"Hmm, well, it's up to you. I'm perfectly happy with a chaste kiss good night when you drop me off."
He growls, and I shiver at the sound. I love when his grumbling, because underneath it all is the kind, generous man I love. To some, this would be fast, but it feels right between us.
"Fine. You win. But I'm going to torture you with my mouth when this is over."
"I certainly hope so." He spins me around, pulling me into his arms on the dance floor as the music starts. He's graceful and moves so easily, it's almost like we're floating. There's no mistaking the surprised looks we get from other couples, mostly because nobody expected Brand to make an appearance. But he's been forging some new friendships, especially among the people who've been part of the Maker's Market this season. The blacksmith, Faron, gives us a quick nod from the edge of the floor. He and Brand have become tentative friends, and their background as military veterans has given them a foundation to build on.
There's no mistaking the interested glances Faron gets from several of the single women attending, but there's a sadness I recognize in him. It was something both Brand and I shared, and like calls to like. It's probably why they get along.
"Faron actually made an appearance. That's an improvement."
"Even the stubborn ones can surprise you, love." When I look up at him, he winks. "Believe me, I know this all too well."
"Some call it stubborn. I call it persistent."
The music slows to a halt and Brand dips me down over his arm, gazing down at me. "Well, I'm glad your persistence paid off."
Happiness surges through me, and when he lifts me back up, I don't miss what he says next as he kisses my cheek. "I love you, Lydia. So very much."
I lean against him, my fingers tight on the lapels of his coat, needing the support of his body as my legs go weak for a moment.
"I love you. So, so much. More than I ever dreamed possible."
He fulfills his promise that night, leading me through the dances, making me laugh and blush with his whispered dirty words.
As we leave the crowd behind, he stops beneath the mistletoe hung over the exit. His fingers slide along my jaw, tip my face up to his.
"I'm grateful you came to my cabin that day. And I'm grateful you were too stubborn to quit."
"Really?" I tease him, quirking a brow as I ask, "Even when I was dragging you out of the woods in the most uncomfortable and incorrect way possible?"
He laughs, and it's a real laugh. That's one of the changes I love the most. When all his defenses drop and I get to see the parts of himself he hides from everyone else.
"Even then, love. I knew I was a goner at that point."
He kisses me there, not caring if anyone sees and then escorts me out of the building, into the starry night.
Snow falls around us, and he tightens his arm around me, making sure I don't slip.
And I know this is how we'll always be.
Two people meant to find each other, holding each other as we face whatever storms may come.
EPILOGUE
ONE YEAR LATER
The Mistletoe Ball has grown. It's a reminder of how many people come to Foggy Pines for the holiday events. Our community is thriving and I'm grateful to have played some part in that. Johnny and his son wave at me, and I notice the young woman standing with them. I'll have to check in at the diner to find out all about her. Life is moving on.
Strong arms encircle my waist, and I lean back against a familiar, muscular chest. "Your dad would be happy to see this."
I nod, smiling at the thought. "He would. This is the future he was hoping for. What he wanted for this place he loved so much."
"He loved you, too. Very much." His words are low and husky, and his fingers ghost over the side of my hip. I shiver at the sensation, the power his simple touch has to make me feel so much even through the fabric of my dress.
"You're sentimental, tonight. Don't think that means we're leaving early. You owe me three dances."
He laughs and then guides me out to the floor, where other couples are already moving together. Brand leads, the steps coming easily to him, and there's no doubt he's the best dancerout here. The man is a wealth of talent, all carefully hidden behind the gruff exterior.
