Before I can think better of it, I holler, “Hey Shep.”
I don’t expect a reply, assuming he’s gone off to do something else while he waits until I’m done, so I’m surprised when he answers.
“You alright?” His voice drifts from the other side of the closed door. “Once you’re finished, I’ll bring you some clean clothes to change into.”
I grin, knowing he stayed close in case I needed him.
“I’m fine. I just forgot to say thank you. I really appreciate your help.”
“Anytime, Sunshine.”
I lean back and close my eyes, thinking about everything that’s happened today. I can’t imagine what I would’ve done if anyone other than Shep had been here. I feel lucky to have glimpsed a part of him he rarely shows. His patience and thoughtfulness have my heart swelling with gratitude, and it makes me want him more than ever before.
Shep carries me to the living room after I finish in the bathroom, gently putting me in the middle of the couch. Flames dance in the fireplace, filling the space with warmth. A TV has been set up in the corner, angled for me to watch from where I’m sitting.
“What’s that for?” I ask, gesturing to it.
“I thought we could watch a Christmas movie,” he suggests.
My eyebrows shoot up in surprise. “Really? I thought you didn’t celebrate the holidays.”
“I haven’t for a while, but there’s no reason I can’t start again now.” He turns on the TV and holds a DVD case to show me. “Elfokay? It’s one of the only seasonal movies I have.”
“It’s one of my favorites,” I say with a grin. “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.”
As a kid, my parents and I watched a holiday movie every night from the start of December until Christmas Day. I tried keeping the tradition going after I moved out, but once my career took off, I’d been lucky to squeeze in one or two each year. That’s why I treasure spending Christmastime with my family. Even condensed into a few short days, the holiday magic remains, carrying the nostalgia of the traditions I cherish.
It’s a stark reminder that had my solo trip gone as planned, I’d probably be lying on the bed in tears or halfway back to New York by now. Instead, I’m sharing a cabin with a chivalrous cowboy, wondering if this is where I was supposed to be all along.
Shep switches on the TV and scrolls to the main menu. “I put an egg and sausage casserole in the oven while you were taking a bath. It’ll be ready in half an hour.”
“Smells amazing. I love breakfast for dinner.”
He picks up two pillows from the leather chair in the corner, which he must have grabbed while I was in the bathroom. He sets them on the coffee table and then pushes it closer to me, giving me a place to prop my foot.
“Thank you,” I murmur.
Shep lays a hand on my knee, giving it a gentle squeeze. “It’s nothing.”
But it reallyissomething.
He saw a way to make me more comfortable and acted without asking—a rare quality. The attention and kindness he’sshown me is unlike anything I’ve seen before. I like to think it comes from his life experience and a deep understanding of how to respect a woman without expecting anything in return. Beneath his gruff exterior lies a genuine decency that only adds to his appeal.
“Hey, Shep?”
“Mm-hmm?”
“Is there a reason you don’t celebrate the holidays?”
He’s slowly opening up so I have to tread carefully. He’s like a wounded wolf, sizing me up to see if I’m a friend or a foe. If I push him too hard, he’ll retreat, and I might not get him to let his guard down if that happens.
He takes a seat next to me, leaning against the armrest. “A small part is due to my ex-fiancée turning Christmas into a big production. It was about the extravagant decorations, one-upping the neighbors, and expecting expensive gifts. After she moved to the big city, I realized all that shit was meaningless.”
No wonder Shep was apprehensive when I showed up on his doorstep—a city girl who reminded him of the woman who must have stomped on his heart and never looked back. I have so many more questions, but I am once again wary of spooking him.
“After Danielle left, I spent the holidays with my folks,” he continues. “Ma loved this time of year, and for her, it was about spreading joy and kindness. She loved donating to the local food pantry and organizing a Secret Santa for the local homeless shelter to make sure everyone experienced a little magic that season.” A small smile tugs at the corners of his mouth.
“Your mom’s got it figured out. This time of year should be about family and giving back to the community. Some of my favorite traditions are ice skating at Rockefeller Square and picking out gifts for kids who could use a little holiday magic.”
