Page 10

Rust

Summer tourist season is winding down, and the residents of Darkmore were enjoying the reprieve. Autumn is bringing cold wind and frost, and soon, it would be winter when the ski lodge would be booked solid until February. It seems like there was never a dull moment in this small town, especially now that I was working with Darkmore Search and Rescue.

I glance at Charlie, captivated by her soft, pregnant glow. She's radiant, even with her hair tied back into a messy bun and her apron speckled with flour.

Clara, the bakery owner, is cradling her little one, a girl with curly blond hair and big blue eyes. The sight makes me wonder what our baby will look like when they arrive. I know I'm going to love being a dad.

The bakery smells like sweet, fresh bread and coffee. Things have changed so much in the past year. I went from a solitary mountain man to a Search and Rescue volunteer, and now I'm the expectant father of Charlie's baby. I never saw any of this coming, but I wouldn't change a thing.

"So, how are you doing with the training, Rust?" Ash, Charlie's boss' husband, asks. He's a nice guy. His family runs the hardware store across the street.

I shrug, leaning against the counter. "It's going well. I've been on a few calls already. It's good to be back in the action, you know? It's different from the city, but I'm getting the hang of it." I take a sip of coffee, savoring the taste. Charlie always makes the best coffee.

"That's good to hear," Ash says with a nod. "Darkmore's a tight-knit community, and we're glad to have you on the team."

Charlie smiles and pats her growing belly. "Yes, we are."

Clara coos at her daughter, bouncing her gently. "I remember when I came back to Darkmore. It was a breath of fresh air for the entire community, just like you were when you joined the search and rescue team."

I chuckle, looking down at my coffee. "Well, I'm not sure about that. I was a mess when I first got here," I say, looking at Charlie. Her smile widens, and she leans against the counter next to me.

"You were just... different," she says softly. "But you've come a long way, Rust. I'm really proud of you."

The sincerity in her voice warms my heart. I set my coffee down and wrap my arm around her shoulders, pulling her close. "You're the one who's been saving me, Charlie. You make me want to be a better man."

Charlie's eyes shimmer with tears. She laughs and wipes them away. "These darn hormones," she sighs.

"Well, we should get this little one home," Clara says.

"Yes," Ash agrees, giving Clara a soft kiss on the cheek and looking down at the baby with a smile. "I'll see you later, Charlie. Rust, good to see you, man."

"You too, Ash," I say, raising my coffee cup in a salute.

As they leave, Charlie watches them go with a contented sigh. "They're so sweet together," she says.

"Not as sweet as us," I kiss her cheek.

"I don't think it's a contest, Rust," she laughs.

"No, but it's still true," I lean my forehead against her. I never want to be away from my beautiful wife. I put my hand on the curve of her belly. "You. Our family. It's the best thing that's ever happened to me. I can't help but brag."

Charlie smiles. "Do you want to help me prep the dough for tomorrow?"

"Only if I can keep my hands on you the entire time."

Her lips quirk with a smile. Her cheeks blush a soft pink. "Or, maybe you can help me out with these raging hormones in the office first?"

Heat bursts through me. My pregnant wife is insatiable, and I love nothing more than worshipping her beautiful, soft body. "I think the dough can wait a few more minutes."

"Good," she weaves her fingers in mine and leads me to the office.

As I kiss her, I know I'm truly blessed. I have my beautiful wife, my job that keeps me on my toes, and a baby on the way. What else could a mountain man want? Life is perfect.