Olivia nodded.“I did.Looks like you’ve been having fun, too.”
Nash placed Ella on her feet on a brand-new pathway.“Charlie and I thought it would be fun to make a path for Ella to walk along.She’s getting better at her walking.With the way she likes it outside, we thought she’d have fun practicing.”
The snow was about two feet deep and a pathway had been stomped into it.“Did you use snowshoes to flatten it?”
Nash nodded.“We did.Once we started, the others showed up.Now we’re getting all kinds of paths and benches made of snow.It’s kind of like what Gray has planned for the area in the spring.”
“We’re not hurting his plants?”
Nash shook his head.“Claus oversaw the overall map so we don’t squash any of the bushes he planted in the fall.Some things won’t be planted until spring, so we’re good.”
Ella walked along the path, following Charlie and Oggie.“She’s going to love this.She can be more independent on the hard snow, and the walls will keep her from getting stuck in deeper snow.You’re amazing, Nash.”
He shrugged.“We just thought it would be fun.”
“There’s nojustabout it.I love the way your mind is always thinking of others.Of Charlie and Ella.Of me.It’s one of the many reasons I love you.”
His eyes heated and so did her entire body at the look.
He leaned in to growl in her ear.“I want to toss you over my shoulder and head for the stairs.Instead, we’re going to be responsible parents and play with the kids.But later?We’re going to put in some play time of our own.”
Body tingling in all the good places, Olivia managed a nod.She loved his growls, especially when they rumbled against her skin.
She couldn’t wait for later.
In her heart, she knew she’d feel the same way decades later.It was going to be an amazing life.
As they approached the New Year, Nash still glowed with the joy of the holidays, and the relief that Adam Parsons was behind bars.According to Marcus, he’d be there for a long while.The man rambled his plans to anyone who would listen.Apparently, he’d interpreted the publisher’s social media posts as Mary Mae’s attempt to contact him, to ask him to rescue her.
He’d been linked to other assaults, and he’d crossed state lines to attempt to kidnap Olivia.Doctors were checking his mental health.No matter what they decided, Parsons wouldn’t be free any time soon.
With Charlie towing the sled holding Ella and Oggie, Nash held Olivia’s hand as they skated along the path.It was way more efficient than walking.Even on windy days like this one, the trees blocked most of it.
Ella clapped and laughed as they slowed at the cider cabin.The girl loved it here, which made his plan perfect.
As long as Olivia agreed.
He’d brought Charlie in on the idea, wanting to see what his son thought.Then he’d checked in with the Malssum family, who all approved and were willing to help.The military had brought Nash this family, and he couldn’t be more grateful.
Now it was time to surprise Olivia.She hadn’t had many good surprises in life, and he wanted to change that for her.Forever.
Ford had made them a bench to sit on while they removed their skates and put on their boots.
Nash grinned at Charlie.“It’s a good place, isn’t it?”
Charlie laughed.“I love it back here.”
Olivia nodded.“Me too.I always wonder about the family who originally lived here.Life has changed a lot, but I imagine this cabin was considered huge when it was first built.”
Perfect segue.“How do you feel about expanding it to be more in line with today’s houses?”
She frowned at him.“What do you mean?”
Nash picked up her mittened hand with his.“Our family needs a place of our own.The Malssums said they’d love us to build our own place here.And adding onto the cider cabin that helped us figure out we make a really good family seemed like a great idea.”
It was also the first place they’d made love, but he wasn’t talking about those memories with his son right there.
Olivia’s eyes sparkled, and he figured she was thinking about that day as well.“That sounds amazing.”
