Page 113 of Wrecked on the Mountain

Jamie's arm tightens around my waist, and I can feel his laughter rumbling through his chest. He hasn't let go of me, like he's afraid I might evaporate if he releases his grip.

This is my family.

The thought hits me as I watch these incredible people celebrate something as simple as me choosing to stay. These people, this place, this chaotic beautiful life.

"I can't believe you all keep champagne in the medical supply closet," I laugh, accepting a glass from Martha.

"You know our boy… Only the best for successful rescues," Travis explains seriously, looking to Jamie who winks in return. "And life-changing decisions."

"Speaking of life-changing—" Beau starts like he's about to make his own announcement, but the front doors burst open and—

"Piper!"

I nearly drop my champagne.

"What the hell are you doing here?!" I shriek, staring at Piper standing in the doorway with her luggage abandoned behind her. "Your flight—"

"You think I was missingthis?" Piper gestures dramatically at the celebration, her blonde hair somehow still intact despite being practically kicked out of my car earlier. "Are you crazy? I changed my flight the second you drove away."

She strides into the room, immediately accepting a champagne flute from Knox.

"So I'm Piper," she announces to the room. "Brooke's best friend, and the person who's been texting her 'STAY WITH THE MOUNTAIN MAN' in all caps for the past month."

Jamie snorts with laughter. "Except for the part where you told my girl about the job offer."

"We won't talk about that," Piper giggles, winking to me.

That's when I notice the hickey on Piper's neck. And Chase turning approximately seventeen shades of red when he sees my neck craning closer to inspect the large purple blush on her skin.

"Oh my GOD," I gasp. "Did you—"

"Congratulations!" Piper cuts me off, raising her glass. She makes warning eyes at me, then glances to Chase who looks smug as hell.

Yeah, okay. I see therealreason she's cancelled that flight. Maybe my choice to stay in Stone River just got even better?

The celebration swirls around us, but Jamie's hand finds mine, tugging me toward the quieter corner near the equipment lockers.

My pulse quickens when I notice his other hand fidgeting with something in his pocket. Something small and distinctly box-shaped.

Oh my God.

"There's something else," Jamie leans close and murmurs against my ear, his breath sending shivers down my spine.

My heart stops completely as he produces a small velvet box.

The room fades away, champagne glasses clinking in the distance as my entire world narrows to this moment.

I'm waiting for him to drop to one knee, my mind racing betweenyesandholy shitandwe've only known each other a month but—

Jamie opens the box to reveal a tiny wooden axe charm attached to a silver key.

"Remember your first day with the firewood?" He grins at my shocked expression, clearly enjoying my confusion. "Remember how I knew exactly who you were but didn't say anything? Well, I went inside after that and had this planned as a gift for when your contract expired. Frank at the hardware store has beenworking on it all month. Thought you might want a reminder of how far you've come when you went back to the big city."

I stare down at the tiny axe, tears blurring my vision.

The craftsmanship is incredible. Every groove and edge perfectly detailed, so realistic I can almost smell pine sap and wood shavings. Frank Barrett made this. Grumpy, scowling Frank who pretends not to care about anyone.

This town and it's people truly are amazing.