“Do they still have room?”
She nods. “It’s tomorrow and we’re still down a judge.”
“I think you’re right. It would be good for me to get out in the community. I want to tell everyone myself what happened. I don’t want them hearing it from anyone else. So, let’s do it.”
“Are you sure? People are going to tear you apart.”
“My life is here now, with you. And if I’m going to make you happy, I know I need to make the people of Rugged Mountain happy.”
She smiles and leans her head against my chest as we both drift off to sleep.
Whatever happens tomorrow, Addie Baxter is mine, and I’m never letting her go again.
Chapter Eleven
Addie
Waking up in Declan’s arms is almost as satisfying as the look on everyone’s face at the diner when we walk in together. I can’t tell if they’re jealous or silently judging me. Yesterday, I’d have thought they were jealous. I’ve heard the way women talk about him in town. They’re all enamored by his size, his presence. Today, though, they might be staring because my father already told them Declan’s a criminal.
“I’m going to say something first,” Declan says, kissing my forehead. “If people are upset, I’ll step outside until the contest is over, but I’m not leaving you.”
I wouldn’t let him leave alone; I’d follow behind. If the people in town can’t accept him now, then we’ll go to the other side of the mountain until they can.
Declan clears his throat. “I’m sorry to bother you all during your breakfast, but I have a few things to say that I think will be important for you all to know.”
It’s Sunday morning at the diner, and there’s a pie-eating contest on the horizon. Everyone in town is packed into the space, even my father who doesn’t look happy that I’m here with Declan.
“When I came to Rugged Mountain and petitioned you all for land and a building permit, I failed to mention some things.”
The scent of fruit pie fills the space, despite the tension building in the room.
A tear rolls down my face and I tuck my hand in Declan’s as I stare toward my father, desperate for him to do something, anything to stop what he’s started.
Declan continues, “I—”
“We all have our issues, Declan,” my father says, stepping forward from the back of the crowd. “Every one of us. We’re a mountain of imperfect people, and you don’t owe us any explanations. You’re here, and that means your family.”
My father holds his hand out toward Declan, and they shake on something I’m not sure I understand before my dad turns toward me. “You really care about him, don’t you?”
I nod. “He’s a good man, Daddy.”
“I saw that as well,” my dad says, “in his background check. Declan has had a tough life. He did the right thing turning that guy in. I’m sorry I only saw the bad at first. Declan deserves a break. Just promise me, Addie, you’ll come to me if you need anything.”
“I promise, Daddy.” I ring my arms around my father’s neck and hold him close. “I love you.”
“I love you too, Adelaide.”
“I can tell them what I did,” Declan says to my father. “I came here to wipe the slate clean.”
My dad nods. “I know you can, but it was wrong of me to go rooting through your past. You came here for a family, and up here, family is what we do best.”
Growing up, my dad has always been my hero. He rescued me from that snake out back of the barn that I was sure would eat me. He listened to me cry when Michael Hoover stood me up at Mullet’s bar in town. He showed me what it means to be a hardworking rancher, and he’s led me toward a life of simple beauty, all thanks to his love and guidance. He was worried, and he did what he thought was best. Then when he realized he was wrong, he fixed it.
My father’s not perfect, but he’s a man who loves his family, and he’ll do anything to make sure they know that.
The waitress sets pies out on the counter and invites Declan into the chair in front of an apple crumble, strawberry rhubarb, banana cream, and peach pie.
Declan looks back at me, then kisses my forehead, before wrapping his arms around me tight. “I’m going to be honest, and it’s going to piss people off.”