He grins. “Nice touch!”
As I’m pretending to talk on the phone, I watch him walk toward the cabin, already missing his scent, his touch, his size. God, I’ve really fallen heavy and fast for a guy I swore I wouldn’t let in.
Moments go by like molasses as I wait for Wyatt to text, and I start to wonder if I should go in and check on him. Who knows what’s going on in that cabin? For the most part, the miners that visit the area are great, but I’ve heard of a few weird ones. One time we had a convict who was wanted in three states for three different crimes who camped out in the area mining. I heard it was something about larceny, breaking and entry, and assault. He was extradited and taken from the area by force. What if someone like that is inside that cabin and has Wyatt?
I pull my phone away from my face and text him.
Me:You okay?
Two long minutes go by until finally, he responds.
Wyatt:Sorry, sweetheart. You’re good to come in. I need to take care of something out back for a second. You might want to bring that cake.
Bring the cake?What is he talking about? Why would I bring the cake?I’m not letting this Tag guy have any of Raven’s cake. People in town count on me for desserts. I’m not going to let them down now.
Ignoring Wyatt’s request, I jump from the truck and head toward the cabin, anxious to see what the hell is going on. But the second I pull open the door, I realize… I should’ve brought the cake.
Chapter Eight
Wyatt
I haul Tag by the scruff of his collar to the back of the shed where he belongs. My jaw’s clenched, my fist balled.
“I warned you. Now, you’re going to the sheriff.”
“It’s not a crime to see my daughter.”
“It’s a crime to trespass, though, is it not? And I believe the state of Colorado is a stand your ground state. Do you know what else is fun here in Rugged Mountain, Tag? Our local sheriff, is really protective of his constituents.” I clear my throat. “And do you know what that means?” I ask with a twisted smile.
Tag rolls his eyes and straightens his suit.
“It means that if I, a local and kind member of the Rugged Mountain community, feels threatened by a guy who chased me down in the woods, the sheriff will not only make sure there are no charges pressed, but he’ll also help me clean you off the floor as a courtesy. You see, Tag, us hillbillies take pride in our land and our people.” I cock my gun back and hold it steady toward him.
“You won’t do it. Stop the lies. And Monday, I’ll take Raven from Cami and train her to work real estate like me. Everyone is a sucker for agirl dad. I’ll be getting deals all over town as the single father who’s bitch of a wife held his daughter from him for years.”
“That’s great, Tag,” Henry says gruffly, stepping from the back porch of the house. “And I have the whole fucking thing on video. So, when we get to that judge on Monday, and he’s deciding what a great dad you’ll be, we’ll let him know that you tried stalking, intimidation, and then flat-out idiocracy to get your way. Should I call the lawyer now and let them know you’re dropping your claim, or should I text this to the judge? I’m thinking the media will love this too. I’m sure the public is dying to hear what their beloved developer Tag Javelin has to say about parenthood.”
“Keep the fucking kid,” he grumbles, climbing awkwardly back onto the four-wheeler. “She’s not worth the trouble.”
Relief climbs off my shoulders, but I see the last comment that was made stirs Henry up into a frenzy as he stands with his fists clenched.
“He’s gone. There’s no way he’s coming back after that video shit. That was smart, man. Good thinking,” Henry says as an audible release of tension escapes his lips.
I smile lifts to my face as I hear Raven running out from the back of the house. “Dad, Uncle Wyatt… Josie just came in with my cake! We’re going to eat dessert first, then horseback riding, then pizza. Hurry!”
“I need to start reading things closer. We were trying to avoid you guys by coming up here,” I say, running my hands back through my hair as we follow the birthday girl back inside.
Henry laughs. “I told you eighty times we were doing a riding party up at the stables on the ridge. Where’s your head been lately?” He clears his throat. “Don’t answer. I know where your head’s been. How’d things go last night?”
“Too good.” My heart tightens. “I shouldn’t want her this bad already.”
“Or,” Henry says, throwing his arm around me, “you shouldn’t stop yourself from feeling what you do. If I had, look at all I’d be missing out on.”
We step onto the back porch of the cabin and I watch Josie as she pulls the cake with pride from its box and sets it in front of Raven with a sigh of relief.
Raven looks up at Josie and grins wide. “You did the horses! Thank you! I love them!”
Josie grins and inflates with pride at her work, and I know right then and there that I don’t want a future without her in it. She’s smart, brave, determined, and more beautiful than anyone I’ve ever set eyes on. I suppose I knew it last night, this morning, and deep down, I knew I needed her six months ago. But now, surrounded by everyone we love, I see it even more. She’s perfect for me, and I’ll do whatever I can to be perfect for her.