“And I love you, Ryder.”Epilogue: EXPOSÉThe Gossip Column You Can Sink Your Teeth IntoMOUNTAIN MAN MARRIES HIS VIRGIN! By Trista PiperIn an exclusive, tell-all, heiress Justine Van De Shire—now Justine Ottenbagh, married to Ryder Ottenbagh—shares how she fell madly in love with the man who kidnapped her.
We caught up with the newlyweds at their recently renovated, wooded oasis, two hours north of Anchorage. The same place Ryder took Justine the night he kidnapped her from her history-making auction.
On an outdoor patio, with the afternoon sun shining through the tree branches, I sat down with this extraordinary couple and asked everything our readers are dying to know!
EXPOSÉ: How did you know he was the one?
Justine: Well, it wasn’t love at first sight. I mean, he drove me to a secluded cabin in the woods late at night. (Laughs)
EXPOSÉ: Right. So after the kidnapping, when did you know?
Justine: Well, after we got in his cabin things heated up pretty quickly…(She pulls her hair back, revealing a bare neck, and Ryder practically licks his lips in desire. #MountainManYum.) It was after that first night together. I woke up in his bed and it felt like home. Of course, I didn’t admit it to myself until later.
EXPOSÉ: And by later you mean later that afternoon?
Justine: Right. (Justine laces her fingers through her husband’s, their wedding rings glinting in the sun.) It was a whirlwind. But we couldn’t be happier.
Ryder: (He looks as ruggedly handsome as ever in a flannel shirt, sleeves rolled up, revealing his strong forearms. #HeCanCarryMe) We had a few bumps in the road, but once they were ironed out, we both knew there was no reason to delay the inevitable.
EXPOSÉ: The inevitable being your proposal and wedding?
Ryder: (His hand on his wife’s knee, looking at her adoringly. Sigh. #Jealous) Our lives we entwined from the get-go. Without her knowing, my mother was the founder of HAHA and Justine was giving an essential part of herself for that cause. It made sense that we fell for one another. I’m just lucky as hell to be the man she chose to spend her life with.
EXPOSÉ: And you had a private wedding ceremony the week after you got engaged. Which was two months ago, why rush things?
Justine: (Smiling, her dark eyes full of hope. #WifeyForLifey) When you know, you know.
EXPOSÉ: Luther Morris has ties to both of you. He won the auction, but he is also your stepfather, Ryder.
Ryder: (his eyes narrow, smoldering blue, melting more than ice-caps.) Ex-stepfather.
EXPOSÉ: Apologies. Ex-stepfather. Now that he’s awaiting his court hearing, how do you feel, Justine? Is this the justice you seek?
Justine: (crosses arms, no-nonsense—exactly why we love this woman!) I don’t want to talk about Luther Morris. He isn’t worth my breath.
EXPOSÉ: I love your passion, Justine. It’s something our readers have commented on quite a bit since the news of your auction first broke. Did you intend to inspire other women?
Justine: I hope everyone can be inspired to be their most authentic selves. Whether that’s sexually, emotionally, or physically. If I can encourage even one person then I’m proud of myself. But the real goal with the auction was to raise money for preserving the Alaskan wildlife.
Ryder: (He pulls his wife close, kisses the top of her head. #MountainManofTheYear) When news sources, friends, and family began asking about what wedding gifts we’d like, we directed them to donate to HAHA using the hashtag #Jatinder. Since that announcement, we have raised seven million dollars.
EXPOSÉ: More than Luther’s winning bid.
Justine: For the record, we refunded that check.
EXPOSÉ: Our readers are dying for a juicy bit of information they can’t find anywhere else. Tell us something delicious, that we can really sink our teeth into.
Justine: (Giggling in a way that tells me she’s thinking naughty thoughts.) Ryder calls me Shortbread.
EXPOSÉ: And how did that nickname come about?
Justine: (biting her lip, holding back a smile) Oh, it came about pretty quickly. (And yes, the inflection was intentional.)
EXPOSÉ: (fanning myself)
Ryder: (He adjusts himself, and I can’t help but look down. The rumors are true, just saying. #TwelveInches) Let’s just say I intend on eating that cookie every damn day of my life.
You’ve heard it here first folks. You want to rope the hottest man in America? Then you need to leave the lower 48 behind and come to Alaska!
I’m signing off until next time!
Right now, I’m gonna go find myself a mountain man!For the women who have forgotten how utterly wonderful they are.
I think you're the bee’s knees. And more.
You, my dear, are the freaking Queen of your own honey pot. ;)
xo, frankieCourtney’s StoryChapter OneSipping my hot toddy, I nestled deeper into the plush cushions of the oversized chair in the lodge. Wearing my Uggs, leggings, and a comfy sweater, I was more than ready for a getaway with my two best friends. There was nothing on our agenda besides drinking and relaxing. Callie was already busy booking a massage, and Willow had gone off in search of our room key.