Page 9 of Falling

“Both then.”

I laugh as he drops in a marshmallow so big I’m not sure it’ll fit in the oversized mug. It fits perfectly. And then he sprays a dollop of whipped cream on top of that.

“It’s hot,” he says, holding it out for me.

I take it carefully, trying to only touch the handle.

“Thank you,” I whisper.

His head nods once and then he frowns. “Should’ve asked if you’re hungry.”

I shake my head. “I haven’t had much of an appetite today.”

He leans back against the counter, his mug in his massive hands. He must be at least 6’3” or 6’4” because I’m 5’9” and he towers over me. Junior hated when I wore heels because he’s only 5’10” and he didn’t like it when I was taller than him. He would’ve hated my wedding boots, now that I think about it…

“Have you lived here long?” I ask, blowing on my hot chocolate.

“About five years in this house, Landmark Mountain my whole life.”

“Is that…did you say Grinny? Is that her in the picture?”

He nods. “Grinny and Granddad. My grandparents raised us.”

“Oh…your parents aren’t living here too?”

“They died when I was twelve…car accident.”

I gasp. “That’s devastating. I’m so sorry. I-that sounds trite to say, but I mean it.”

He ducks his head and takes a sip of the hot chocolate. “They did their best.”

“Are you and your siblings close?”

“Very.”

“The wedding looked beautiful.” I pointed toward the other photograph.

“My brother Theo and his wife Sofie got married recently.”

I finally take a sip of the hot chocolate, anxious to try it.

It’s still too hot to drink as fast as I want, but my eyes close as the flavors hit my tongue and a long moan escapes.

“This is…the best thing I’ve ever tasted.”

When my eyes open, Callum is staring at me with the most intense expression. He swallows and sets his mug down, turning to put the pan in the sink and washing it. I’m watching him so intently that when he turns to face me again, I jump and the entire mug of hot chocolate spills down the front of me.

I gasp. It burns painfully, and I know I should move quickly, but when I look down, it’s like I can’t believe I’m still wearing my wedding dress. I watch, dazed, as the liquid oozes through the white lace.

Callum has jumped into action and is in front of me with a wet cloth, holding it out for me to take.

“Are you okay?” he asks. When I don’t say anything, headds, “Here, take this cloth. It’s cold. You should take your dress off, so your skin doesn’t burn under there.”

“I’m still in my wedding dress,” I whisper.

“Yeah,” he says softly. “Ruby? I’m concerned you’re going to burn,” he says louder. “Are you…in shock?”

“I think maybe so,” I say.

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