Page 14 of Don’t Make Me Fall (Mountain Men of Cinnamon Creek #1)
About a year later…
Alanna
I inhale the fresh mountain air and smile, still in disbelief that this is my life. That I ever settled for the life I lived before it. I scan the colorful landscape in awe, as I do every time I make this hike.
It’s a beautiful autumn day for a wedding on a mountain top.
Moving to Cinnamon Creek a year ago was the best decision I ever made. I’m surrounded by those I love most—including the man I’m about to marry. A man who loves me exactly for who I am and always encourages me to pursue the things that set my soul on fire.
Speaking of fires, our sex life has only gotten better over time. Something I truly didn’t think was possible. If I had a dollar for every orgasm that man has given me, we’d be millionaires.
I steal a glance at the large tent Hudson set up before everyone got here. One big enough to fit an air mattress. As eager as I am to marry my soulmate, I’m eager to try out that air mattress after everyone leaves.
“I’m so happy for you,” Erin says, squeezing my arm.
“I’m so glad you talked me into staying,” I tell her. “Into giving this a real chance.”
“I think everything worked out the way it was meant to.” She glances back at all our friends. “For all of us.”
“You ready to get this show on the road or what?” Reid asks, inviting himself into the conversation.
“You ready to give me away?”
“I’m honored,” he says, meaning it.
Reid was the least surprised about Hudson and I falling in love, and the most supportive of his best friend marrying his little sister.
He was also over the moon when I told him I wanted to stay in Cinnamon Creek.
Turns out, Erin was right. My brother takes care of all the hiring at the lodge. All I ever had to do was tell Reid I wanted a job, and it was mine. But had Winnie not redirected me to Hudson’s house that day, I might not have been brave enough to see this through.
I glance back at the older woman I’ve come to consider a grandma—the one who will be officiating the wedding today—here with her twin sister Wilma, and smile.
They didn’t hike up to Sunset Point as the rest of us did.
They were dropped off in a helicopter nearby and escorted in ATVs.
I hope I’m half as badass as them when I’m their age.
Winnie works part time at the lodge, when she’s not traveling the world with her sister. And she thinks I haven’t noticed, but every time that woman is around, people seem to fall in love.
“It’s time, sweetheart,” Hudson whispers into my ear, coming up behind me and enveloping me in his warmth.
“Just one more moment,” I insist, placing my hands over top of his resting on my waist. He rests his chin against my cheek, and I sigh the happiest of sighs. “Have you ever seen anything more beautiful?”
“Yes,” he says.
I turn my head over my shoulder to look at him.
“You, sweetheart. Always you.”
“Oh, well I suppose that’s allowed.”
The sun breaks through the clouds, and it feels like a sign that this is truly meant to be.
The light catches on something in the canyon below, and I creep to the edge. Hudson holds me tighter, reminding me of the time I nearly dove off the top after my phone. He was there to catch me. I know now he always will be.
“Careful,” he warns.
“I think that’s…”
“What?”
I point to the spot among the rocks that’s glaring from the light. “I think that’s my phone.”
“You want to hike down there later and get it?” Hudson asks.
“Nah,” I say, turning in his arms and wrapping my hands around his neck. “I don’t need it. I have all I need right here.”
“Save the kiss for after the vows, kids,” Winnie insists.
“Sorry, Winnie,” Hudson apologizes. “I’m just so in love with this woman I can hardly stand it.”
“Well then, let’s get you two kids married so you can get right on with the honeymoon.”
“I couldn’t agree more,” I say, kissing Hudson’s cheek. “I love you.”
“I love you more.” Hudson kisses my forehead. “And tonight, after everyone leaves, I’ll prove it.”