"I bet he's embarrassed as hell to be wearing that shade of red."
"One, it's not a he. And two, what's wrong with the shade?"
"Too female. And yes, I'm being sexist." He came behind to wrap his arms around her thick waist. He had made certain she was wrapped from head to toe and sufficiently warm before they ventured outside. When she confessed that this was her firsttime building a snowman, he had already suspected, one of the reasons he had insisted on it.
"It does look good." She murmured, leaning back and absorbing his warmth and strength. He had introduced her to so many things. The small pleasures of life that had slipped by her because of her childhood.
"Of course it does." They stayed there admiring their handiwork a few more minutes.
"It's time to go in darling."
She nodded, her gloved hands clasped on his. "Thank you." She whispered.
"You're most welcome." Turning her around, he dusted snow off her face and took her hands to make the journey back inside.
He helped her off with the layers, nudging her down on the entrance bench to take off her boots.
"Let's see to the fire." Taking her hand, he walked with her into the living room.
"I'll just add some more peat. Grab some blankets, will you? And a couple pillows."
"You're going to have to help me up when it's time for us to get up." She warned as she did as she was told.
"No problem." Rising, he dusted off his hands and stared at the flames leaping upwards.
"I'll be right back." He stopped just inside the doorway. "How about some cookies as well?"
"That sounds ideal." She nestled back on the pillows and stretched her hands towards the flames.
She was smart enough to know that life wasn't perfect, but this came close. Somehow, despite her upbringing and determination to go through life alone, she had found a damn good man who loved her beyond reason. She was pregnant, albeit with triplets, something she never contemplated, naturally, and about to get married. Another something she never thought she would ever do.
"Chocolate cookies oozing with chocolates." His green eyes scanned her face. "Ms. Bailey is making sure you get your heart'sdesire." He lowered himself onto the blanket, skillfully avoiding spillage.
"She's finally warming up to me. Thanks." She wrapped her hands around the cup he handed her. "I guess she's getting it that I have no intention of invading her territory. Speaking of which." She sipped and closed her eyes in delight. "Your mother and sisters are insisting that I learn to cook. Mostly Greek and Irish meals. Says it's a tradition." She blew on the steam.
"Do you want to?" He was seated in front of her, putting her legs over his. One hand held the cup, while the other massaged her insteps.
She shrugged. "I don't mind. I'll make a lousy student, but what the hell." She met his gaze. "And I guess when I learn enough, I'll be joining the rest on Sundays by cooking up a storm."
He shot her an amused glance. "Something like that. You don't want to be the only Kostas woman to be sitting with the men shooting the breeze while the others are in the kitchen where they belong."
He winced when she jabbed him in the groin.
"Careful darling." He muttered. "You don't want to damage the prize."
"Prize is it?"
"Yep." He had the good sense to hold onto her feet before she could do any more damage.
"And when we're finished with the refreshment, I'll be happy to show you how much of a prize it is."
"I think I'll pass." She told him dryly.
They continued the rest of the meal in silence, drawn to the flames leaping like a live thing in the hearth.
"What were you thinking about when I came back in? You looked a little pensive."
Pulling her gaze away from the hearth, she realized he had been watching her.
