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I love this woman. She’s everything to me. Nothing will ever change that.
“You doin’ okay, big guy?” Aspen’s friend Lark pats me on the back as she joins me on the edge of the field. “Everleigh is really happy for you guys, and so am I. Aspen deserves this.”
“I only want to make her happy.” I watch as a cool breeze blows her hair back. “Whatever it takes, I’ll do it.”
Lark wipes away a tear. “God, I want that. Where can I find it? Are there more of you in Alaska somewhere?”
I laugh. “You’re young. You’ve got plenty of time. Besides, Aspen told me you had a thing for a guy in town, wouldn’t say who, but why don’t you pursue it?”
She shakes her head and grins. “Yeah, and then what? Maybe we can blow up half the town like you two. I’m surprised everyone on this mountain didn’t revolt and make you leave.”
“Wasn’t exactly our fault. That bear did most of it.”
“I should say so. The bakery needs rebuilding and so does half the general store. Good thing you guys are staying in town to fix it.”
“We’re contractors so that’s what we do. Should have things back to normal in a few months. I think there are a few guys coming down from Wyoming to help too. Rowan called in reinforcements.” I grin. “That’s not what we were talking about, though. We were about to dive into your love life.”
She glances up at me. “You have a lot to say for a guy who supposedly doesn’t talk much.”
I laugh. “Well… if there’s a guy in town you like, you should go after him. Don’t let eighteen years pass by like we did. Not a day goes by that I’m not trying to make up for that time.”
She looks up toward me as though maybe my advice is solid, but I see the battle going on behind her eyes. I remember that feeling. The one where you want something so badly, but you know to have it would make you the bad guy.
“I’m pretty sure this isn’t the same. I don’t know what to do, but I know I’ve got to do something soon.”
“Do you think he feels the same way?”
“Who knows?” She sighs. “Anyway, it’s your wedding day, not sit around and listen to me cry day. I’m glad you guys are staying in Rugged Mountain. Just promise you won’t blow anything else up.”
I laugh. “No promises.”
She wanders into the field with Aspen and Everleigh, and a part of me breaks for her. I know what it’s like to want something with all your being and feel like you’ll never have it.
“Hey, Dad.” Rowan stands beside me. “Got the tracking information on that bear back. Guess she’s clear into Canada and the cubs are still with her.”
“Another town or are they staying in the mountains?”
He laughs. “In the mountains, thankfully. We have another big hunt planned?”
“Nothing right now. Think I might settle down for a bit. Aspen was talking about maybe trying for a baby.”
His eyes widen. “A baby? You’re old.”
I bump his shoulder. “Not that old. I can hack it. It’s what we want, and I want to see her happily holding our baby. I want to watch her be a mom.”
“Jesus! You’re getting sentimental now, too?” Rowan groans, but I know he’s joking. The boys have all been supportive of everything. They always have been. I’m lucky they’re mine.
Maybe I am getting sentimental.
I need a beer, a cigar, and a fishing trip.
Aspen joins us at the edge of the field. “Early spring flowers have always been the prettiest, don’t you think?”
I grip her waist and pull her in. “I agree wholeheartedly that anything you’re holding is the prettiest.”
She rolls her eyes. “You’re ridiculous, and that’s not true. I’m clearly a mess and I need to get dressed for the ceremony. Can you wrap these up for me?”
“Are you sure you don’t want to wait? I have money saved, and we can—”
