No hospital haze.
Just them.
He rested his forehead against hers.
Nothing in the room was urgent.
And for the first time since the mountain, neither of them felt like they were still running.
A knock sounded at the door.
They both froze.
“You expecting anyone?” he asked.
Tessa shook her head and pushed to her feet.
Kayla stood on the porch, bundled in a coat and knit hat, cheeks pink, a soft-sided carrier in her hands.
“Merry Christmas,” she said. “Special delivery.”
Tessa’s breath caught. “Tallulah?”
Kayla laughed. “She’s been judging me for three days. I surrender.”
She unzipped the carrier. Tallulah stepped out like she owned the place, tail high, green eyes sharp. One beat to take in the cabin, then she launched herself straight into Tessa’s arms.
“Oh, baby,” Tessa whispered, sinking back to the sofa. Tallulah climbed her chest, kneading hard, purring like a motor. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t leave you. I swear I didn’t?—”
Tallulah head-butted her chin and tucked herself under Tessa’s jaw.
Scout watched, grinning—right up until Tallulah looked over at him, narrowed her eyes, and very deliberately turned her back.
“Hey,” he protested. “I’m the one who made sure you were fed."
Kayla snorted. “You also left her alone in a strange cabin. In cat years, that’s a capital offense.”
“I nearly died,” he said.
Tallulah flicked her tail.
Tessa laughed, bright and full. “She says you’re on probation.”
“Fair,” Scout said.
Kayla took them in—Tessa whole, Scout propped up but steady, Tallulah in command—and shook her head, smiling.
“I’ll get out of your way. Mary Lou says leftovers are waiting whenever you want them.”
“Thank you,” Tessa said, the words heavier than just for food.
When the door closed, the cabin went quiet again.
She leaned in and kissed him—soft at first, then deeper as his hand tightened on her waist and her fingers curled in his T-shirt. No adrenaline. No countdown. Just the two of them, choosing this.
They only broke apart when Tallulah let out an offended mrow and climbed higher, shoving herself squarely into Tessa’s lap.
Scout laughed against Tessa’s temple. “Guess that’s our chaperone.”
