“Hey.” I pull back slightly and wipe away my own brimming tears. “This is all new to us too, y’know?”
Her small laugh is sodden with tears, but she smiles at me then smiles at Ethan.
“We all get to choose whether we stay or go,” I say. “And if this is all the time we have together, then …”
They both look at me and nod.
“But you both have to promise, and I will too, that if any one of us wants out, then that’s fine. This can only work if we all want this.”
Though I don’t even know whatthisis.
Juniper nods, and I wipe away another tear.
“Okay. I promise,” Ethan says, as if taking a solemn vow.
“I promise too,” Juniper says sincerely.
“And I promise three,” I say, and we all get the giggles. “Now, let’s go inside,” I say. “I’m out of coffee, and it’s fucking freezing out here!”
“Last one in gets more firewood!” Juniper calls then races to the front door.
I hurry after her, and though Ethan could easily outrun me, he holds back, letting us win.
“I’ll go get the wood,” he says. “Give you guys some time to yourselves.” He smiles and a burst of warmth spreads through me, though I’m not even fully back inside.
“Thank you,” I say.
He grins. “Love you.”
I can’t help but swoon. “Love you more,” I tell him. And I vow to myself that that will never change.
Chapter Eight
AsIstepinside,the warmth of the cabin wraps around me like a cosy blanket. I head over to the fireplace and relight the fire, the motion coming to me like second nature. I really am getting pretty good at it. A smile spreads across my face as the first few hesitant flames catch. I stand back, watching over it, ensuring it grows strong.
“You are the fire queen!” Juniper announces, giving a round of applause.
I chuckle, feathering my hand as I take a playful bow. “I try,” I say, shrugging and feigning nonchalance, though the warmth of her praise makes my heart flutter. I hold up my empty mug. “Now, I don’t know about you, but I could use another drink.”
“Ditto.” Juniper takes my hand, leading me to the kitchen.
My hand is warm in hers, and it’s weird that it’s not weird to be holding it.
“Well”—Juniper holds up the still-frozen bottle of white wine—“I guess that’s out of the question.”
I laugh. “I was thinking something more along the lines of hot chocolate?” I raise an eyebrow. “Do you think Willow would have stocked some … or maybe sent you to grab some truly decadent, pompous, dark cocoa, darling?”
Juniper chuckles at my impression. “You know, had I actually stuck to the list she’d given me, we would have all starved by now.” She starts rummaging through the kitchen cupboards. “And I don’t care how gorgeous herPicPostsare—”
I bite down on a smile, watching her work. I think I may have accidentally riled her up.
“—people aren’t meant to survive solely on olives and fancy fucking ham.” She closes one cupboard then opens the next.
“Hey. I wholeheartedly agree.” I stand at the sink, out of the way. “Though I do also like olives and fancy ham,” I say, goading her a little.
She whirls around, gaping at me. “You love pizza!” she defends with mock outrage.
“Oh yes,” I say, trying to keep a straight face. “It’s very romantic.”
