her mouth. “Shit!”
“Oh my God, Hailey Thompson, are you pregnant? And you didn’t tell me?”
“We wanted to wait until I hit three months. I’m sorry! But yes! Can you believe it? Me as a mom?”
