Page 63 of Mountain Grump Protector

Even from out in my workshop, I can hear the voices loud and clear.

I shake my head, but don’t bother hiding the smile that crosses my face. There was a time in my life when I thought peace and quiet were the most valuable things a man could have.

Now, I know better.

It’s the chaos and craziness of having a full house that fills me now. And it’s a good thing, too. Because we sure have a lot of it around here.

A few moments later, our two oldest kids come flying into the shop, their younger sister on their heels. I have enough time to set down my wrench and force the smile off my face, faking a stern, I mean business, expression instead.

“Dad!”

“It’s her fault!”

I clean my hands on a rag and look at my son and daughter in turn, marveling at how all four of our children managed to get Willow's feistiness and sheer stubbornness. Although the baby is still too young for us to see the full extent of it. Yet.

It makes parenting…interesting.

“Slow down,” I say, careful not to take sides. I know better. “Is anyone bleeding?”

All three of them exchange glances.

“Dad!”

“What?”

“Nobody’s bleeding,” Ben, our eight-year-old, says with a groan.

“Good. Then I’m sure you’ll all survive.” I bend to scoop Emily, our four-year-old, into my arms and ruffle her red hair until she giggles.

“But, Dad!” Jessie, our oldest, is also the most stubborn and the least likely to let anyone get away with any perceived infraction. “He made a face at me.”

“Oh?” I pretend to look shocked for a moment as I turn around. “Was it anything like this?”

When I turn back to face them, I have my tongue out and my eyes crossed, and all three of them burst into a fit of giggles.

Satisfied that the situation is resolved, I sent them all back outside with a warning to stay out of trouble.

I know they won’t.

But that’s a big part of what keeps life on the mountain so interesting. I’ve only just picked up my wrench to turn my attention back to the engine I’ve been working on, when I hear another voice.

“Knock knock.” I look up to see Lilly standing in the door. “I thought I’d find you in here.”

“The baby’s sleeping,” I tell her. “Willow left about an hour ago, and I was hoping to get this engine done before…well, before.”

She laughs. “Perfect timing then.”

We’ve had a lot of changes in the last decade, that’s for sure. The garage that was once more of a hobby than anything else has become a full-fledged business. We have a dedicated shop in town, along with two full-time employees. But I still prefer to spend my time working on trucks and cars right here on the mountain.

Especially since it means I can be here with the kids when Willow has a client to see.

Her clients are important to her. That’s how she’s managed to grow her home care business the way she has. Because she cares about others so much.

Behind all her sass and fiery attitude, she’s got a heart of gold with a very soft center. It also makes her an amazing mother. And a fabulous wife.

A wife I’m dying to go see.

“The kids all ready?” Lilly asks.