Page 165 of The Lumberjack and the City Slicker

“I’ve never been more serious about anything.”

Not even Geoffrey.

Not even Manhattan.

Not even the blog.

Because this isn’t about a man.

It’s about me.

It’s about finally choosing the life that feels aligned instead of scripted.

Kelly exhales slowly.

“Sold,” she says, half laughing, half stunned.

And just like that—this house is mine.

Mine.

The word expands in my chest like sunlight.

For the first time in my life, I’m not negotiating my happiness around someone else’s comfort.

I’m not shrinking.

I’m not waiting for permission.

Maybe Greyson and I work.

Maybe we don’t.

But I am done building my life around fear of being alone.

I close my laptop and look around the living room.

The scuffed floors. The worn couch. The window that looks out at the mountain line.

This isn’t Manhattan glamour.

It’s possibility.

And for the first time ever—I’m taking the reins.

Not just because a man asked me to stay.

But because I deserve to choose where I build my future.

Chapter 34

Greyson

Days pass and I wonder how I got so lucky. Because ever since I found Trouble one dark and stormy night, my life has changed. And I think it might be for the better.

Spring in the mountains doesn’t arrive politely.

It ambushes you.