Page 10 of Her Grumpy Mountain Man

I let out a breath that catches halfway in my throat as Maddox draws me against his side. I lean into him, pressing my palm to his chest. Relief comes in uneven waves. My knees feel strange, and I want to laugh, but my eyes sting instead.

Jude’s expression grows serious. “We came to tell you in person.” He rests a hand on the back of a kitchen chair. “And take you home.”

Home.

I look toward the fireplace. The pillows are still pushed together where we slept. One corner of the quilt is folded back, and Maddox’s shirt lies beside the couch. My paperback rests on the coffee table, a bookmark tucked into the page I never finished, too distracted by my real-life lumberjack.

I know where everything is. When did that happen? Yesterday, I was a guest, trying not to be in the way. This morning, leaving feels like abandoning something before I’m ready.

“Oh.” I look back at Jude.

Maddox’s hand shifts against my back, then stills. I know he feels it too—the uncertainty of a future we are both afraid to speak of.

“If you need a few minutes to pack, we can wait outside.” Kat glances toward the bedroom.

I should thank them. I am grateful they drove all this way to bring me the news I’ve been desperate to hear. But I can’t make myself move toward the bedroom to pack my bag.

Maddox looks down at me. “What do you want to do?” His voice is quiet..

“I don’t want to leave.” I lift my eyes to his. “I know I can go home now.” My hand presses more firmly against his chest. “I’m glad I can. But I don’t want to go because I don’t want to leave you.”

For one awful second, I wonder whether I’m saying too much in front of our friends. Whether he needs time to decide what last night means now that I no longer need a bodyguard.

“I don’t want you to leave.” He turns toward me, giving me his full attention. “I’ve been trying to work out how to ask you to stay without making you feel like you should.”

My throat tightens. “You can just ask.”

“Stay, Ava.” His fingers close around mine.

I nod. “Yes.”

Behind us, Jude clears his throat. I turn to find him studying the front of my shirt with immense satisfaction.

“I knew it.” He points at the stick figures.

Maddox closes his eyes briefly. “Jude.”

“No, this is important.” Jude steps closer and gestures toward the question mark. “That shirt has been doing its work.”

I glance down at the design. “The shirt?” I look back at him.

“The magic of the shirt.” He spreads his hands. “Brought you two together.”

Kat rolls her eyes. “Oh, for heaven’s sake. Give it a rest.”

“I’m only saying the success rate is impressive.” He lets her steer him toward the door.

“You can tell me all about it on the way home.” She reaches for the handle.

Jude looks over his shoulder at Maddox. “We’ll have to update the stick figures.”

“Goodbye, Jude.” Maddox opens the door for them.

Kat smiles at me. “Call me later.” She steps onto the porch.

“I will.” I give her a small wave.

Jude is still talking about the shirt as she guides him down the steps.