She stared at him, her head spinning and her poor, poor heart racing in high gear.
Still silent, he hoisted himself up in one graceful move, took the seat next to her and put his cold bare hands on her cheeks.
“I’m not going.”
She blinked at him.
“I’m not leaving you again,” he said, his voice gravelly and emotional. “I’m not walking out on Christmas or ever. And I’m not hoping we can make this work in the spring.”
She let out a whimper of disbelief.
“I am in love with you, Cindy Starling. I’ve missed ten years and I’m not missing another minute.”
“But…Vermont…your mom…”
“I already told her I’m staying, and even at two in the morning on the East Coast, she cheered this decision. She said if I didn’t come back to you before Christmas morning, she’d disown me. She told me the whole retirement home was rooting for us to get back together.”
For some reason, that was the thing that brought tears to her eyes.
“This is where I belong, Cin. With you, with Nic, at Snowberry Lodge. Please, please let me stay, let me love you again, and let me be the man I know I can be. Start tonight. Now. On this sleigh, on this mountain, with me.”
“Jack…”
“Just say yes.”
“Yes.” She barely whispered the word and his lips covered hers, warm and familiar. He kissed her with the same passion and promise as the first time. Only tonight, she knew this was forever.
Christmas morning dawnsat Snowberry Lodge—but the season of love, laughter, and surprises is only just beginning. As snow drifts through the canyons and blankets the mountains in wintermagic, hearts will be tested, new connections will spark, and family bonds will grow stronger than ever.
Nicole finds herself swept into a romance that changes her whole perspective about life. MJ’s friendship with a mysterious guest stirs curiosity and concern. And Gracie hopes that her plans for Benny and his new puppy don’t come back to bite her.
