Page 23 of Dad Bod Snow Job

"You love it."

I do. God help me, I love everything about her. The way she teases. The way she fights. The way she sees right through every wall I've built.

The snow falls thicker now, muffling all sound except our breathing and the crunch of boots through fresh powder.

Holly matches my stride, but I can feel her trembling. The path winds through dense evergreens, their branches heavy with snow. In summer, this is an easy walk.

Tonight, with visibility dropping by the minute, every step needs careful consideration.

"Almost to the bridge," I tell her, tightening my grip on her hand. "Watch your step here."

The wooden footbridge over Miller's Creek is barely visible through the swirling snow. Water rushes beneath, swollen from the early winter melt.

"Um, Nico?" Holly's voice wavers. "That doesn't look very stable."

I test the first plank. It holds, but ice makes the surface treacherous. "I'll go first. Hold the guide rope."

One step. Two. The old wood creaks under my weight.

Holly follows, gripping the rope with both hands. "See? Nothing to worry?—"

The words end in a shriek as her foot slides on the ice. She pitches sideways, and my heart stops. I lunge for her, but she's already falling, missing the creek but landing hard in the snow-covered bank. The impact sends her sliding straight into the frigid water.

"Holly!"

I'm in the water before her name leaves my mouth, hauling her up against my chest. She sputters and coughs, clinging to my jacket as I lift her onto the bank. The creek water runs in icy rivulets down her coat.

"I'm okay," she gasps, teeth already chattering. "Just wet. And cold. Really cold."

Training kicks in. Assess. Act. Keep her safe.

I strip off my coat, wrapping it around her shoulders even as I drag the emergency kit closer. "We need to get you warm. Now."

"I can walk?—"

"Emergency blanket first." I yank the foil blanket from the kit, the material crinkling as I wrap it around her over my coat. "Your clothes are soaked through. The blanket will trap body heat."

Her lips are turning blue, but she still manages a shaky smile. "You're very good at this whole rescue thing."

"Years of winter safety training." I check her hands - cold but still pink. Good. "Can you feel your fingers and toes?"

She nods, then frowns. "You'll freeze without your coat."

"I run hot." When she starts to stand, I stop her. "Don't. Cold shock affects muscle coordination. Let me carry you."

I scoop her up, adjusting the foil blanket to cover her completely. She’s a shivering bundle of silver foil and wet wool in my arms. Her nose presses cold against my throat as she burrows closer.

She burrows closer, pressing her cold nose against my throat. "You're warm."

My heart clenches. She feels so small in my arms, so precious.

"The cabin's close. Ten minutes tops." I pick my way carefully through the snow, hyperaware of my precious cargo.

She nods against my chest. "Is that smoke?"

"Timer on the woodstove." At her questioning look, I shrug, careful not to jostle her. "I like coming home to a warm house."

"So practical." She shivers again, but this time I don't think it's from cold. "And sexy."

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