They finished their meal in comfortable silence, hands intertwined across the table, the crackling fire and the soft glow of candlelight making the moment feel timeless.
Afterward, they sat together by the fireplace, shoulders touching, watching the flames dance. Jack brushed his fingers over hers again.“You make everything feel… easier. Better. Brighter.”
Emily leaned her head against his shoulder.“You make me feel that way too,” she whispered.
The snow fell quietly outside, wrapping the inn in a peaceful hush, but inside, Emily and Jack felt a warmth that went far beyond the fire. In that small, cozy room, with hearts racing and hands entwined, they knew something beautiful had begun — a love neither had expected but both were ready to embrace.
Chapter 13:
Snowmen and Laughter
The morning sun reflected off the freshly fallen snow, making Willow Lake sparkle like a winter wonderland. Emily stepped outside, pulling on her mittens, and saw Jack already rolling a large snowball near the edge of the inn’s garden.
“You’re starting without me?” she called, laughing.
Jack looked up, a mischievous grin spreading across his face.“I had to get a head start! You wouldn’t want me to win the best snowman award, would you?”
Emily shook her head, smiling.“Oh, it’s on!”
They spent the next hour building a snowman together. Jack rolled the base while Emily shaped the middle, their laughter echoing across the garden. Occasionally, a playful snowball would fly from one to the other, leaving both of them breathless and rosy-cheeked.
“Careful, Emily!” Jack warned, ducking as she threw another snowball.
“You’re too slow!” she teased, giggling.
Finally, their snowman stood proudly, adorned with a carrot nose, coal eyes, and a scarf Emily had wrapped around it. They stepped back to admire their work, snowflakes settling gently on their hair and shoulders.
Jack brushed a few from Emily’s scarf.“You know,” he said softly,“I could spend every winter like this… with you.”
Emily’s heart fluttered.“Me too,” she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.
Before either of them could react, Jack grabbed a handful of snow and lightly tossed it at her. Emily squealed and retaliated, and soon they were in the middle of a full-on snowball fight, rolling in the snow and laughing until their sides hurt.
Finally, they collapsed side by side, breathless, staring up at the pale blue sky. Jack’s hand found hers, fingers intertwining naturally.
“You’re amazing,” he said softly.
“You started it,” Emily replied, smiling.
Jack leaned closer, brushing a snowflake from her cheek.“I don’t care,” he said.“I’m just glad you’re here.”
Emily’s heart warmed, the cold of the morning forgotten in the heat of their laughter and closeness. As they lay there, side by side, snowflakes falling around them, Emily realized that Willow Lake had given her more than winter magic — it had given her Jack Harrison, and a love she never wanted to let go.
Chapter 14:
Hot Cocoa and Heartstrings
The evening settled over Willow Lake with a gentle hush, snow drifting silently outside the inn’s windows. Inside, Emily and Jack stood in the warm kitchen, the scent of cocoa and vanilla filling the air.
“I can’t believe we’re making this from scratch,” Emily said, stirring the pot of thick, rich chocolate.
Jack grinned, sprinkling a dash of cinnamon into her mug.“Trust me — it’s going to be worth it. Nothing beats homemade hot chocolate.”
They moved around each other easily, brushing shoulders and laughing at the occasional clumsy bump. Emily couldn’t help but notice the way Jack’s eyes lingered on her, warm and soft, and the gentle way he handed her the mug, their fingers touching for just a moment longer than necessary.
Sitting by the fire with mugs in hand, Emily wrapped her hands around the warm cup, feeling the heat seep into her fingers. Jack settled beside her, close enough that their shoulders touched.
“You know,” Jack began softly,“these days with you… they’ve been the best part of my winter.”
