Page 1 of Assembling with the Mountain Man (Heroes of Apple Falls #2)

CHAPTER ONE

Chevelle

“I can’t believe we’re doing this in person.” I held up my champagne flute, filled with the most delicious mimosa, and toasted with my best friend, and now once again brunch buddy, Leighton.

After we both downed half of our drinks, Leighton grinned. “I know. Took your ass long enough to get here.”

“Hey, a girl needs to detangle her life when she’s lived in the same place forever.” I took a bite of my apple cinnamon muffin, the delicious flavors bouncing on my taste buds. “Wow, these muffins are yummy. You weren’t lying when you told me how good they are.”

“Nothing like an apple cinnamon muffin from Ruby’s bakery. The drive is worth it. Everything she makes is delicious. I’ll show you all the good spots.” Leighton sipped more of her mimosa.

“How far away is it?”

Leighton chuckled. “It’s in the next town over, Appleridge. Maybe ten to fifteen minutes but be prepared for others to say it’s way too far.”

“Ah, the small-town way of thinking?”

“Pretty much. Better get used to it. Everyone around here knows everyone else’s comings and goings.”

“I figured.” I finished my muffin before grabbing a bowl of cut up fresh fruit. “Won’t be any sneaking around with a sexy mountain man.” I wiggled my eyebrows.

“Watch out. I’m telling you, there is totally something in the water around here. Love sneaks up and bites you in the ass. They call it the Appleridge love bug. Next thing you know, you’re falling in love with a mountain man and pregnant with his love child.”

I stared at my best friend, Leighton, my muffin forgotten before I burst into laughter. “You can’t be serious. It’s not like mountain men are just falling from the sky.”

“No, but they’re still around.” Leighton winked. “Watch out, they’re wild.”

We both dissolved into infectious laughter.

“Speaking of mountain men, where did your hubby take the kids?”

“Cash said they were going to burn some energy off at the park. I don’t know how he does it. I’m exhausted by the end of the day. Plus, Maddie isn’t sleeping through the night quite yet, so the sleep I get is restless and interrupted.”

“Must be tough with the two littles. How does Sammy do through the night?”

“He’s great. Sleeps through the night without an issue. He’s such a sweet, charming little boy. I can’t believe he’s almost three! I feel like we were just celebrating his second birthday.”

“Oh, I remember you calling me during that bash. It looked like a lot of fun.”

“It was. And soon we’ll be planning Maddie’s first birthday, thankfully we have a few months left until she’s no longer a baby. How does it go by so fast?”

“It seems to go by faster the older we get.”

“You can say that again. Especially when watching children grow. It’s like they grow overnight or something.”

I laughed. “Maddie is your twin. It’s adorable. Do you want more?”

Leighton nodded. “Yes, at least a couple. Cash wants a lot.”

“He’s not the one birthing them.”

“That’s what I said!”

We both dissolved into laughter and moved on to discussing her wedding planning and the job I scored in town at the new flower shop. Right now, I rented an Airbnb cabin down the street from Leighton, while I looked for a more permanent place.

“You’re gonna add so much amazingness to Amara’s flower shop.

I stopped in there last week and she’s up to her ears in orders.

She probably didn’t expect to be so busy, but I knew this town needed a flower shop, so I’m not surprised it’s a hot commodity.

She’s running the show all by herself, so I’m sure she’ll be grateful to see you. When do you start?”

“Actually, today at two. Amara set aside the afternoon to show me around, do paperwork, the whole new hire thing.”

“That’s awesome! I can’t wait to hear how it goes. Want another mimosa before the kids get back and you need to go?” Leighton stood up and walked over to the fridge, grabbing the champagne and orange juice.

“You know it, girl. Fill me up!”

My shitty old car protested as I drove to the garden center in town. Some roads weren’t paved well, more dirt than anything, and my car looked like it was one bolt loose from falling apart.

I pulled into the parking lot and parked my car just as a loud crack of thunder exploded in the sky. “Oh shit, a storm is coming.” I said as I took in the dark clouds forming in the sky. It was getting darker by the second. I needed to hurry and get back to the shop before the ran started.

Amara was very nice and so happy and grateful for my help. I showed her some of the custom arrangements I’ve done in my portfolio binder, and she sent me on my first assignment, which was hitting up the garden center for the flowers needed for the afternoon’s orders.

She explained she’s been looking for a wholesale retailer for flowers but hadn’t found one that was affordable yet. So, for now, we used the garden center in town. She also told me again and again how thankful she was I answered her job ad, as it had been only crickets for months.

I killed the engine, grabbed my list, and hurried inside.

The flower selection was in the back, a greenhouse set up with lots of lush plants and vegetation.

Filling up my cart, I got everything on the list, plus a small basil plant for me to bring home.

I needed to start an herb garden, having gifted my last one to my mom before leaving the city.

She couldn’t believe I was taking the leap, a city girl with no concept of small-town mountain life, but she loved my herbs.

I promised to visit her and check in on the herbs.

But they would be fine, as my mother’s green thumb was passed down to me.

Back at my car, I loaded my back seat with the flowers and scrambled inside just as a streak of lightning flashed through the sky. “Ah!” I jumped as loud thunder pierced the sky. Seconds later, the sky opened up and rain poured down.

“Great. My car’s gonna love the mud.” I muttered. I waited several minutes, in hopes of the rain slowing down, but it was only getting heavier.

With a deep breath, I backed out of my parking space and turned onto the road.

As I drove, I noticed the dirt was already turning into mud, the street growing thicker by the second.

My car began sputtering and slowing down until I came to a complete stop. I tried pushing the gas, but my tires spun, mud flying up from behind me.

Shit, shit, shit!

The first storm on this mountain and my shitty car couldn’t handle it.

What do I do? I can’t call Leighton, she’s busy with her children. Maybe Cash can help me.

I texted Amara, letting her know what happened, and she immediately called and said she’d find a tow truck for me.

Once again, I tried pushing the gas, but it was no use. My car wasn’t going anywhere.

With a defeated sigh, I rested my head on the steering wheel and did what I did best- I cried.