Total pages in book: 51
Estimated words: 48271 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 241(@200wpm)___ 193(@250wpm)___ 161(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 48271 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 241(@200wpm)___ 193(@250wpm)___ 161(@300wpm)
“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.
*