Page 9 of Stepbrothered by the Mountain Man

“That’s the most important thing,” Grant says, but I can hear the pure misery in his voice as he continues to eye the damage. It’s not just the roof, but the windows, and most of the back wall that’s cracked and straining to hold up the heavy, snow-laden tree. “Levi, why don’t you take Maya out of here while Beau and I figure some things out?”

“Let me put some hot chocolate on,” Emmy offers from the doorway with a teary-eyed Everly. “I’m sure the sound has awoken some guests, too. Everyone will be shaken.”

I nod, leading Maya out of the room and downstairs to the lobby where, sure enough, multiple guests are staring out the window. Reluctantly, I allow Emmy to steer Maya towards the coffee bar while I answer all of their questions and try to reassure them. They only calm down with Emmy’s promise of free hot chocolate, though she encourages them all to take it back to their rooms.

On the couch, Maya’s still misty-eyed, holding onto baby Everly for dear life. In no time, Everly’s toothless smile cheers her up and stops her sniffles. I’m awed by the sight of them and I can’t help but wonder how wonderful of a mother Maya will be someday. A vision of her stomach, round and high, springs to the forefront of my mind.

It’s a bittersweet feeling that I squash away.

Hours later, after multiple mugs of hot chocolate, Beau and Grant appear with the rising sun and our insurance agent, who they see out the door. With them are two cousins, Heath and Jaxon. We’d been friends with them since childhood, and the pair owned a tree removal and cabin-building company with a slew of their other cousins.

Emmy and Everly went back to their room about two hours ago. Maya’s been knocked out for the past hour under the wool blankets on the lobby couch beside me. I wanted to lift her in my arms and tuck her into my bed, but she looked so peaceful after the ordeal, I didn’t want to risk rousing her.

“Good, she’s getting some rest,” Grant said, nodding at Maya. “She’s going to need it, especially while we figure out her new sleeping arrangements. The rooms are all booked with no vacancies for three weeks. There’s one check out today but it’s the room—”

“Dad and Kat are going in,” I say, rubbing a hand over my face. “Damn, I forgot they’re coming today.”

“No big deal. Maya can room with me until we figure it out,” Beau says, his eyes flicking to mine as if he’s expecting me to challenge him.

Damn right.

“She’s staying with me,” I say with finality, before turning to Heath and Jaxon. “What’s the damage like?”

“No pipes run along that side, so there’s no worry about water leaking into the walls. There’s not much structural damage to the building itself, so the room below Maya’s can continue to be rented out, so that’s a blessing,” Heath says.

“The downside is your insurance isn’t going to cover the entire repair or tree removal.” Jaxon turns to Grant. “That’s what happens when you pick the lowest coverage possible.”

“Things were tight back then,” Grant defends.

“And now?” Heath asks.

“We’re in the green,” I begin, then think better of it. “Well, that depends on how much of the repair the insurance will cover.”

“About sixty percent.”

“That’s it?”

Grant and Beau’s sober expressions confirm it.

“We’re definitely not in the green then. Even with the emergency fund,” I mutter.

“Well, there is an upside,” Jaxon says. “You got some free demolition. Beau’s been telling me for over a year that he wants to extend the lodge and add on a few more rooms. This may be a good time to do it.”

Beau looks pensive. “Speaking of, I have a meeting with that property client in three hours.”

I gave him a look. What about family first?

“Heath and Jaxon are coming back in an hour with some equipment and crew. We’re gonna help out to get it done faster. That roof has to be temporarily patched asap,” Grant says. “I better prepare the kitchen for breakfast while I wait. It’s going to take a lot of free bacon to pacify the guests with all the noise from those chainsaws.”

I nod and glance back at Maya. Guests would be coming down for breakfast soon, so I had no choice but to move her. Not that I mind. I’d use any excuse to get this angel into my arms.

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