As they stepped out into the snowy night air, James felt a sense of rightness settle over him. The stars glittered overhead in the clear sky, and their breath formed small clouds in the freezing air. Jake, who seemed to have found an energy reserve, ran ahead with Bash, their footprints marking fresh tracks in the snow.
“Be careful on that slope,” James called after them, then turned to Doreen. “May I?” he asked, offering his arm.
After a moment’s hesitation, she slipped her hand into the crook of his elbow. Even through layers of winter clothing, the contact sent warmth radiating through him. His bear rumbled in contentment as they started down the path, their steps falling into a natural rhythm.
“It’s so peaceful here at night,” Doreen said softly, her words forming delicate clouds that hung briefly in the space between them. “In the city, you never see stars like this.”
James followed her gaze upward, to where the stars glittered between the dark silhouettes of pine branches. The sight was familiar to him, but seeing it reflected in her eyes made it new again.
“This is my favorite time of year,” he admitted, careful not to hold her arm too tightly as they navigated a slippery patch of path. “The whole town just feels... closer somehow. More like family than neighbors.”
The moonlight transformed the forest around them, casting blue-silver shadows across the pristine snow. Each step they took created a satisfying crunch that echoed in the quiet night. From ahead came the distant sound of Jake’s laughter, punctuated by Bash’s excited barks.
“How are you finding the cabin?” James asked, his voice low so that he wouldn’t disturb the tranquility surrounding them.
“I really like it,” Doreen replied, and he could hear the genuine pleasure in her tone. “Especially the window seat. I spent an hour there this afternoon with my coffee, just watching the snow fall.” She laughed softly. “That probably sounds boring.”
“Not at all,” James said, meaning it. “Sometimes, the quiet moments matter most.”
Doreen hesitated, then added softly, “I didn’t realize how much I needed the quiet. I haven’t breathed properly in a long time.”
James slowed slightly, meeting her gaze. “This is a good place to learn to breathe again,” he said, although he wanted to say more. But he didn’t want to let on that Sorcha had told him about Doreen’s pain.
They walked in silence for a stretch, and James marveled at how comfortable it felt. No pressure to fill the space with words. Just two people walking side by side beneath a canopy of stars, their breath mingling in the cold air.
But beneath the calm, a thin thread of panic twisted through him. Don’t push. Don’t say something stupid. Don’t rush this. She’s finally relaxing.
His bear grumbled at the self-scolding.
What terrified him wasn’t losing the moment. It was how easily he couldimaginelosing her. One wrong word, one too-bold step, and she might retreat behind the walls she’d only just begun to lower. He’d protect her from anything, but protecting her from himself felt like the hardest task of all.
The path curved gently, and Doreen’s cabin came into view, golden light spilling from the windows. Jake and Bash had already reached it, the door standing open as they tumbled inside, leaving small boot prints and paw prints in the fresh snow.
They slowed as they approached the threshold, neither rushing to break the connection between them. Soft flakes began to fall, catching in Doreen’s hair and eyelashes like tiny stars. The porch light illuminated her face, highlighting the gentle curve of her smile.
Their eyes met, and the world narrowed until it contained only this moment, this connection. The rest of Bear Creek faded away, leaving just the two of them standing in a pool of golden light as snow fell silently around them.
Kiss her,his bear urged with unexpected intensity.
Not yet. She’s not ready,James responded, even as every cell in his body leaned toward her. Was he really going to turn down a second chance to kiss his mate?
Then Doreen broke eye contact, ducking her head slightly as she stepped inside the cabin. For a heartbeat, James felt that hollow sense of loss, as if something precious had been pulled away too soon.
Then he saw it. The shy tilt of her head, the soft color in her cheeks, none of it looked like rejection. If anything, she seemed as overwhelmed as he felt. Like she was standing on the edge of something she didn’t quite trust yet but wanted all the same.
“Goodnight, James,” she said as she reached for the door.
“Goodnight.” He forced himself to sound casual as she inched the door closed.
But then she opened it wider once more. “See you in the morning.”
James was filled with unexpected joy. “I can’t wait,” he answered before he could temper his enthusiasm.
A blush spread across her cheeks, visible even in the dim light. Her smile deepened, reaching her eyes in a way that stole his breath. “Neither can I,” she replied, then gently closed the door.
James stood motionless in the snow for a moment, heart thudding against his ribs.
Did you hear? She can’t wait to see us again,his bear practically purred.
