Page 18 of The Mountain Man's Hunted Bride

“Then go get him while I get dressed.”

When he stands, I see he wore sweatpants and a T-shirt to bed. So considerate and gentlemanly. So different than what I’ve spent the last few years exposed to.

My stepbrothers are selfish, egotistical users who demand everything and give nothing. Even when we were young, they’d expose themselves to me and have sex with their girlfriends where I’d see them.

Gerdie told me that there are two types of men: givers and takers. She told me they don’t get better than Gray.

After a fast shower, I slip into a pair of new jeans and a T-shirt. I feel different. Stronger. Hopeful. I know people would say it’s too soon to be in love. I know in my heart that I can believe and trust Gray. I won’t let him down.

Gray already has the coffee made and pours me a cup as I approach the table. Beck is sitting in front of the computer that they were both studying. He glances up.

“Gray says you can REALLY cook and you will feed us. Whatever you’re making, make mine a double. I’m starved for home cooking. I’ve been living off fast food or gas station fare for almost two weeks.”

“Well then, I guess I better make steak and eggs. You like hash browns and homemade biscuits?”

“Marry me,” Beck asks.

Gray slaps the back of his head. “Watch how you talk to my wife.”

“Adopt me?”

“Stuff it.” Gray points to the screen. “Let’s get the installation points figured out. I want to get the supplies bought today and as many as possible up and running.”

Breakfast is a joy. Beck eats three helpings and keeps oohing and aahing. He pulls out his phone and does some texting. A few minutes later Gray’s phone buzzes. He checks the message then scowls at Beck. Then his phone pings again, and again.

He looks at me. “Kitten, the guys all want to come help with the security here and want to know if you’ll cook for them, too? That would be four more, five if Oliver comes.”

“Are you talking feeding them just today, or today and tomorrow?”

“Both,” Beck speaks up. “It will definitely take us the weekend.”

“I’d love to. You know cooking is my thing. Could I go to town with you? I’d like to get a couple roasts and few more side items. Could we invite Gerdie and Russett, too?”

He smiles. “Anything you want, kitten”.

CHAPTER 13

Gray

I spent years on battlefields and in barracks with my men. If I’m honest, as much as I like and sometimes need my isolation to battle my past and the horrors of war, I have missed this camaraderie.

Glancing around the room, seeing them all stuffed to the gills on Tawny’s cooking, relaxed and smiling, warms me to my soul. This is my family. My chosen family and I couldn’t ask for better. Already they each love Tawny. I know that if anything were to happen to me, they’d take care of her.

I’m not surprised when they insist on doing clean up and tell me to take my bride out to the porch and relax. Gerdie volunteers to supervise.

On the porch I find two new Amish Bentwood rockers. The card on the chair says, Congratulations. The Family.

I sit, urging Tawny onto my lap. “Thank you. Dinner was fantastic. It was good to have us all together here at the cabin. We try to grab a beer once every couple of months, but this... this was so much better. This was a real family get together.”

“I loved it, too. Almost storybook. All the kindness. The way they really enjoyed the food. The respect you all show each other. The way everyone pitched in to help. This is what real families have, isn’t it?”

I swallow the knot in my throat. “Yes, kitten. This is what a real family looks like. We take care of each other.”

“I want to do this every week or at least every other week. They can bring their girlfriend’s, too. Are any of them married?”

“Not yet.”

She cuddles onto my chest and I gently rock us. May have to add on to the front of the cabin to give us more family and eating room. Need a bigger porch, too. I wonder if the team can get it done before the Thanksgiving holiday. That would give us a little over two months.