Page 12 of The Mountain Man’s Curvy Bride (Mountain Man Sanctuary #3)

Daisy

It's been a few days since Wes and I took our relationship to a new level, and waking up each morning beside him feels like a beautiful dream I never want to end.

Today, we're in town again, on a mission to replace Wes’s old couch—the worn-out piece has definitely seen better days, and I want something fresh and cozy to brighten up our cabin.

We stroll hand-in-hand along the bustling main street, peeking into the windows of various stores. Wes humors my enthusiasm, smiling indulgently as I point out furniture displays that catch my eye.

"That one looks nice," I say, stopping in front of a quaint furniture shop. A plush beige sectional sofa is prominently displayed in the window, adorned with soft throw pillows. "What do you think?"

He shrugs, pretending to be indifferent, but there's a sparkle in his eyes. "If you like it, then it's perfect."

I grin, squeezing his hand gently. "Let's go in."

Inside, the shop smells pleasantly of polished wood and fresh fabric. A friendly saleswoman greets us warmly, directing us to a row of sofas. Wes stands back slightly, watching me thoughtfully as I test out each one, bouncing slightly to gauge their comfort.

"This one," I finally declare, sinking blissfully into the cushions of a deep blue sofa that matches the rustic aesthetic of our cabin. "Try it."

Wes chuckles but complies, sinking down beside me. "Alright. It's comfortable."

I beam, thrilled by his approval. As we're chatting about delivery options with the saleswoman, I notice Wes stiffen beside me. His gaze shifts, becoming hard and intense, fixated somewhere across the store.

"Wes?" I question softly, immediately sensing something is wrong. My heart quickens, a chill creeping over my skin.

"It's him," Wes mutters tightly, jaw clenched. "That guy from the café the other day. He's staring at you again."

I swallow hard, a sudden sense of dread washing over me.

Slowly, reluctantly, I glance over my shoulder, my blood turning to ice when I see him.

Standing near the entrance, leaning casually against a display, is Steven—my possessive, controlling ex-boyfriend.

His eyes lock onto mine instantly, cold and calculating.

My throat tightens, panic rising swiftly. I grip Wes's hand tightly, my voice shaking as I whisper urgently, "We need to leave. Now."

Wes doesn’t hesitate, sensing my fear. "Okay. Come on." He rises swiftly, keeping himself between Steven and me, protectively leading me towards the exit.

Outside, the fresh air hits me, and I draw in a shaky breath. My legs tremble as Wes gently guides me to the truck, concern evident in his eyes. "Who was that, Daisy?"

"Let's just go home, please," I whisper, my voice fragile. "I'll tell you everything, I promise. But not here."

He nods grimly, climbing into the truck quickly and pulling away from the curb.

Silence fills the cab, heavy and tense, as Wes navigates us back towards the safety of our mountain cabin.

Every mile we put between us and Steven eases some of my panic, though the fear still clings stubbornly to my chest.

When we finally arrive home, Wes shuts off the engine and turns to face me, eyes gentle yet filled with quiet intensity. "Talk to me, Daisy. Who was that man?"

Drawing a deep breath, I stare down at my shaking hands. "That was Steven. My ex-boyfriend."

"The one you mentioned before?" Wes's voice remains carefully controlled, but anger simmers beneath the surface.

"Yes," I admit softly. "He was controlling, possessive, and emotionally abusive. It took me a long time to find the strength to leave him. But when I saw your ad online, it felt like my chance to escape, to start fresh somewhere he could never find me."

Wes exhales sharply, frustration and protectiveness clear on his face. "Did he hurt you physically, Daisy?"

"He never hit me," I say quietly, "but he hurt me in every other way. He made me feel worthless, isolated me from my friends, controlled everything I did. Leaving was terrifying, but staying felt worse."

His hand reaches out, covering mine reassuringly. "You're safe now. I promise, Daisy. He won't get near you again."

My eyes meet his, filled with gratitude and lingering fear. "I'm sorry. I should've told you sooner. I didn't want to burden you with my past."

"You're not a burden," he says fiercely, drawing me close into a comforting embrace. "I wish you'd told me sooner, but I'm glad you’re telling me now. We’ll handle this together."

Wrapped in Wes’s strong arms, warmth slowly seeps back into my body, chasing away the chill Steven’s appearance brought. "Thank you," I whisper softly, pressing my face into his shoulder. "Thank you for everything."

He holds me tightly, his voice low and steady, promising me safety, comfort, and a love I never thought I’d find. "Always, Daisy. You're mine, and I won't let anything happen to you."

In that moment, despite the fear lingering in my heart, I believe him completely. And for the first time in years, I feel truly safe.