“Every Christmas morning, Ma invited the whole block over for her homemade French toast, and we’d go caroling in the surrounding towns with neighbors.” The warmth in his tone is unmistakable.
I tilt my head, blinking rapidly. “Youwillingly sang to strangers? I find that hard to believe.”
Shep shrugs. “When I was a kid, my dad said Santa might leave me coal if I didn’t participate. So I guess you could say I was coerced.” The fine lines around his eyes deepen as he laughs, making him look even more handsome. “As an adult, I did it because it brought my mom joy, making it worthwhile, even if my singing probably scared off a few people over the years.”
I laugh softly. “Your parents sound like amazing people. Do they live in Pine Haven?”
He lowers his eyes, sadness written across his features. “They passed a few years ago, just six months apart.” My heart aches for him, imagining a life without my own parents.
I lean against his shoulder, my hand settling on his chest. It feels right comforting him this way, and the urge to touch him outweighs all logic.
“I’m so sorry, Shep.”
He surprises me by resting his head against mine. “Thanks, Sunshine. The holidays were never the same without them, ya know?”
“I can’t even begin to imagine,” I whisper.
It breaks my heart that he’s been hurting for so long. I wish I could somehow restore the magic of Christmas for him, as a reminder of the cherished memories with his parents. No one should be sad during a season meant for joy and happiness.
“I don’t talk about them much, but they were good people,” Shep says.
“Of course they were. They raised you.”
His eyes widen just briefly before he blinks, swallowing hard. “They did their best, but I tested every boundary.”
I fake a gasp. “Youwere difficult? I’m shocked.”
“Look who’s talking, Miss I-argue-about-everything-even-when-it’s-for-my-own-good,” he counters with a chuckle. “No question you gave your parents hell too.”
I peer up at him. “Guess that makes us evenly matched.”
He strokes my cheek, warmth shining in his eyes. “I think you might be right.”
I reflexively lean into his touch, closing my eyes against the gentle pressure of his hand.
Being with Shep is beginning to feel effortless. There are no expectations to act a particular way or need to steer clear of sensitive topics for fear of offending him. Rather, I’m free to be my talkative, over-enthusiastic, slightly clumsy self, and he matches me in every playful exchange—giving as good as he gets.
Earlier, I started searching for places to stay once the weather clears. My feelings on the matter have shifted since I got here, and though I want to further discuss it with Shep, I’m afraid his reaction will differ from mine and leave me disappointed.
There’s only one way to find out.
I open my eyes to find him watching me. “I checked the weather app earlier, and the storm should fully clear in the next couple of days,” I remind him as a pit forms in my stomach. “Would you mind giving me a ride into town once it’s safe to drive down the mountain? I’ll have to arrange for a tow truck to get the convertible.”
Shep mentioned that the road to his cabin is one of the last to be plowed after a snowstorm since there are no other houses nearby. He keeps a four-wheel-drive truck equipped with snow tires and chains. It makes me think he knew I couldn’t leave after that first night—yet he let me stay anyway.
He visibility stiffens beside me. “Where are you going to stay?”
I straighten in my seat to face him. “I’m not sure. I checked, and every hotel and vacation rental in Pine Haven is booked for the holidays, so I was thinking of heading back to Phoenix or returning to New York early.”
Truthfully, neither option feels right, and thinking of spending Christmas alone leaves a hollow ache in my chest. Even if I stayed with Shep and we treated it as a typical day, that would be enough. I hate thinking about him alone on this mountain and would give anything to stay longer.
“Is that what you want?” Shep asks as if he can see straight through me.
“I’m not sure,” I confess, scared to voice the truth.
Two days ago, I was counting down the hours until I could leave this cabin. Now, I’m secretly hoping for another storm to keep me here.
“You could stick around and spend Christmas here. Maple’s taken a shine to you and would be mighty disappointed if you left without visiting her again.” He takes off his hat, holding it to his chest as he rakes a hand through his hair. “But if you’re set on leaving, I’ll take you wherever you want.”
