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BAZ

 

Later on Christmas day, we drove to the lodge. The whole Ranger famdamily had assembled like a group of ragtag Avengers with their spouses plus the newest member, Victor, who appeared uncomfortable with all the domesticity everywhere you looked. 

Astrid and Josh had also joined us. I made sure to warn her about Victor, although I was confident she wouldn’t be interested in the much younger man. He had just enough similarity to her ex that it shouldn’t be an issue, but with all the stories Lars had shared about his cocky sibling when it came to women, better safe than sorry.

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Ridge had wisely kept his son in his lap as I sent him what I hoped was a “paybacks are a bitch” glare. Although what that would be I had no clue. Zoe had been more than happy to have Larry trail her around our cabin like a damn puppy. And yeah, my place had quickly become “ours” the moment she’d entered it a week ago.

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“Hey, Johansson. Get your grumpy ass over here. Your input is needed.” West waved me over to where he, Lars and Kane were huddled around a survey map on the monstrous coffee table Lars had created for the lodge. I’d have to get with him later about making a new bed frame and dresser for Zoe and me.

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“Where’s your Santa hat? You looked really good in it during the play.” Kane had been asking the same question every time I saw him since that night.

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Out of respect for the ladies in the room, I restrained myself from flipping him the bird. “Hand me that spiked cider, Hollywood. Move over, pretty boy.” I settled onto the sturdy couch that had been chosen for its sturdiness rather than comfort in consideration of how much weight it’d be bearing on any given day from their client-guests.

“Okay, spill. I have exactly fifteen minutes left on my social meter before I drag Zoe out here and back to our bed.”

“Aaand, there’s the grump we’d hoped had been banished by Zoe’s love.” Ridge had handed his pint-sized shield back to Addy and joined us. Unfortunately, that left the younger Olsen brother entertaining all our women with his guitar skills. Secure in the knowledge that Zoe was all-in with our relationship didn’t keep me from watching him like a hawk. Charmboy better watch himself.

“So, we need to clear a new spot for Victor if he actually sticks around to begin a music program. Although Lars may be skeptical about his brother’s ability to commit to anything, I believe adding guitar lessons as therapy will become an added benefit for our clients. And Addy has a line on a federal grant that would cover the cost of the guitars plus any additional instruments we want to add to the program.” West tapped his fingers on the map and then looked around the group for our input.

I didn’t have a stake in the lodge but I appreciated that they saw me as an important part of their success. And now was the perfect time to commit to offering a class on welding and metal work.

“Since this has turned into a business meeting and not the holiday luncheon I was promised, I might as well let you knuckleheads know I’m all in on teaching a class or two.” I took a long drink of cider, then ignored the group of men’s follow-up questions and sent Zoe a “let’s get out of here” look.

“Thanks for that, Baz, but could you stop making googly-eyes at your girlfriend long enough to give us more details?”

Girlfriend didn’t have the right ring to it. No, I had something else in mind. I patted my jacket to make sure the small box was still secured in the hidden pocket. “Later. Here, thanks for the drink.” I handed the now-empty glass back to Kane. No time like the present to give Zoe her final Christmas gift.

There was no way I was going to embarrass myself and get down on one knee, not after years of abusing my body in the service. I had a better idea.

“Baz, what are you doing?” I’d taken her hand, pulled her up out of the chair and led her to the giant tree in the corner of the room.

Doing this in front of an audience seemed appropriate, while part of me wanted to give Zoe a story she could share with her class that didn’t involve us being naked.

“Zoe Riordan, from the moment you walked into my cabin, I knew. I knew I had to have this beautiful, smart, and yes, sassy from the get-go, woman. And incredibly, you’ve managed to do what no one, including me, thought possible. You showed me that love is more then something to be wary of and it shows up on its own timeline.” Her eyes filled with unshed tears, and the women in the room all sighed collectively.

“I don’t have to wait any longer to know you’re the best thing that has ever happened to me. I love you, and I need you in my life. Forever. I’m even willing to become a cat dad if it means you’ll become Mrs. Johansson. Marry me?” My hand shook as I presented the ring, but I didn’t care if anyone noticed. Her answer was all I could focus on.

“Will you promise to play Santa every year for as long as I teach?” Then, for my ears only, she added, “And be my own personal hot Santa at night?”

“I’ll even let the cats sleep at the end of the bed if you just say yes.” I responded with a low growl as I pressed my lips against her ear. Jesus, where had that come from?

Zoe’s lips twisted into the smirk I couldn’t get enough of. For much longer than I could stand, she simply held my gaze without saying a word. Then she laughed and shouted, “Yes!” 

As I kissed her senseless, cheers erupted in the room. 

Minutes later, after I slipped the ring on her finger and she was happily showing it to my sister and the rest of the women, I overheard Victor complaining to his brother about all the men in the room giving up their freedom.

“What is it with this place? Maybe I need to reconsider moving here?” Victor grumbled.

Kane’s wife, Chassie, who was the latest couple on Pineville Mountain to get hitched, sidled up to Victor. “Whatever you do, don’t drink the water if you don’t want to be next.”

“Hey, Chassie, didn’t you mention your sister is coming for a visit next month? She’s single, right?” Addy, Lauren, Dylan and even Zoe stopped their conversation and turned toward the horror-stricken Victor.

“No!” Chassie protested.

“No!” Victor shouted as he stomped out of the room. “Everyone has lost their damn minds.”

“Too late, Vic. You’re now one of us.” I called after him and joined in the laughter. The room went suddenly silent. All eyes landed on me.

“What? When something’s funny, I laugh, especially if it was at my own joke. Besides, you should have warned your brother, Lars, about becoming one of us. He may as well get used to the fact that his bachelor card is now in jeopardy.”

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Thank you for reading Baz and Zoe’s story! If you have a moment and enjoyed their story, could you leave a brief review or even just a star rating on the site you purchased your copy?

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WHAT TO READ NEXT?

Victor + Caitlyn’s story, MOUNTAIN MAN CHARMER, Secure your copy here: 

https://geni.us/MountainManCharmer