Page 3 of The Mountain Man’s Curvy Bride (Mountain Man Sanctuary #3)
Wes
I wake up with a groan, stretching my stiff limbs on the too-short couch.
The quilt is tangled around my legs, evidence of a restless night spent tossing and turning.
Not that I expected anything different. The lumpy cushions offered zero comfort, but I'd be damned if I let Daisy sleep on the couch her first night here.
Even a grumpy mountain man like me has some standards.
Still, I can't complain too much—not with visions of Daisy filling my head all night.
Every time I closed my eyes, I'd see her standing there in my cabin, her bright yellow dress hugging those irresistible curves.
Her long blonde hair cascaded down her shoulders like spun gold, her smile radiant enough to chase away every shadow.
She doesn't belong here, in this rough place, yet something deep inside me desperately wants her to stay.
The sound of humming reaches me from the bedroom, soft and melodic.
Of course, she's already awake and happy as ever.
It figures she'd wake up with more cheerfulness than should be allowed this early.
I sit up, rubbing my gritty eyes and standing with a grunt.
I'm too old for couch surfing. Hell, I feel ancient after just one night.
"Good morning," Daisy chirps brightly, stepping out of the bedroom dressed casually in leggings and an oversized sweater that slips off one shoulder.
Damn, she's beautiful—even in casual clothes that shouldn't be nearly as enticing as they are.
My mouth goes dry as she approaches, smelling faintly of vanilla and something fresh like spring blossoms.
"Morning," I mutter, voice gruff from sleep. I rub my hand over my stubbled jaw, suddenly hyper-aware of my rumpled state.
"Did you sleep okay?" She glances at the couch, sympathy shining in those bright blue eyes.
"I've had worse," I reply, shrugging nonchalantly. "Coffee?"
"Please," she says eagerly, following me to the kitchen.
We move around each other in the cramped space, me brewing the coffee, her finding cups with effortless ease, like she's already lived here forever. There's something oddly comforting about the rhythm we find so quickly.
As I pour the coffee, I glance sideways at her. I can't help myself—I need to know more about her. About what kind of life would lead her to agree to marry a stranger hidden away in the mountains. But now isn't the time. Questions can wait. Today, I have a courthouse wedding to get through.
"About today," I begin awkwardly. "Are you sure you're okay with the courthouse? It's not exactly fancy."
She smiles warmly, accepting the steaming cup of coffee. "Fancy isn't important. What's important is us, Wes."
Us . The word sends an unfamiliar warmth through my chest, something I'm definitely not used to feeling.
"Right," I say, clearing my throat roughly. "Well, we'd better get ready."
It doesn't take long to get cleaned up and dressed. I opt for my nicest flannel and jeans, while Daisy disappears into the bedroom, emerging later in a simple yet elegant white dress that steals my breath away. She’s stunning, a vision in white, and I momentarily forget how to breathe.
"You look..." I start, unable to finish.
Her cheeks flush prettily. "It's my mother's dress. She wanted me to wear it someday." She blushes nervously. “It’s kind of tight.”
"It's perfect," I finally manage, feeling inadequate for words.
The drive into town is quiet but not uncomfortable. Daisy hums softly to herself, her fingers tapping a rhythm on her knee, her smile never fading. When we arrive at the small courthouse, my stomach knots with unexpected nerves.
"Relax," Daisy says gently, reaching over to squeeze my hand reassuringly. "We’re in this together."
Her touch steadies me more than I want to admit, and I nod, climbing from the truck and leading her inside.
"Well, look what the mountain dragged in," a familiar voice drawls as soon as we step through the courthouse doors.
I groan inwardly, turning to see my cousin, Liam, standing nearby, grinning widely. Beside him stands a pretty brunette woman I've never seen before.
"Liam," I say flatly, ignoring his teasing. “Glad you could make it.”
“Thanks for asking for me to be your witness," Liam says easily, stepping forward to clap me on the shoulder. "Someone's gotta keep you honest."
I snort softly, glancing at the woman beside him. "Who's this?"
"Everly," she introduces herself warmly, smiling at Daisy. "Liam's girlfriend."
Daisy beams back, stepping forward eagerly. "I'm Daisy."
The two women immediately strike up a conversation, their chatter filling the quiet courthouse hallway as if they'd known each other forever. Liam nudges me, eyebrows raised.
"You sure about this, Wes? Marriage is a big deal."
"I'm sure," I say firmly, watching Daisy laugh at something Everly says, her face bright and carefree. "She's...different."
"I can see that," Liam agrees softly, his eyes thoughtful. "You deserve someone good, Wes. Don't mess this up."
"Thanks for the vote of confidence," I mutter sarcastically, though his words linger.
Soon, the four of us stand before a bored-looking justice of the peace. The ceremony is short and practical, but as I take Daisy's hands in mine, repeating vows I barely hear, I realize how badly I want this to work. How desperately I want her to stay.
"You may kiss the bride," the justice says with a perfunctory tone.
My heart thunders as I lean in, brushing a gentle kiss across Daisy's soft lips. It's brief, chaste, but enough to spark something deep inside me. When I pull back, Daisy's eyes shine with emotion, and I wonder if she feels it too.
After the ceremony, Liam and Everly invite us for a celebratory lunch at the local diner. Daisy happily accepts, already chatting enthusiastically with Everly as we head to our trucks. Watching her easy laughter and joy, something shifts within me.
Maybe this marriage isn't just a formality. Maybe it's the beginning of something more—something real. And as I climb behind the wheel, glancing over at Daisy, I decide to let myself hope.
I'm in over my head, and for once, I don't mind.