Page 15 of The Mountain Man's Hunted Bride

The hike feels good after staying hidden for so long at Gerdie’s. I’m used to spending time outside everyday taking care of the chickens and working in the vegetable garden. When all the Stumps were at work, I had the house and the land to myself. I could let down my guard and breathe.

As we climb, I get glimpses of the lingering, showy milkweed and a larger patch of my favorite mountain bog gentian. The air is clean. The stress and fear dissipate in the cool breeze and nature.

“This area is a short walk and safe. Bears will be preparing for winter so extra feeding in the daytime. I haven’t seen any activity yet but be cautious. You probably had more activity near the Stump home. Damn, forgot to give you a bear spray. I have one at the cabin.”

“For a while, I’d rather you not wander on your own. I can give you distance and privacy, but I’d prefer to be close until this is settled.”

“Don’t you have a job?”

“I own this land and rent Pops’ house in town. I retired from the military with twenty years and receive retirement pay. I do on call work for the Park Services.

“When I first got out of the service, I needed time to unwind. I started repairs on the cabin and recently I applied to be a county sheriff’s reserve deputy. There are more improvements I want for the cabin. I’m not ready yet to be locked into a permanent job. That time will come, but not yet.”

“You need flowers in front of the deck and a vegetable garden.”

He smiles and winks. “Duly noted. Give me a plan for your gardens and I’ll map out the areas so their ready in the spring for your planting.

For my spring planting.Will I still be here?

CHAPTER 11

Gray

Gerdie shows up at the courthouse as a witness for the marriage and to secret Tawny away to change before the vows.

To my shock, Sheriff Harker also shows up.

“What’s going on?” I ask as soon as he pulls me aside.

“Seems someone else who signed up for the mail order bride saw your name next to Tawny’s as a successful match and felt they should tell Millard Stump. His reactions was... Let’s say excessive, even for him. He coldcocked the informant then stormed out of the bar.

“Is there something you need to share with me?”

I knew this was coming, and I know Stump will be coming for me. The truth is I’m better prepared to take him on than anyone in this town. I know how low he will go. I’m trained and tested in guerrilla warfare. I’ve got the best chance of protecting Tawny and taking him down.

“We’ve got a little history from when I was a kid. He dated my mom a couple times. He’s nothing I can’t handle.”

“That’s what I’m afraid of.”

“Look, if anything does happen to me, I’ve left everything to Tawny. A little money will go to Gerdie and a little to a Veteran home I support. You know my guys, keep them up on what’s going on and they’ll step in.”

“What about Tawny if something happens to you? Who’s gonna take care of her then? She’s growing attached to you, you know that. And what about you? I see how you look at her.”

“I promised her a marriage in name only. I keep my promises. I’ll remove the threat she’s been living under then she will have the freedom to make her own choices.”

“You’re a damn fool.”

“Been called worse.”

Gerdie and Tawny walk out of the lady’s room to join us.

My god. Tawny is stunning. Wearing a flowy white dress Gerdie must have brought with her, hair knotted at the back of her head and a white and pink orchid above her ear. I struggle to swallow. If only...

The ceremony is simple and brief. Gerdie takes a million photos on Tawny’s phone. Something I hadn’t even thought of. She insists on a picture of our hands to show off our wedding bands. Then a REAL kiss with the bride photo.

I look at Tawny and she nods her okay.

One palm on her waist, I cup her face with my other. Hand on my shoulder she goes on tiptoe as I lower to meet her perfect rose lips. If I hadn’t already known, this sealed the deal. I’m a goner.