She wagged a finger at him. “Don’t hurt that sweet girl. She’s tough on the outside, but on the inside, she’s soft as butter.”
He had no intention of hurting True, but he was just as vulnerable as she was. His heart could just as easily be broken.
“Kind of like someone else I know,” he teased. For the first time, he realized how he enjoyed having strong, independent women in his life. His mother. Hattie. True. Bold, unique women who were loving and fierce.
Hattie let out a cackle. “I’ll proudly wear that badge of honor. Now, could you go downstairs and make me a mimosa before Jacques comes back from the store?”
“Absolutely not,” Xavier said, laughing so hard it made his sides hurt.
Everyone needed a Hattie in their lives, he realized. And although their time together would be shortened by her illness, he intended to make the most of each and every day they spent together.
CHAPTER TWENTY
The cold Alaskan air whipped against True’s face as she held the reins of the dogsled tightly in her hand. Although she had done this dozens of times, mushing never got old. Thanks to her childhood friend Rocky Aldean, this dogsledding adventure had been made possible for her and Xavier. Rocky was the owner of a dogsledding outfit in town called Klondike Adventures. A former Iditarod racer, Rocky lived and breathed dogsledding and made his living showing tourists the beauty of the sport.
Xavier had just had his turn holding the reins, and they were now almost back at the starting point. True steered the dogs toward the fenced-in area by the cabin, calling out “Whoa” as their command to come to a stop. Despite the frigid temperatures, Xavier seemed to be having a great time. Mushing was a sport that caused pure adrenaline to race through your veins at every twist and turn on the trail. Not only was it stimulating, but the landscape was breathtaking. Sure, she was a bit biased, but Xavier had commented on it all morning.
“This might be the coolest thing I’ve ever done,” Xavier told True. “And I’ve done some pretty cool things in my life.” He proudly puffed his chest out.
“I’ll bet you have, hotshot,” True said, grinning at him. Decked out in his most durable winter gear—hooded parka, gloves, hat, fur-lined winter boots—Xavier was ready for the elements.
He frowned at her. “Hey, I thought you weren’t going to call me that anymore.”
She placed a mittened hand over her mouth. “Oops, sorry. I can’t seem to quit it.” She impishly grinned at him, knowing he would take it in stride. For good measure, she placed a kiss on his frosty lips.
“Okay, lovebirds. I hope you had a good time,” Rocky said as he took the reins from True. “Make sure to leave us a good review online if you did.”
“I had a blast,” Xavier said. “The cold didn’t even bother me. Almost,” he said, making an exaggerated shivering motion as he stepped down from the sled.
“We’ll make an Alaskan out of you yet,” Rocky said as he got off the sled. He clapped Xavier on the shoulder and chuckled. “There’s hot cocoa in the cabin if you’d like some. I’m going to take the dogs inside and warm up for a bit before my next client arrives.”
“Thanks for everything, Rocky,” True said, hugging him. “You’re the best.”
“Anything for you, True.” He held his hand out to Xavier. “Nice to meet you, Xavier. Treat this lady right. She’s a diamond,” he said with a wink.
“Will do,” Xavier agreed, nodding for emphasis.
True felt as if everyone who came across her and Xavier automatically paired them up as a couple. It was both exciting and nerve-racking. True didn’t want to assume that sheand Xavier were going to ride off into the sunset with each other, but she did feel hopeful.
They headed inside the cabin, where it was warm and cozy. Other customers were hanging out, drinking cocoa, and keeping warm. She and Xavier helped themselves to hot chocolate.
“Moose Falls has a lot going for it,” he said, looking around him. The cabin was all light wood and stone, with updated furnishings and rustic artwork. It was the type of place that immediately made you feel at home.
“Doesn’t it? I knew it was growing on you,” she said, playfully poking a finger in his chest. He grabbed her hand and clasped it.
Xavier was grinning, showcasing a perfect smile. “Okay, at first I was a bit skeptical, but this town is full of wonderful things. The falls might be my favorite, but there’s so much more, starting with Yukon Cider.” His eyes lit up as he spoke. “The factory is a magical place as far as I’m concerned. Friendly folks who make this amazing elixir called hard cider.” True let out a giggle. “And then there’s Northern Exposure. I’ve never walked in there without feeling like I’m among friends. So many people here in Moose Falls have treated me like I’m an old friend. I know it’s in large part due to Hattie since they often call me Hattie’s grandson, but it’s a wonderful feeling, let me tell you, especially after finding out my football team didn’t really value me.”
“I’m so sorry you were treated poorly, but everyone here adores you,” True gushed. She could tell by the look on his face that her comment made him happy. She wasn’t exaggerating either. Everywhere she went, townsfolk were singing Coach Stone’s praises. He was rapidly becoming one of their own.
“Moose Falls definitely has its charms. But you, TrueEverett, are by far the biggest selling point.” He raised his cup of cocoa in the air, and as soon as she did the same, they clinked cups. “To Moose Falls,” Xavier said, with True echoing his sentiments.
“So, are you sold?” she asked, nervousness trickling through her veins as she waited for his answer. She wanted him to be all in on Moose Falls… and her by extension. Other than ownership of the tavern, this was what she wanted most at this moment.
“I’m getting there. Maybe just one more kiss would seal the deal,” he said, cupping her face between his hands and leaning in. His woodsy scent immediately filled her nostrils. Xavier placed his mouth over hers, his lips fiery and intense. True kissed him back for all she was worth, wishing this moment could go on and on. How easy it was to lose herself in these moments with Xavier. As the kiss soared and deepened, she realized no one had ever made her feel this way before. This was more than a kiss. True’s heart felt as if it might fly straight out of her chest at any moment. This was love. She loved this gorgeous, special, complicated man. And she had never felt so vulnerable yet triumphant at the same time.
If a kiss could convince him to stick around and become a permanent resident of Moose Falls, then True would kiss him until the stars were stamped from the night sky.
By the time Xavier made it home from spending the day with True, he was exhausted and dealing with one of his headaches. He just needed to get off his feet for a little bit, take a few pain relievers, and lie down until it went away.
