Mr. Mountain

ight without me even asking. I no longer had to figure out how to tell them. They knew everything and they had given their blessing.

I looked at my father over Shane’s shoulder and he was beaming with pride. Knowing they approved made it even better. I was ready to spend my life with Shane and all the guilt I expected to feel over abandoning what I thought was my future to live in the mountains with him was instantly evaporated.

I was going to be his wife. I was going to be his wife! The words tumbled around in my head several times before I finally managed to settle down. He took me by the hand led me out to the screened in porch. I was so excited I could hardly contain myself. Once we were out of view of my parents, he planted much a longer, much more passionate kiss on my lips and I melted in his arms.

I had so many questions, but they could wait for a moment. The kiss lasted for so long my head spun and when it ended, I had to sit down from the rush of emotions flowing through me.

“How did this happen?” I finally regained my computer enough to speak.

“I wanted to make you my wife and I’m an old-fashioned guy. I needed your father’s blessing.” He sat down beside me.

“Well that had to be quite a shock for him…” I muttered.

“He knew. He knew why I was here the moment he opened the door. Like he said, he’s no fool. He knew where you were going.” Shane put an arm around me.

“This is perfect.” I leaned against him and felt a wave of emotions sweep through me.

WE DECIDED TO GET MARRIED in Wolf Creek after I graduated from college. It wasn’t a huge ceremony, but the entire town showed up to see us say our vows. Several major media outlets came to cover the ceremony so they could show the nation that the couple they drooled over actually did end up together in the end. It was a heartwarming story, even if they got most of the details wrong since neither of us were willing to give an interview. It was the conclusion of the story for them, but it was just the beginning for the two of us.

I finally got to meet Shane’s family and they welcomed me with open arms. His mother called me the daughter she never had and his father insisted on grandchildren the first time he gave me a hug—someone had to carry on the legacy and Shane was their only son. It made me blush, but I couldn’t deny that I had had already thought about it.

The reception went well into the night with lots of dancing and music. When the crowd finally started to disperse, I was exhausted. We said goodbye to our families, promised to call everyone, and then climbed into his truck. I slid close to him and held his hand as we drove up the mountain towards our future. There was no reason for a honeymoon—the cabin was the only place either of us wanted to be.

It felt amazing to know I didn’t have to leave, to know that it was more than a vacation for once. He picked me up when we arrived and walked me across the threshold, just like he did the first time I saw the new cabin. I was tired, but the energy between us was still simmering and we went straight to the bedroom without a moment of hesitation.

“Today was perfect…” I said as I slipped out of the clothes I had changed into after the wedding.

“You’ll never get me in a tuxedo again.” He growled.

“That’s okay.” I smiled. “Once was enough.”

“I might even burn it for good measure.” He slid off a shoe and stretched out his foot.

“Don’t you dare…” I narrowed my eyes at him.

“Fine…” He tossed his shirt on the chair. “Now, I think we have a marriage to consummate. I’ve been waiting all day to have you to myself. Everyone was so stingy today, wanting photographs and all that bullshit.”

“I don’t know if I’m up for sex tonight.” I grinned at him. “I have a headache. You should get used to that. Now that we’re married, we can just go to bed and sleep.”

“Don’t even try that shit.” He walked over and wrapped his arms around me.

“So tired…” I faked a yawn.

“I’ll wake you up.” He turned me around and gave me a firm smack on the seat of my panties.

“You’ll have to do better than that.” I shook my head and wiggled my ass at him.

“Will I now?” He slid my panties down and gave me a harder one.

“Yeah, that’s a little better. Still tired though…” I faked another yawn.

“Now you’re really going to get it.” He took me by the arm and sat down on the bed, pulling me across his knee.

“What kind of man spanks his wife on their wedding night?” I teased.

“Your man.” He gave me several firm smacks.

“I’m awake now.” I laughed.