Page 22

LOVED BY THE MOUNTAIN MAN

The smell of fresh sawdust fills my workshop as I run my calloused hand over the smooth edge of the cherry wood dresser. Seven years of building furniture has made my touch as precise as any measuring tool. This piece is special—a birthday gift for my daughter.

Lily will be eight next week. Eight years since she came into the world, all pink and perfect. Seven years since I lost Beth.

I swallow hard, focusing on the grain of the wood beneath my fingers. The past is the past. I've learned to live with the hollow space Beth left behind. Learned to be both mother and father to our little girl.

The whir of my phone vibrating against the workbench breaks my concentration. Probably Sawyer checking about Sunday dinner. My oldest brother has taken on even more "head of family" duties since settling down with Lisa and their growing brood.

But the name on the screen isn't Sawyer's.

Maddie Grey.

My hand freezes mid-reach, heart stuttering in my chest. Fifteen years since I've seen that name on my phone. Fifteen years since she walked away from Grizzly Ridge—from me—without a backward glance.

My first love. My first heartbreak.

I answer before I can think better of it. "McKenna."

"Luke." Her voice is exactly as I remember—soft with that hint of rasp that has always done things to me. "I... hi."

Seven years of raising a daughter alone has taught me patience. But hearing Maddie's voice again tests every ounce of it.

"Maddie." I keep my voice neutral, though my grip on the phone tightens. "Been a long time."

"Too long," she says, the words barely above a whisper. "I'm back in town. Just temporarily," she adds quickly. "For work. I'm doing a piece on small-town revitalization projects, and Grizzly Ridge is on the list."

Of course. Just passing through. Just like before.

"Town's still here," I say, the words coming out more gruffly than intended. "Not much has changed."

The lie feels sharp on my tongue. Everything has changed. I have changed—from the carefree boy who loved her recklessly to the widowed father who measures every risk against what it would cost my daughter.

"I heard about Beth," Maddie says softly. "Luke, I'm so sorry."

I close my eyes, leaning against my workbench. "Thank you."

The silence stretches between us, heavy with fifteen years of unspoken words.

"I was hoping we could talk," she finally says. "For the article, of course. Your furniture business is exactly the kind of local success story I'm looking for."

Business. Article. Professional distance. I can handle that. What I can't handle is the way my traitor heart still recognizes her voice, still remembers every promise we made under summer stars.

"Sure," I say, almost surprising myself. "I have a showroom in town now. You can stop by tomorrow morning."

"Great! I mean... thank you, Luke. I appreciate it."

I'm about to hang up when she speaks again, her voice softer.

"And Luke? I'd really like to meet your daughter. I've heard she's beautiful. Just like her father."

Something dangerous and warm unfurls in my chest—something I thought died with Beth.

"Ten o'clock. At the showroom," I say, ignoring the comment about Lily. About me. "Don't be late, Grey. Some things never change."

I end the call before she can respond, before I can say something I'll regret.

Like how I've never stopped thinking about her. Like how for years after she left, I'd look for her face in every crowd. Like how even loving Beth—truly, deeply loving her—had never quite erased the memory of first love.

I set down the phone and pick up my sanding block. Work is good. Work is safe. Work doesn't complicate my carefully constructed life with green eyes and a laugh that was once my whole world.

Tomorrow will be strictly business. Nothing more.

I buried my heart once with my wife. And what remains belongs to my daughter.

Maddie Grey is just passing through. Again.

This time, I won't be left standing in her dust.

LOVED BY THE MOUNTAIN MAN is coming soon! Don't miss this emotional, steamy second chance romance featuring the youngest McKenna brother and the woman who broke his heart. Will Luke risk everything for a second chance at first love?