Christopher smiled against her skin. “Like what?”
“So…complete.” She sighed contentedly. “Like finding a piece of myself I never knew was missing.”
“That’s exactly what it is,” he murmured, carefully shifting to lie beside her on the narrow sofa, keeping one arm wrapped around her to prevent her from falling. “Finding the other half of your soul.”
Sorcha nestled against him, her head tucked beneath his chin. The firelight danced across her skin, turning it to burnished gold. Christopher couldn’t stop touching her—her shoulder, the curve of her hip, the silky strands of her hair. Each touch confirmed she was real, she was here, she had chosen him.
“I want this forever,” she said softly. “You and me. Together.”
His bear rumbled happily within him. “Forever,” he agreed, pressing a kiss to the top of her head.
They lay in comfortable silence for a while, listening to the pop and hiss of the fire, their breathing falling into a matching rhythm. Christopher felt more at peace than ever before. The sense of rightness, of belonging, was overwhelming.
“Do you think Gretel would mind if I moved in with you?” Sorcha asked suddenly, tracing circles on his chest. “At least until I figure out what to do about my job?”
Christopher tensed slightly, realizing there was one more thing he hadn’t told her. One more piece of himself she didn’t yet know.
“About that,” he began, his voice hesitant. “Gretel doesn’t actually…own the cabins.”
Sorcha sat up abruptly. “What do you mean?”
Christopher propped himself up on one elbow, suddenly nervous. “I own Bear Creek Cabins.”
Her jaw dropped, eyes widening in shock. “You…what? Since when?”
“Since my car broke down…” He chuckled as he threaded his fingers through her tousled hair, his thumb caressing her cheek. “Does that make me more or less desirable?”
Sorcha tilted her head, considering him with narrowed eyes. “Oh, definitely more,” she said, the corner of her mouth twitching upward. “But I would love to hear the story behind it.”
Christopher traced the swell of her breast, watching as her skin pebbled beneath his touch. “When my car broke down and I was marooned here, Gretel helped me see the light,” he explained. “My old life was slowly suffocating me—the pressure, the pace, the emptiness of it all. She taught me how to breathe again.”
He paused, remembering those first few weeks in Bear Creek. The gradual loosening of the knot in his chest, the way the forest had called to him, the first time he’d shifted after years of suppressing his bear. Suppressing his true self.
“When I learned that Bear Creek Cabins were for sale, I knew I had to buy them,” he continued. “Gretel was in danger of losing her job and the only home she’d ever known, along with her security. I couldn’t let that happen.”
Sorcha’s expression softened. She traced the line of his jaw with her finger, then leaned down and pressed her lips to his in a tender kiss.
“I never believed in fate,” she whispered against his mouth. “But I do now.”
Christopher pulled her down for another kiss, deeper this time, pouring all his love and gratitude into it. When they finally broke apart, both breathless, he cradled her face in his hands.
“So you’re okay with dating the boss?” he asked, his tone light.
Sorcha laughed. “I’m okay withlovingthe boss,” she corrected. “Though I’m not looking for a job, just to be clear.”
“So you’re going to take the job at the World Traveler?” he asked, the question he’d been afraid to voice finally escaping.
Her expression grew serious. “I need to call Doreen tomorrow. I won’t be taking it.”
“Are you sure?” Christopher searched her face. “I meant what I said. I would go with you if that’s what you wanted.”
“I know you would.” She stroked his cheek, her touch reverent. “And that’s one of the reasons I love you. But this feels right, Christopher. Being here with you. Building something together.”
His bear practically purred with contentment. “What about your writing? Your career?”
“I can write from anywhere,” she said with a small shrug. “And Bear Creek is full of stories waiting to be told. Or maybe I’ll write a book about my travels.” She smiled, her eyes bright with possibilities. “The point is, I’m choosing us. Everything else will fall into place.”
Christopher pulled her close, overwhelmed by the gift she was giving him. “I love you,” he whispered into her hair. “More than I have words to express.”
