He takes the small wrapped package, eyebrows raised. “When did you?—?”
"While you were talking to that sweet old lady in the general store." I watch nervously as he unwraps it. “It's kinda silly, but I wanted you to have something to remember this Christmas.“
The wooden bear sits in his palm, carved with careful detail, a tiny red scarf around its neck. He stares at it for a long moment, and when he looks up, his eyes are suspiciously bright.
"It's perfect," he says roughly. "Thank you."
"For surviving our storm," I whisper.
He pulls me against his chest, the ornament clutched in one hand while the other holds me close. "Best storm of my life."
We sit there as the sun starts to dip behind the mountains, tinting the snow gold and pink. Bear snores softly at our feet, and from inside comes the sound of laughter and Christmas music.
"We should probably go back in," I murmur, even though I don't want to move.
"They're definitely watching us through the window."
"Oh god." I bury my face in his neck. "How long have they been watching?"
"Since about thirty seconds after Sadie went inside, I'd guess."
"Your sister is the worst."
He shrugs, then presses a kiss to my temple. "Ready to face the firing squad?"
"As long as you're with me."
He stands, pulling me up with him. Through the huge windows, I can see everyone very obviously not looking in our direction.
Harlon opens the door, and we step into warmth and light and the scent of Christmas dinner. Bear tears inside toward the fireplace.
Every head turns.
"I was beginning to think you'd frozen out there." Meredith announces from her chair.
Sadie appears with a champagne bottle and glasses. "Perfect timing! I was just about to make a toast."
Ledger distributes glasses while Sadie pours with theatrical flair. Once everyone's holding champagne, she raises her glass.
"To new beginnings," she says, eyes twinkling. "To Christmas miracles. To stubborn idiots who finally got their heads out of their asses?—"
"Sadie," Harlon warns.
"—and to family, chosen and otherwise." She looks at me, and Nia, and Meredith, and there's deep affection in her gaze. "Welcome home."
"Hear, hear!" everyone choruses, and we all drink.
Harlon mouths,I love you,and I mouth it back with a grin.
The Christmas lights twinkle all around us as someone's playlist switches to a jazzy version of "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.”
Meredith's laugh rings out over a story Kade is telling.
Yep, a merry little Christmas, indeed.
EPILOGUE - HARLON
ONE YEAR LATER
