Page 84 of Mountain Hero

I’m still thinking Christmas. I’ve already talked to Knox about plans for a gazebo.

Still smiling, Winter says, “It’s so perfect out here, Enzo. With the trees, and the quiet, and being here with you…” She squeezes my hand. “I’m just so happy.”

Oh.

My heart.

“I’m happy, too.” Leaning over, I cup her cheek, brushing my lips across hers. “So happy, hun.” Another kiss. “And I love you so much.”

Winter’s cheeks go pink. “I love you, too.”

All at once, two chairs seem one too many. What was the point of buying these extra-large Adirondack chairs if I can’t share one with my girlfriend? So I get up and scoop Winter into my arms, then sit back down and settle her onto my lap.

“Enzo!” She laughs, a bright, happy sound. “What’s this for?”

“Because you were too far away,” I reply with a grin. I kiss her again, taking my time with it, stroking and nipping and teasing until she opens for me, inviting me in. As I plunge inside, I can taste the sweetness of the cider donuts we shared for an afternoon snack, and I’ll never think of donuts the same way again. From here on out, they’ll remind me of Winter’s sweet mouth and her wicked tongue and how perfect it feels when I kiss her.

When we finally pull apart, she licks her lips and says, “I like how you taste.”

I brush my thumb across her kiss-swollen lips. “I was just thinking the same thing.”

“We should buy extra cider donuts and save them,” Winter suggests. “Put them in the freezer or something.”

“We could. Although… what about pumpkin pie? Apple pie? Eggnog? Gingerbread?”

She nods thoughtfully. “True. We don’t want to ignore all the other yummy desserts.” After a beat, she adds, “Aunt Linette asked me about Thanksgiving. She was wondering if I knew my plans yet.”

Winter’s aunt came to visit for a couple of days and just left yesterday. With Thomas and Dennis both in jail, it seemed safe for her to come back from Colorado. So Tayo and Kayla got her to the airport, complete with an offer to come back whenever she wants, and Winter and I picked her up in Albany.

We took her back to her house first, and Aunt Linette was absolutely thrilled to find everything just as it was when she left. That’s because Knox took his entire crew down there last week and fixed everything so it was good as new. Better than new, really, because he installed new energy efficient windows to replace the ones that were broken, plus a top-of-the-line security system with a direct link to the local police.

Then we drove back here and spent the next two days talking and showing her aunt around Bliss. I had Will and Ronan cover at the store so I could take the time to really get to know her, since I’m hoping she’ll be family one day and I want her to approve.

I think she approves. I hope.

“What do you want to do for Thanksgiving?” I reply. “Whatever you want is fine with me.”

Although I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want to have Thanksgiving here, working together to cook our first turkey together, and maybe inviting some of the guys who don’t have family nearby.

“Well…” Winter’s forehead creases in thought. “I guess I was hoping we could have it here? We could go to Albany, I guess. But I thought it might be nice to have everyone over. Aunt Linette could stay overnight, and we could invite the guys if you wanted? I’m not sure what their plans are, but if they’re going to be around?—”

“I think that’s a great idea.” Hugging her to me, I press a kiss to the top of her head. “I was thinking the exact same thing.”

“Awesome.” She grins. “I can’t wait to start planning.”

“I’ve never cooked a turkey before,” I warn her. “So I might not be much help.”

“That’s okay. You can be my sous chef. I’ve cooked with Aunt Linette for years, so I’m pretty decent at it.” Pausing, her brows pull together before she adds. “Actually, I should ask Violet if she wants to come, too. She mentioned having some time off coming up. And some years she spends Thanksgiving with me if she’s not working. Her family isn’t really into the whole holiday thing.”

“The holiday thing?”

“Yeah.” Winter makes a little face. “I know. Violet’s parents are nice, but they’re?—”

My phone buzzes loudly and she jolts; one of the lingering effects of her experiences with Thomas and Dennis. I know the anxiety and jumpiness are normal, and they’ll get better eventually, but I still wish Winter didn’t have to deal with it.

“It’s fine, hun.” Holding her with one arm, I reach for my phone with the other. Glancing at the alert on the screen, I say, “That’s just the camera at the end of the driveway. It’s probably the mailman, or one of Mrs. Adamson’s friends bringing over another casserole.”

“You’re right.” She chuckles, though it sounds a bit brittle. “They have been bringing over a lot of food. Or maybe it’s those new books I ordered.”

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