“Ready for some serious fun?” he asked, his grin wide and mischievous.
Emily laughed.“As ready as I’ll ever be! But don’t say I didn’t warn you — I might crash.”
Jack chuckled.“Then I’ll catch you… or at least try.”
They climbed to the top of the hill, the town spread below like a winter postcard. Emily’s heart raced as she took in the view. Jack placed his hand on the sled, giving her a playful push.“Go!”
With a whoosh, Emily sped down the hill, the wind whipping her hair and the snow sparkling in her path. She screamed in delight, laughing so hard she could barely breathe. At the bottom, Jack caught up, sliding to a stop beside her.
“You survived!” he cheered, helping her to her feet.
“I did! Barely,” she gasped, her cheeks flushed with excitement and cold.
“Now it’s my turn,” Emily said, jumping onto the sled beside him. They shot down the hill together, her arms wrapped around him, his laughter blending with hers as they twisted and turned over the sparkling snow.
After several more runs, they collapsed in the snow at the bottom of the hill, breathless and laughing. Emily lay back, staring up at the pale blue sky.“This… this is perfect,” she murmured.
Jack turned to her, brushing snow from her hair.“Perfect is exactly what I was thinking,” he said softly.
They sat together in comfortable silence for a moment, the snow crunching beneath them and the distant sounds of Willow Lake filling the air. Emily felt a warmth that had nothing to do with the sun or the heavy coat she wore — it was the warmth of Jack’s presence, the thrill of shared laughter, and the quiet joy of being exactly where she belonged.
Jack leaned in slightly, his voice low and teasing.“So… want to see if we can beat our record on the next run?”
Emily grinned, grabbing his hand.“You’re on. But this time, I’m not holding back.”
As they raced back up the hill, the laughter and shouts echoing across the snow, Emily realized something simple and profound: winter in Willow Lake had brought her more than snow and quiet — it had brought her Jack, and a happiness she hadn’t expected to find.
Chapter 10:
Starlight and Secrets
That evening, the town was quiet, snowflakes drifting gently from the sky, reflecting the soft glow of the streetlights. Emily and Jack walked side by side along the frozen lake, their breaths forming small clouds in the cold air.
Jack stopped at a small clearing, pointing upward.“Look,” he said softly.“The stars are incredible tonight.”
Emily tilted her head back, marveling at the sky. Millions of stars sparkled above, mirrored faintly in the frozen surface of the lake.“It’s… breathtaking,” she whispered.
Jack stepped closer, his arm brushing hers.“Not as breathtaking as this moment,” he murmured.
Emily felt her heart skip. The warmth from Jack’s presence seemed to seep into her, overpowering the chill around them. She laughed softly, trying to mask the fluttering in her chest.
“Do you ever feel like… the world slows down sometimes?” she asked quietly.“Like in moments like this?”
Jack nodded.“All the time. But it’s rare to have someone to share it with.” His gaze held hers, soft and earnest.“I’m glad it’s you.”
Emily’s chest tightened.“Me too,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
They continued walking along the lake, snow crunching beneath their boots, fingers brushing occasionally, stealing warmth fromeach other. At one point, Jack stopped and pulled her close, wrapping his coat around her shoulders.
“Better?” he asked, his breath warm against her cheek.
“Much better,” Emily replied, leaning into him.
They walked in companionable silence for a while, enjoying the serenity of the night, until Jack suddenly knelt in the snow. Emily gasped, expecting a joke, but he was holding out a small snowflake-shaped charm.
“For you,” he said, his voice low.“Something to remember tonight… and every quiet moment we share.”
Emily’s eyes glistened as she accepted the charm.“Jack… it’s beautiful.”
