“Before coming to the surface, I would’ve said working with sorhoxes. After losing Wexla, I didn’t expect happiness again.” He paused, seeming to choose his words with care. “But lately, I’ve found joy in unexpected places. In watching humans experience our traditions combined with their own. In creating something new here.”
“In Christmas magic?” I teased.
A smile tugged at his mouth. “Perhaps.”
“If you could build any life you wanted, what would it look like?”
He was quiet for so long I thought he might not answer. “A balance of work that matters and a community that feels like home.” His eyes found mine. “Someone to share it with. Younglings, eventually. A legacy that isn’t only about what I build, but who I build it with.”
My heart stumbled at his words. “That sounds perfect.”
“What about you?”
“Something similar. A place where I belong. Work that uses my skills but doesn’t consume me.” I watched the stars reflecting in his eyes. “I always thought that meant moving to the nextbig opportunity, carefully building toward the last, then jumping off the cliff to work for myself. Now I’m not so sure.” I rested my head against his arm. “Maybe success isn’t about climbing higher but about building something that matters.”
His arm tightened around me. “Whatever you choose, Carla, you’ll do well with it. It’s a part of who you are.”
We fell back into silence, the moment stretching like the star-filled sky above us.
Becken guided our sleigh off the open plain and onto a trail through snow-dusted pines before coming to a broad meadow. Ahead, people got out of their vehicles, exclaiming about the panoramic view of Lonesome Creek below, its Christmas lights twinkling.
Becken brought Peeka to a stop and helped me down, his hands lingering at my waist. For a moment, we stood close enough that I could feel the heat radiating from his body, see the stars reflected in his dark eyes.
“Carla, I?—”
A sharp cry rang out. I turned to see Beth doubled over, clutching her belly, Ruugar supporting her with panic in his eyes.
“My water broke,” she gasped, loud enough for everyone to hear. “The baby’s coming.”
Ruugar scooped Beth into his arms and strode to their sleigh, barking out directions to his brothers about continuing the ride for the tourists. Aunt Inla talked Beth through a contraction. Grannie Lil directed everyone to clear a path back to town.
“We need to get her to my place,” Aunt Inla announced. “Take her to the birthing room I’ve prepared.”
Beth groaned again, her face contorted in pain. “It’s happening.”
Ruugar turned his sorhox toward town, pausing beside Inla. “Meet us there?”
She nodded. “Grannie and I are right behind you.” She helped Grannie climb into the sleigh and leaped in beside her, guiding the sorhox pulling the vehicle in a tight circle. She stopped beside me and Becken, her gaze directed my way. “You’re coming too, right?”
“Me?” I gulped.
“All the mates will be there, and that includes you unless you’re squeamish.”
“Not one bit.” I shot Becken a grin and got out, climbing into the back of Inla’s sleigh.
“We’ll finish the ride and join you at Inla’s home,” Becken told me.
The peaceful starlight ride had changed into something different, but no less magical.
A new life was about to enter the world on Christmas Eve.
And somehow, I’d been invited to witness the miracle.
Chapter 24
Carla
Inla drove the sorhox back to town. The beast seemed to understand the urgency, his powerful legs eating up the distance, the bells jingling with each stride. Beth rode ahead of us with Ruugar, while I shared the rear seat behind Grannie Lil, who clutched her cane with gnarled hands.
