Page 9 of Claiming My Mountain Man

I go to the Hungry Saloon every week or so for a break. Usually on a Monday or Tuesday to avoid the crowds and family nights.

Seating another log, I pause as I realize while growing up, Dad and I followed the same pattern. Mom was rarely home on the weekend and the first two days of the week she’d be sleeping off her bender. The end of the week we didn’t risk running into her or her current boyfriend.

JB and Clair were my first exposure to normal family life. The love between them, and later Juni, was tangible. I swear I could feel it. When I was with them, I could sometimes sense it spreading out toward me.

Then I screwed it up by falling in love with their daughter and had to step away. I knew I’d never be good enough for her. Now here she is, my every fantasy. In my cabin, in the bed next to me.

And still, I cannot touch what I long for.

It’s dusk by the time I return inside. The firewood carrier is stuffed, and I have another load on the porch if the storm proves to be a harsh one. We should be good, but storms can be unpredictable this time of year.

Opening the door I’m struck by a mouth-watering aroma. “That smells delicious. What are you making?”

Turning from the stove top, she smiles at me. “It’s a vegetarian Tuscan stew that even my dad loves. I do have a couple sausages I can heat up for you to go with it if you’d like. There’s also garlic toast and peanut butter and chocolate brownies for dessert.”

“As good as it smells, I’m game for just the stew. I mean, if JB likes it...”

She laughs. “Go wash up, it’s ready when you are.”

Wiping my mouth after the second helping, I shake my head. “Okay, I’m a snob. I always assumed that vegetarian meant no flavor. But I’ve got to say, that was the best stew I’ve had in ages. You need to talk to Hannie and get it on her menu.”

“Told you so. Are you going to keep being a snob or are you willing to try some other things?”

“Small steps, but yeah, I’ll try more.”

“I can make fresh coffee. How about we have dessert in front of the fire?”

The wind picked up, whistling through the trees and pushing against the windows as we ate. Clouds fragment the moons glow when I glance outside.

“I’ll make the coffee, then do a quick walk around the cabin to make sure the shutters are all secure. I’ll be right back.”

“You don’t like my coffee?”

“I’m picky.”

CHAPTER 7

Juni

Watching him leave, I exhale the breath I’ve been holding. Dinner was a success. He liked my cooking and even ate two helpings.

I don’t want to change him. He doesn’t have to be vegetarian for me. I just want him to realize we can learn to work together, live together, and hopefully soon love together.

My desire, my dream to be a ranger is not contingent on living and loving him. But if he could learn to love me, all my dreams would come true.

Don’t rush. Go slow. Let him get used to you.

But damn, I’ve been waiting my whole life. To be this close, physically and emotionally, and not able to just reach out and grab what I want is...painful.

Cutting him a larger portion of the brownie than I take, I pour two cups of coffee and have it all waiting on the footstool in front of the couch when he returns.

“It’s starting to snow and the temp is dropping,” he says as he hangs his coat on the hook by the door. “The generator is secure and we’ve got plenty of fuel. I’ve been through storms on this mountain with less amenities. I don’t want you to worry. We’ll be safe.”

“I’m not worried. I’m with you. I know we’ll be okay.”

He joins me on the couch. Handing him his brownie I watch his expression as he digs in. Surprise. Delight. Then he scarfs down the whole thing in just a couple bites. “I take it you liked it?”

“Best brownie I’ve ever had. Is there more?”