Page 13 of The Mountain Man’s Curvy Bride (Mountain Man Sanctuary #3)

Wes

The morning sun streams through the cabin window, but its warmth does little to ease the unease that's gnawed at my gut since yesterday. I haven’t been able to shake the image of Steven’s cold, calculating stare fixed on Daisy.

The thought that he tracked her here, to our peaceful mountain haven, sets my blood boiling with rage.

Quietly, I slip out of bed, careful not to disturb Daisy.

Her gentle breathing steadies my racing thoughts slightly, and I pause to watch her sleep.

Her golden hair spills across the pillow, the sunlight highlighting her delicate features.

The protective instinct within me flares even stronger.

I can't bear the idea of anyone, especially Steven, causing her pain or fear ever again.

In the kitchen, I start a pot of coffee and pace anxiously, my mind running over possible scenarios. Why would Steven come here now? After all the effort Daisy put into escaping him, it makes no sense. Unless he’s still obsessed with controlling her. My jaw tightens, the anger simmering hotter.

Pouring myself a cup of coffee, I step onto the porch and pull out my phone. Scrolling through my contacts, I quickly find Sheriff Hank Cooper’s number. Hank has been a good friend for years, a steady, dependable presence in town, and I trust him implicitly.

He answers after two rings. "Morning, Wes. Everything alright?"

"Hey, Hank," I respond, forcing my voice to remain calm despite the tension gripping me. "Listen, I've got a situation I could use your help with."

There's a brief pause before Hank replies cautiously. "What's going on?"

Taking a deep breath, I quickly fill him in on Steven’s appearance in town, his unsettling focus on Daisy, and her terrified reaction.

Hank listens silently, his tone turning serious when he finally speaks.

"I'll run his name through the system and see what turns up.

If he's trouble, we’ll handle it, Wes. You know I've got your back. "

Relief loosens some of the tension in my chest. "Thanks, Hank. Daisy doesn't need any more stress. I just want her safe."

"I understand," Hank reassures me gently. "I’ll get on it right away and let you know what I find."

Ending the call, I lean against the railing, my eyes scanning the quiet forest around us. The peaceful solitude feels suddenly vulnerable. Daisy deserves safety, happiness, and stability, and I'll be damned if I let Steven steal that from her.

Lost in thought, I almost miss the quiet footsteps behind me. Daisy steps onto the porch, wrapped in a cozy robe, sleep still lingering in her soft eyes. "Morning," she murmurs, her smile sleepy and sweet.

"Morning," I reply softly, reaching out to draw her gently into my arms. She sighs contentedly, resting her head on my chest.

"You okay?" she asks quietly, sensing my unrest.

I stroke her hair soothingly, debating how much to share. "Just thinking about yesterday."

She stiffens slightly, pulling back enough to meet my eyes. "Wes, you don’t have to worry about Steven.”

"I do," I insist firmly, cupping her face tenderly. "You're mine, Daisy. Protecting you is my responsibility, and it's one I take seriously."

Her eyes soften, gratitude mingling with affection. "I'm so lucky to have you."

"No," I counter gently, brushing my thumb across her cheek. "I'm the lucky one."

We spend the morning quietly, the tension of yesterday slowly fading beneath the gentle rhythm of our routine.

Daisy insists on baking, filling the cabin with the comforting scent of chocolate and vanilla.

I watch her closely, noting how she relaxes more with each passing hour, her smile growing genuine again.

Later, as we settle onto our new sofa, wrapped together in a blanket, Daisy turns serious. "Wes, I know you talked to Hank. I overheard you this morning."

I sigh, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "I'm sorry, Daisy. I didn’t want you worrying."

She shakes her head, eyes earnest. "No, I appreciate it. Knowing you're taking this seriously makes me feel safer. But I just wish you didn’t have to deal with my past like this."

I tilt her chin up, my gaze steady. "Your past is part of who you are, Daisy. I accept all of you—every beautiful, complicated piece."

She leans forward, pressing a tender kiss to my lips. "Thank you, Wes."

Before I can respond, my phone buzzes with a message from Hank. Anxiety twists my stomach as I read his text: “Steven has a record. Assault charges, restraining orders. I'll keep an eye on him. Stay vigilant."

Daisy watches my face carefully, her worry resurfacing. "What is it?"

"Hank confirmed Steven’s trouble," I admit reluctantly, not wanting to frighten her but needing honesty. "But he's watching him closely. We'll handle this together, Daisy. You're safe here, with me."

She nods slowly, trust clear in her eyes. "I believe you."

The rest of the day passes quietly, yet a subtle tension remains, a silent acknowledgment of the potential threat lurking nearby. As night falls, I double-check the locks, ensuring everything is secure before joining Daisy in bed. She curls into me immediately, her warmth comforting.

"I'm sorry," she whispers quietly into the darkness. "For bringing this into your life."

"You have nothing to apologize for," I reassure her firmly, pulling her even closer. "You're my life now, Daisy. I love you, and I'll protect you with everything I have."

She lifts her head slightly, joy clear in her expression. “I love you too.”

"Completely," I whisper sincerely, my heart pounding with the truth of those words.

Her lips find mine, soft and trembling, sealing our promise in the tenderest of kisses. When she finally rests her head against my chest again, her breathing steadying into sleep, my resolve hardens even further.

No matter what it takes, I'll ensure Daisy never feels unsafe again. Steven or anyone else who tries to threaten our peace will quickly discover just how fiercely I protect what's mine.