“I can’t wait to fall in love there one day,” she confesses, her eyes sparkling with innocent dreams of true love. “Just like you and Daddy.”
A soft smile forms on my lips. All three of our children know the legend, but it’s our youngest who feels it as deeply as I did at her age.
“I’m excited for you too,” I tell her. “But let’s keep that between us for now so we don’t give your daddy a heart attack.”
“Deal,” she snickers, her giggle infectious.
As we step into Gunnar’s shop, the familiar scent of oil and metal envelops us, instantly making me feel at home. My heart lifts at the sight of my oldest children, Dylan and Lily, working alongside Ryland and Gunnar under the hood of a car.
Grizzly, our loyal fur baby, a descendant of our beloved Bear, is right in the middle of the action. He’s the first to notice us, his excited bark alerting everyone of our arrival before he runs over to greet us.
Millie wraps her arms around Griz’s thick, furry neck, her laughter ringing out as he affectionately licks her face like she’s his favorite treat. I give him a few loving pats, before locking eyes with Gunnar. In that instant, the world fades away, leaving just the two of us suspended in a timeless moment. But the spell is quickly broken by Millie.
“Daddy!” she calls out, racing toward him.
Gunnar bends down, sweeping our youngest up with ease. “How’s my Millie girl?” he asks, his voice rich with warmth.
“Good! Look what I made for you,” she exclaims, proudly presenting a small, hand-made flower arrangement. “Do you love it?”
Gunnar’s face softens with pure adoration. “Yeah, almost as much as I love you.”
“Whoa, that’s a lot.”
I laugh at her response, feeling a rush of affection at their bond. Moving past them, I go greet my other two children, starting with my oldest, Dylan, who is the spitting image of his father and wrap my arms around him. “Hey, baby.”
“Hey, Mom,” he returns my hug, his voice deepening with age and responsibility.
Next, I hug Lily, planting a kiss on her oil-streaked cheek. She’s a tomboy through and through, preferring the rumble of engines to the scent of flowers. And that’s perfectly fine by me since I have Millie to share my floral passion with.
“Check it out, Mom.” She beams in excitement. “Dad and Paw Paw Ryland showed me how to change the carburetor today.”
“They did?” I ask, marveling at her enthusiasm.
Ryland puffs out his chest. “Sure did. Kid’s a damn natural, just like her dad and brother.”
Smiling, I lean over and greet him with a kiss on the cheek too, the familiar roughness of his stubble a comforting sensation.
“How’re you, darlin’?” he asks, wrapping me in a bear hug.
“I’m good.”
Millie runs into Ryland’s arms next, giving Gunnar the opportunity to greet me the way he always does.
My heart dances in my chest as he strides toward me, pulling me in for a kiss. Though brief, it holds the power to sweep me right off my feet.
“Hi,” I whisper, breathless and dazed.
That sexy smirk takes over his face. “Hey, Elle,” he murmurs, his voice a low rumble.
“Good day?” I ask, glancing over at our three kids with Ryland.
With summer just beginning, our routines shift. Millie comes to the flower shop with me, while Dylan and Lily spend their days with Gunnar at the garage. While it can be challenging at times, we both cherish these moments with them.
“It’s always a good day when I get to see you,” he replies.
My gaze returns to his, heart fluttering at the sincerity reflected in his eyes. I smile, feeling a deep sense of gratitude for this life we’ve built together.
We were just two best friends who were always destined for more, brought together by the legend of one mountain that stood the test of time. A love that would transcend far beyond this life.
*
Want more Heart Mountain? Read the series introduction, The Magic of Heart Mountain, featuring Hollis and Mike’s story. Available now on Amazon and Kindle Unlimited.
To keep updated on the upcoming Heart Mountain novel, The Secret of Heart Mountain, Harlow and Linc’s story, visit www.authorkclynn.com. You will also find information for a complete reading order, exclusive bonus scenes, FAQ, and more.
CONNECT WITH KC LYNN
Find release day info, bonus content, and more on my website: www.authorkclynn.com
Keep scrolling for a complete list of K.C. Lynn’s books. Available on Amazon & Kindle Unlimited…
MEN OF HONOR SERIES
A small-town romantic suspense series of interconnected standalones.
Possessive alpha males, sweet heroines, found family, touch her & die, military heroes.
Friends-to-Lovers
