The storm outside had softened but still churned in vicious swirls. James tightened his hold on Doreen, shielding her from the wind with his body. Every step he took came from a place deeper than instinct—a fierce, bone-deep need to protect the woman in his arms.
“Will we get warm soon?” Jake asked from behind.
“Very soon,” James promised. “My truck has the best heater in Bear Creek.”
James felt Doreen shift faintly in his arms, and he glanced down to see a small smile on her lips.
“You’re smiling,” James murmured, his breath a warm cloud in the frigid air. “Care to share the joke?”
“Just thinking about this morning,” she whispered, her voice barely audible above the wind. “Seems like a lifetime ago now.”
Now, that was a good thought. Waking with her in his arms, watching her move around his kitchen in his shirt. It seemed impossibly distant now, separated by fear and ice and the desperate search through blinding snow.
But it’s over now, his bear told him.
Not yet, but soon,James replied as he led them the twenty feet to his truck.
“We’ll have other mornings,” he murmured in her ear. “Many, many more mornings.”
“Is that a promise?” she asked.
“Oh, yeah.”
When they reached the truck, James placed her gently in the passenger seat. Then he went around to the driver’s side and put the key in the ignition. The heater whirred to life instantly, blowing blessed warmth into the cab. Jake scrambled into the back with Bash, curling together under the blast of heat.
James reached across to secure Doreen’s seat belt, his hands shaking now that the effects of his adrenaline had worn off.
“I was so scared.” He paused, his fingers brushing her cheek.
“I’m still here,” she whispered, covering his hand with hers. “Not going anywhere.”
He tried to speak, but his throat constricted. “When I couldn’t find you at first...” The words died, too raw to finish.
She pressed her lips to his cheek, and the simple contact hit him like a punch to the gut…in the best way possible. He shut his eyes, just breathing her in.
She was here. She was safe.
Her breath brushed his skin. “I knew you’d find us. Because I trust you. I love you. All of you.”
“I love you too,” he whispered, and all his fears melted away. If they could find each other in a storm, they would always find each other.
The drive back to the cabins passed in exhausted silence. Jake drifted between brief comments and quiet snuggles into Bash’s fur. Doreen leaned her head against the window, her eyes half-closed.
James could feel her presence through the bond. And it felt strong. Like his love for her.
She said it,his bear said happily.She said she loves us.
Finally, he pulled up outside the cabins and turned the engine off.
“Home sweet home,” he said. “Let’s get you inside.”
“Yes, please,” Doreen murmured, her voice thick with exhaustion. “I don’t think I’ve ever been so happy to see these cabins.”
James circled the truck and opened Doreen’s door. She reached for him instinctively, and he gathered her into his arms again, cradling her against his chest. Her trust warmed him more than the truck heater ever could.
Even if it is the best heater in Bear Creek, his bear said dryly.
Jake tumbled out of the backseat with Bash following, the golden retriever shaking snow from his fur before trotting dutifully behind them.
