Page 37 of The Mountain Man's Mail-Order Wife
Sex. I had sex with Riley. My wife.
Except what we did—all damn night—felt more earth shattering than just sex. Not that I have any experience to compare to.
My muscles ache in ways they never have and in spite of the pain, I’ve got a goofy grin on my face.
And I’m in Uncle Granger’s truck heading down the mountain. Eyes wide open.
Last night changed something inside me. Changed the way I look at life—at the life I was living before Riley showed up at my door.
She’s the breath of fresh air I didn’t know I needed. The spark that sets my heart on fire. I’m in love with her. There is no denying it or avoiding it.
Maybe I felt that way all along and only recognize it now.
I can’t deny she’s had a pull on me from the second I saw her picture on Get Hitched.
I might want to hunt down her supposed uncle and beat him senseless, but I can’t ignore what he did brought Riley to me.
“Doing okay?” Riley whispers beside me.
I look over and grin. “Never better.”
Her confused expression makes me laugh, and I don’t blame her. Until this week, I didn’t want to leave my home, didn’t think about it. Uncle Granger made sure I had everything I needed, and walking to and from his place satisfied my need to be free.
Except right now, sitting in this truck, rolling down the mountain road that claimed Mom, I feel more free than I ever have.
Reaching over, I grab her hand and squeeze gently. “Promise. I’m fine.”
“Hmm…” Her gaze drills into mine. She’s looking for the lie. She won’t find it.
“This is a long time coming. I’m not worried, or scared, I’m happy to be at your side for this.”
“I hate that you’re forced to do this for me.”
“I’mchoosingto do it for both of us.” Bending down, I drop a kiss on her forehead. “Now, let’s go over the plan again.”
For the next few minutes, we talk about what will happen when we reach Winter Lake. First stop is the lawyer’s office to drop off the paperwork that will give Riley access to her inheritance. Then we’ll meet with the chief of police and a couple of his officers before we head over to the house she lived in, unaware she owned it, to remove Warren.
It’s going to be a busy morning, and I’m hoping we might be able to have our second date. Lunch at Della’s Dina isn’t exactly the best date option, but we’re limited for choice because it’s too late to get a reservation at one of Winter Lake’s fancier restaurants.
“Okay, there isn’t any parking so I’ll drop you both off and circle the block,” Uncle Granger says as we approach the building that houses the law firm Riley’s parents used.
“Head over to the police station. We’ll walk from here. It’s not far,” I tell my uncle when he pulls to a stop in the street.
“Are you sure?”
“Yes.” Glancing over my shoulder before I exit the truck, I see the concern on his face. “I’m okay, I promise.”
He must see the truth in my eyes because he nods before putting the truck back in gear. “See you over there.”
When we’re on the sidewalk, Uncle Granger pulling away, I slide my hand into Riley’s. “All right. Let’s get this done.”
Everything changes again today. It changed yesterday. Last night too. I have no idea where we go from here. All I know is wherever she wants to go, I’ll follow.
Taking a deep breath, she faces the entrance and steps forward. “Don’t let go of my hand.”
“Never.” It’s a vow. I might not be able to physically hold her hand forever, but figuratively, emotionally, I will always be with her.
It takes no time at all to hand over the paperwork and only a few minutes later we’re walking to the police station. The sun is out, the snow of a few days ago long gone if they even got any this far down the mountain, and I can’t believe it’s taken me this long to come back here.
