Page 16 of Mail Order Mountain Man

Junie

“Put it down, Dad.”

Dad doesn’t listen. He stalks toward Cole and holds his aim. “You piece of fucking shit.”

I wonder how long he was standing by the door. I wonder what he heard.

God, my face is hot. The last thing I need is for my dad to have heard all the weird sex things I said.

“Dad!” I step between my father and Cole. “Put. It. Down.”

Dad lowers his gun but looks past me toward Cole. “This is the girl you’re dating? This is the reason you quit. You’re a stupid man.”

I suck in a deep breath. “I love him. We’re getting married. You don’t get a say in it.”

“He’s forty-five years old!” My father hollers Cole’s age as though that will change my mind.

“I know. So?”

“So, he’s a fucking pervert! You’re a girl!”

“I’m not a girl! I’m twenty-four! I’m old enough to make my own decisions, and whether you like it or not, it’s happening.”

My father grumbles something under his breath and paces away.

“I’m sorry it came out like this, Bob, but I’m in love with your daughter, and I’d do anything to keep her safe.” Cole grips me close to him and my heart warms.

How did this happen? How did I finally meet the mail order mountain man I’ve been looking for?

“You don’t want our relationship to end up like you and Isabelle’s, do you? You barely talk to each other now. She’s never going to forgive you for what you did to Mick! You know that, right?”

He doesn’t answer. He stays still, staring out into the dark lit mountains like they have all the answers.

I grip Cole’s hand in mine before staring at my father. “You can pout all you want, but this is who I love. This is what I’m doing. I’m doing it here with your blessing, or I’m doing it here without it. You won’t hurt him. I’m not as nice as Mick or Isabelle. I’ll have you arrested.”

Dad won’t turn his gaze back toward me. He’s a stubborn man, but I’m done worrying about what he thinks. I love Cole. I need him. I won’t let my father dictate my life.

Cole turns toward me. “I should let you guys talk. I don’t want to—”

“We’ll leave together. I’m not explaining myself to him.”

Cole’s face turns down as he stares toward me. I know what he’s saying without saying it. He wants me to hash it out with my father, but he doesn’t realize the reality of who my father is. He knows a work version of my dad. That guy is a people pleaser. He wants to be liked. The dad I know behind closed doors is a tyrant.

With Cole’s hand in mine, I tug him toward the lot where we’re parked. It’s late, I just lost my virginity, and I want to go home and enjoy lying safe in his arms.

“Wait,” my father yells. “You’re right.” He sighs, walking toward us, his gun tucked behind his shoulder. “I hate it, but you’re right. What you do is none of my business. What Isabelle does is none of my business. I should apologize to her.”

My chest tightens and my mouth goes dry. I’m not sure I’ve ever heard my father agree with anything I say. I mean, I spent most of fourth grade convincing him that kids need hugs. He, in fact, did not agree and countered with, ‘Hugs make you weak.’I’m tempted to check his temperature.

“Are you okay?” I ask warily, wondering if this is all a trick. He could be trying to get close enough to be sure the bullet hits right between Cole’s eyes.

Instead, he laughs, which scares me more.

“Cole is a good guy, Junie. You’re lucky to have each other. I don’t agree with his age. But… if you love him, I can see past it.”

I stand with my jaw slacked for more time than I’d like to admit. It’s so long that I miss the words exchanged between Cole and my father. I’m only brought out of my daze when Cole’s big hand lands on my back in comfort.

“You ready to get home?”

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