Page 6 of The Mountain Man’s Curvy Bride (Mountain Man Sanctuary #3)

Daisy

The morning sun peeks through the cabin windows, painting soft golden patterns across the quilt as I stretch lazily, waking up to the delicious scent of freshly brewed coffee drifting through the open bedroom door.

It's been days since Wes and I started sharing the bed, and while we're careful to keep to our own sides, I won't deny I've become increasingly aware of his comforting presence beside me each night.

I slip out of bed, wrapping myself in a cozy robe before padding into the kitchen. Wes stands by the stove, his broad shoulders and strong back making my heart flutter with a warmth that's rapidly becoming familiar.

"Good morning," I greet him cheerfully, inhaling the aroma deeply. "Coffee smells amazing."

He glances over his shoulder, lips quirking slightly into what I've come to recognize as his version of a smile. "Morning. Sleep okay?"

"Wonderfully," I reply, stepping up beside him and reaching for a cup. "The bed-sharing idea was genius."

Wes clears his throat, eyes shifting quickly away, his cheeks tinged with pink. "Glad you're comfortable."

"Hey," I say brightly, suddenly struck by an idea. "Can we head into town today? I've got an idea I want to run by the local stores."

He raises an eyebrow, curiosity flickering in his eyes. "What kind of idea?"

I beam enthusiastically. "Selling my homemade fudge. I made some samples yesterday, and I thought we could hand them out, see if anyone's interested."

His lips twitch again, amusement warming his usually serious eyes. "Sounds like a plan."

After breakfast, we head into town, the crisp mountain air filling my lungs with optimism and excitement. We park near Main Street, a charming stretch lined with quaint shops, bustling cafés, and friendly locals.

Our first stop is a cozy gift shop, its shelves stocked with handmade candles, local crafts, and charming souvenirs. The owner, Martha, an older woman with twinkling eyes and an easy smile, eagerly takes one of my samples.

"Oh, honey," Martha exclaims, eyes lighting up as she tastes the fudge. "This is heavenly! I'd be thrilled to sell your fudge here."

"Really?" My heart leaps with joy, and I glance up at Wes, who looks genuinely proud, his quiet approval warming my cheeks.

"Absolutely," Martha nods emphatically. "Bring me a batch tomorrow. We'll get you set up right away."

The morning continues with similar success.

The café owner down the street, an energetic man named Rick, enthusiastically agrees to sell my fudge beside his pastries.

Even the local general store owner, initially skeptical, grumbles appreciatively after tasting the chocolatey goodness and offers me a small space near the checkout counter.

By lunchtime, my spirits are soaring. "Can you believe it?" I gush to Wes as we walk hand in hand back to the truck. "I'm finally making something of my life."

"You deserve it," Wes says softly, squeezing my hand gently. "Your fudge is incredible."

I glance at him, heart fluttering. "Thanks, Wes. For everything."

Later that evening, we head over to Liam and Everly's cabin for dinner. Everly greets me with a hug, her infectious enthusiasm immediately setting a joyful tone for the night.

Over a delicious meal of grilled steaks, roasted vegetables, and homemade bread, laughter fills the room.

Liam regales us with hilarious tales of their mountain adventures, while Everly shares amusing stories of her city life before meeting Liam.

I find myself relaxing, genuinely happy and at ease, Wes's occasional chuckles warming me from the inside out.

As the evening winds down, Everly pulls me aside, her eyes sparkling mischievously. "You two seem good together," she whispers knowingly.

My cheeks flush warmly. "I hope so. I'm still figuring it out, but he's... he's wonderful."

Everly smiles gently. "Give it time. Liam was a bit of a grump at first too, and look at us now."

Back home, the cabin is quiet, and a sudden nervousness grips me as I realize we're once again alone. The bedroom seems smaller, more intimate, the air thick with an unspoken tension as we prepare for bed.

Wes steps into the room, shirtless, his chest broad and muscular. I avert my eyes quickly, heart pounding furiously in my chest. "Good night," I say softly, voice trembling slightly.

"Good night, Daisy," he replies, his deep voice sending shivers down my spine as he settles into bed beside me.

Lying in the dark, I listen to his breathing, wondering if he feels this tension too, this overwhelming desire to bridge the small gap between us. My heart races as I turn slightly toward him, courage building.

"Wes?" I whisper softly, voice barely audible.

"Yeah?" His response is gentle, alert.

"Thank you for today. For everything," I murmur, the words feeling inadequate for what I'm truly trying to convey.

"You don't need to thank me," he says quietly. "You're amazing, Daisy. I mean that."

I hesitate, breath hitching. "Wes... would you?—"

Before I can finish, his warm hand gently cups my face, thumb brushing softly over my cheek. My heart nearly stops as he leans in, pressing a tender, lingering kiss to my lips.

The kiss is gentle at first, cautious and sweet, then slowly deepens, filling me with a warmth and passion I didn't realize I'd been craving so desperately. I melt into him, my fears and nerves dissolving with every touch.

When he finally pulls back, we're both breathing heavily, his dark eyes searching mine carefully. "Was that okay?" he asks softly.

I nod, unable to stop the smile spreading across my lips. "More than okay."

He smiles softly, pulling me close, wrapping me securely in his strong embrace. "Good," he whispers against my hair. "Because I've been wanting to do that since the day you arrived."

Nestled safely in Wes's arms, my heart feels lighter than ever before. I may not have planned this, may not have known exactly what I was getting myself into, but tonight, wrapped in his warmth, I realize something important.

I might just be falling in love with my husband.