Total pages in book: 27
Estimated words: 24934 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 125(@200wpm)___ 100(@250wpm)___ 83(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 24934 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 125(@200wpm)___ 100(@250wpm)___ 83(@300wpm)
I glance at him, puzzled, but he just winks at me.
He gestures toward Bear, who’s snoozing in his usual spot by the fire pit. “You all know Bear’s been my best friend for years. Kept me company when I didn’t think I needed anyone else. But now...” He pauses, his voice softening. “Now I’ve got Sarah. And these little ones.” He nods toward the kids, who are being passed around like prized treasures. “Bear’s earned his rest.”
As if on cue, a tiny white fluffball tumbles out of the cabin, all paws and energy. The crowd erupts into laughter and coos as the puppy barks and trips over his own feet, heading straight for Grady.
“This,” Grady says, scooping up the puppy, “is Hobbs. Bear’s new apprentice.”
The kids squeal with delight, and even Bear lifts his head, wagging his tail lazily.
“Grady,” I breathe, my heart swelling. “He’s perfect.”
Grady leans down, pressing a kiss to my temple. “Not as perfect as you.”
As the party winds down, Margie takes the kids back to the lodge for the night, giving us a rare moment of quiet. The cabin feels impossibly still without the chaos of three babies and a dozen family members, but it’s a good still. A peaceful still.
Grady pulls me into his arms as we stand by the fire, the flickering flames casting shadows on his face. “Happy?” he asks, his voice low and rough.
I nod, resting my head against his chest. “More than I ever thought I could be.”
He tilts my chin up, his gaze dark and intent. “Good. Because you’re mine, Sarah. Always.” His kiss is slow and thorough, leaving no room for doubt. “Now, whaddya say we revisit that night in the sauna? Maybe a little cold plunge first to get the heart racin’?”
He lifts me into his arms and I giggle as he carries me out to the porch and I can’t help but think that saying yes to the grumpy lumberjack’s ad was the best decision I ever made.
The End