Page 30 of Mountain Man Santa

“I should have known,” I grumble.

“She said she was tired of watching you and me lead miserable lives apart. And she pointed out that nobody will keep me safer than you.”

I counter, “But I can’t break my promise to your brothers.”

“My brothers may have suspicioned you the first time they met you, but each one admitted today that your level of bravery and valor is unmatched. And they gave us their blessings, agreeing to what Dee said—that only you can truly keep me safe.”

For the first time, I really let myself look at her again, taking in her stunning beauty. Her symmetrical, oval face and baby blues, her shapely pink lips and flushed cheeks, her gorgeous caramel-colored hair, which she cut into a shoulder-length bob.

“If you don’t believe me about my brothers, check your phone. I made them swear they would text you, providing their permission and blessing for our relationship. And they also agreed to put in a good word with Dad.”

I run my big hand through her short, silky hair, drawing closer and breathing in her delicious scent. “You cut your hair, baby girl.”

She nods, tears filling her eyes. “And you’ve lost a lot of weight.” Her hand comes up to stroke my cheek. “Are you sick?”

“No, just not a big fan of hospital food.”

Her brows shoot up, and her face tightens with concern.

“It’s okay, Shortie,” I reassure her, palming her face and stroking her cheek with my thumb. “Just recovering from the gunshot wound I mentioned earlier. I kinda wasted away in the hospital and rehab facility because, without you, there was no fucking thing to live for…except irrational hope.”

Raising her wrist to my lips, I kiss her heart tattoo tenderly, savoring the feel of her warm flesh on mine and the instant sparks of desire flaming between us. Bending my left leg over my right, I pull up my pants leg, flashing the words she wrote on me during the blizzard. “I got this tattooed on my leg before the ink faded because I needed a way to keep you with me…always. And I kept hoping we’d somehow figure this shit out, and these could be our wedding vows.”

“Jerry,” she sighs, covering her mouth with her hand. “You had the artist trace my handwriting and everything.”

“I wanted to remember everything about you for as long as I live…and I secretly hoped somehow, someday, destiny would bring us back together.” The light sparking in her eyes tells me everything I need to know.

Before she can say another word, I grab her hand and drop down on one knee. “I know this may not be the right time or the right place. But here it goes. There’s not much I want in this world. So, when I do find one of those rare and special things or people, I never let go. I’m loyal, Stace, and I’m looking for one girl to see through thick and thin for the rest of my life. I want you to be that girl. I promise to love you, care for you, and keep you well-fed and safe for as long as I live. Stacey Sutherland, will you do me the honor of becoming Mrs. Jerry Lee?”

She covers her mouth with her hand, tears welling in her eyes. “Yes, Jerry. Nothing would make me happier.” Looking up, I realize a crowd has gathered around us. I search in vain for something I can use for a ring, asking, “Does anyone have a pen or something?”

A white-haired man beside me pulls a gray and black pen out of his pants pocket. “All I have is a permanent marker. Will that do?”

My eyes lock with Stacey’s, and happy tears flow down her cheeks. “See, baby girl, that’s a sign from God that this is meant to be. I remove the cap, scrawling a messy black band around the ring finger of her left hand. She smiles from ear to ear, staring at the silly mark like it’s made of gold. Returning the pen to the man with a “thank you” and a nod, the terminal breaks into applause as I sit back down, gathering my future bride in my lap and holding her close.

“It’s perfect, Jerry. Everything about this moment is better than I could have ever imagined because I get to be with you. Ilove you so much. Please don’t ever make me live without you again.”

“I promise to stay by your side and be your man for as long as I live.” I palm her cheek, staring happily into my future wife’s face. I’ll never get tired of this sight. She sits in my lap for a long time, and we make out until a begrudging security guard comes over, scolding us to keep things decent because there are kids in the terminal.

“That’s the most scrutiny I’ve had from a man in uniform in years, Stace. You’re a bad influence on me.”

She nods, laughing. “So, what do we do now, Jerry? Do you still have to go to New York City and leave me?”

“Nah, that shit can wait. I’ve got a realtor handling everything. It’ll be fine. Here’s my idea, and tell me if you like it. I say we turn my ticket in and see about getting two first-class flights to Las Vegas instead.”

“What are we going to do in Vegas?” she asks, her eyes still bright with tears.

“Well, for starters, we’re getting married—just like the dream elopement you told me about during the blizzard. And then we’re getting our wedding bands tattooed unless you want to ring shop? After that, we’ll spend a week honeymooning and making up for lost time. I need you so much. There aren’t words to describe it. We could start another naughty list because I will never run outta ideas when it comes to your voluptuous body. Or we could just lie in bed cuddling. I’m down with anything and everything so long as your body is never more than a few inches from mine. Skin-to-skin contact preferred, of course. What do you think?”

“Yes, Jerry. Yes to everything,” she says breathlessly.

“But before all that, I need the old guy’s permanent marker back.”

“Why, baby?”

I smile seductively. “Because I already have an idea for the first item on the new naughty list for your back—the mile-high club.”

“You are so dirty,” she says, swatting at me playfully.

“And you love it.” I nod, feeling my face flush.

Palming my cheeks, she says, “I do. But I love you even more.”

I pull her into my arms, kissing her long and hard. “I love you, too, Shortie. You’re mine, whether you like it or not.Forever.”