Page 28 of The Forbidden Mountain Man Lumberjack
"Well," Weber says finally. "This is certainly a positive development. Though we'd like to discuss accelerating certain aspects of the timeline."
"I'm open to discussion," I reply, "as long as we maintain the integrity of our selective harvesting approach and crew training protocols."
What follows is three hours of negotiation, during which I hold firm on what matters while yielding on points that don't compromise my vision. Throughout, Sophia supports my position with data and analysis that even the investors can't dismiss. We're a team, seamlessly complementing each other's arguments, finding middle ground where possible and standing firm where necessary.
By late afternoon, we've reached an agreement that satisfies both sides—modernization on my terms, with the investors' backing for the necessary capital expenditures.
"I believe we have a path forward," Harrison says as we conclude, extending his hand. "I admit I'm surprised, Brennan. Perhaps Ms. Coleman has been a positive influence."
I shake his hand, resisting the urge to glance at Sophia. "She's helped me see possibilities I might have missed otherwise."
After they leave, the office falls quiet. Tim has already gone home, and even the radio chatter from the crews has ceased as operations shut down for the day.
Alone in the conference room, Sophia turns to me with a smile that melts something inside me. "You were incredible."
"We were incredible," I correct her, finally free to pull her into my arms. "They never stood a chance."
She laughs, the sound pure joy. "So what happens now? With the company?"
"We implement your recommendations, my way. Make this operation even stronger." I brush a strand of hair from her face. "But that's not what I meant when I asked what happens next."
Her expression softens. "What did you mean?"
"I meant us." I take her hands in mine. "I meant that I love you, and I don't want this to end when your consultation does."
"I don't want it to end either," she says, voice catching. "But my job, your company?—"
"We'll figure it out." I've never been more certain of anything. "Maybe you consult remotely for other clients. Maybe you find a position with the Forest Service that lets you stay in Grizzly Ridge. Or maybe I learn to handle having you travel sometimes."
Hope blooms in her eyes. "You'd be willing to try?"
"I'd be willing to try anything to keep you in my life." The truth of it resonates through me. "These past two weeks have changed everything, Sophia. I was afraid of change, in my company and in my life. You showed me that the right changes don't threaten what matters—they protect it."
Tears shine in her eyes. "That might be the most romantic thing anyone's ever said to me."
"I'm just getting started." I cup her face in my hands. "Stay with me. Not just for the implementation phase. Not just for a few more weeks or months. Stay."
"Are you asking me to move in with you?" A smile plays at the corners of her mouth.
"For starters." I brush my thumb across her lower lip. "Eventually, I'll be asking for a lot more than that."
Her eyes widen at the implication. "Wyatt..."
"Not today," I assure her. "We've got time. But I need you to know that's where I'm headed. Where I hope we're both headed."
"I love you," she whispers, rising on tiptoes to brush her lips against mine. "And yes, I'll stay. We'll figure out the details together."
As I pull her closer, deepening the kiss, certainty settles over me like the quietness after a fresh snowfall. Whatever challenges lie ahead—with the company, with our age difference, with balancing her career ambitions and my rooted existence—we'll face them together.
Because some changes, as Sophia taught me, don't threaten what matters.
They complete it.
EPILOGUE
SOPHIA
Two Years Later
