But for now, he was content to watch her feed the reindeer, memorizing the way snowflakes caught in her copper hair, how her eyes crinkled at the corners when she smiled, the soft soundsof delight she made as the animals gently took food from her hand.
These were the moments worth staying for. Worth fighting for. And somehow, he had to make her see that too.
“All finished with the feeding?” Bob called from behind them. “The sleigh is ready when you are.”
Christopher turned to see the older man standing next to a polished wooden sleigh, its runners gleaming in the sunlight. Two reindeer stood in harness, their breath clouding in the cold air, bells jingling softly as they shifted.
“What do you think?” Christopher asked Sorcha, watching her eyes widen at the sight.
“It’s beautiful,” she breathed, already moving toward it. “Like something from a storybook.”
Christopher followed, puffing out his chest with pride. He’d helped Bob restore this sleigh last winter, sanding away years of neglect and repairing the worn leather seats. Now it gleamed like new, the dark wood polished to a high shine, the red velvet seat cushions bright against the snow.
“You two enjoy yourselves,” Bob said, handing Christopher the reins with a wink that made his neck flush hot despite the cold. “I’ve cleared it with the rangers. You can take the north trail through the gate if you want. It’s particularly beautiful this time of year.”
Christopher nodded his thanks as he helped Sorcha into the sleigh, steadying her with a hand at her elbow. Even through layers of winter clothing, that electric connection sparked between them, making his pulse quicken.
He settled beside her, tucking a thick wool blanket around their legs. The warmth of her thigh pressed against his own,sending a pleasant shiver through him that had nothing to do with the temperature.
“Ready?” he asked, his voice rougher than he’d intended.
She nodded, excitement brightening her eyes as she pulled her camera from her pocket. “I can’t believe this is happening.”
Christopher clicked his tongue and gave the reins a gentle snap. The reindeer moved forward with surprising grace, bells chiming in rhythm with their steps. The sleigh glided across the snow, the runners making a soft shushing sound that seemed to underscore the magic of the moment.
They passed through the main sanctuary grounds, where Sorcha snapped photos of the rescued animals in their enclosures, horses stamping in their paddocks, a trio of goats huddled together on a hay bale, and a one-eyed wolf watching them pass with quiet dignity.
“They all have stories,” Christopher explained as they glided past. “Bob takes in animals that no one else wants. They might be injured, old, or difficult. Gives them a second chance.”
Sorcha lowered her camera, her expression thoughtful. “Like you,” she said softly.
Christopher blinked in surprise. “What do you mean?”
Does she think you are old or difficult?his bear teased.
“You said earlier that Bear Creek gave you a second chance when your car broke down. That you found a home here.” She gestured to the sanctuary around them. “These animals found their home here, too.”
He’d never thought of it quite that way before, but she was right. He and these creatures shared something fundamental. They’d all been wandering until Bear Creek welcomed them in.
They approached the northern gate, where the manicured trails of the sanctuary gave way to wilder terrain. Christopher slowed the reindeer, giving Sorcha a questioning look.
“Want to see something few tourists get to experience?” he asked.
“Lead the way,” she replied, tucking her camera away and settling deeper into the seat beside him.
Christopher guided the sleigh through the gate, following a trail that wound through stands of towering pines. The world seemed to change as they passed into this wilder part of the mountain, the sounds muffled by snow, the light filtering through branches in shafts of gold. His bear stirred, more alert now that they were away from the scents of humans and domesticated animals.
He pointed out tracks in the snow—rabbit, fox, deer—and Sorcha leaned forward eagerly, taking it all in. Her enthusiasm was contagious, making him see the familiar landscape through fresh eyes.
The trail curved around a bend, and suddenly the forest opened to reveal a breathtaking vista, with mountains rising in the distance, valleys carved by ancient glaciers stretching below them, all blanketed in pristine white that sparkled in the winter sun.
Christopher brought the sleigh to a halt at the edge of a small outcropping that served as a natural viewpoint. The reindeer stomped and snorted, their breath forming clouds in the still air.
Beside him, Sorcha went quiet, her eyes wide as she took in the panorama. Then, with a soft sigh, she leaned into him, her head coming to rest against his shoulder.
“This is just perfect,” she whispered.
It is,his bear agreed, a deep contentment rumbling through him.
