Page 1 of The Mountain Man's Christmas Bride
PROLOGUE
SAGE
“I’m pregnant,” my little sister says, her voice coming through like static from the other end of the line.
I go still, the sound of traffic outside my shitty apartment becoming too loud. My heart races as her words repeat over and over again in my ears. They become even more deafening when I glance down at the trashcan with my negative test still sitting at the top.
“Sage?” Delilah questions, her voice soft. “Are you still there?”
I swallow hard and take a step back from the rushing sound of traffic and the trash, turning away to stare into the hovel that is my apartment. “Yeah,” I reply, clearing my throat. “Still here.”
My sister blows out a shaky breath. “I know this is…sudden. And so not part of my adventure plan, but…”
I move in a daze to the gross sofa my boyfriend found in an alley downtown, promising he’d clean up—but never did. “But?”
“I am so happy,” she whispers as I sit, my limbs suddenly heavy. “God, Sage. It’s amazing. You should come here.”
I blink hard, staring around the crappy apartment I’ve been trying to make my own for years, but always seemed to reflect the pain burrowing within me. “I don’t know…”
“Please,” she says, voice breaking. “You can leave him and come here. There’s space, and a clinic you can work at, and a second chance. Willow Ridge has so much to offer, and I know you aren’t happy. I know you hate it where you are. Scott is the worst. You know it, I know it. Come be with me and Axel. Get away from him.”
A lump forms in my throat as I wrap an arm around myself. For years, I’ve been trying to get pregnant. To do this one thing I should be able to do. I always thought it would make Scott happy. Make him want to finally get married, finally be the partner I’ve always needed.
But that final test is like a glowing beacon, a lightning strike that brings me to the dark, horrifying reality of the life I’m living.
I work my ass off day after day to pay for this tiny one bedroom shithole while Scott plays video games, goes out with the boys, and spends my money without a care in the world. He’s never home to see me fall apart when the test comes back negative, and when he is, he shrugs and saysmaybe next time.
“He doesn’t have to know where you are,” Delilah continues, her voice hardening. “He doesn’t need to know anything. I’ll literally drive up tomorrow and get you. If that’s what you want, Sage.”
I barely manage to swallow, finally finding my voice. “I’ll think about it. Congratulations, Delilah. I am so, so happy for you. I need you to know that.”
“Sage—”
“I have to go,” I cut in, blinking back tears. “I promise I’ll think about it, okay?”
My sister sighs. “Okay. The cabin is always open to you.”
With that, we hang up. Sitting back, I eye the peeling paint and stains marking the sofa.
I don’t need to think anymore.
I’m done. Done with love, with trying to get something I know I can’t have. But I am ready for that second chance.
This time, I won’t waste it.
ONE
RHETT
Winter on the mountain is a beautiful sight.
It’s also a dangerous one.
The axe comes down with a swing, cutting through the wood without resistance. Despite the chilling breeze, the sun still has a little heat to it, and right now, it warms my shoulders. Sweat beads along my brow and upper lip before dripping down my face from the effort to keep up with the axe.
Pushing the halved log off the stump, I pull another up and ready it with ease. The repetition in the movement is peaceful. It’s mind-numbing, easy. Nothing about it warrants much thought, other than care.
I swing again and the log splits in half.
