Page 33 of Snowed in with the Bodyguard

“See?” she says, setting a plate in front of me before lowering herself into the chair beside mine. “I survived.”

I shake my head, my smile rueful. “You’ll be the death of me.”

“Not today,” she quips, handing me a knife and fork. “Well, hopefully not,” she adds, eyeing the casserole doubtfully. “I won’t claim to be a chef. I’ve never had to survive off my own cooking before, so hopefully, it’s edible.”

Reaching across the table, I take her hand in mine. “Thank you for making dinner. You didn’t have to.”

She shrugs like it’s nothing when, to me, it’s everything. “This last week has been so chaotic, but now we’re here”—she ducks her head shyly—“I just want to feel normal for a bit.” She lifts her eyes back to mine, a teasing glint in their depths. “I know I don’t seem like the domestic type, but there’s more to me than a designer wardrobe.”

“Oh, I never doubted it,” I say firmly. “You’re an extraordinary woman.”

Her cheeks glow as she blushes. “Merry Christmas Eve, Jack.”

My smile deepens as I drink her in, her hair still tousled from my hands and our time in bed. “Merry Christmas, Hollyberry.”

The casserole is a little salty, packed with preservatives, but somehow, it tastes like a feast. Maybe it’s that we’re together, sharing something simple, but I enjoy every bite.

Holly watches me closely, her gaze filled with hope and a touch of nervousness, as if she’s afraid I might find fault with her efforts. “You know,” she begins slowly, her voice quiet as she carefully chooses her words, “I’m grateful to my father.”

My eyebrows rise in surprise. “You are?”

She nods, a small, thoughtful smile on her lips. “Because he chose you to be my protector. I’m a different person when I’m with you. A better person.”

Setting down my fork, I look at her,reallylook at her. “If your father hadn’t chosen me, I’d still be out there looking for you, Holly. I wouldn’t rest until I found you.”

Her flush deepens, and she tries to hide the surge of emotion by taking another bite of casserole. “Are we safe here, Jack?” she asks, her tone light but unable to completely mask the concern beneath her words.

I nod, my gaze steady. “No one can connect this place to us. Not your father, not anyone. Only Gabriel knows we’re here, and he’ll keep it that way. We’re good for now. We’ll figure out a long-term plan, but this place…it’s ours for as long as we need it.”

She lets out a small sigh of relief. “I love this place. I love the Christmas tree.” She grins and sighs dreamily. “I lovedwatchingyou cut down the Christmas tree. I don’t need presents. I have you, and that’s more than enough. I love you, Jack.”

The words hit me with the force of a tidal wave. I reach for her hand again, twining our fingers. “Love you, Hollyberry. You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me. This time next year, we’ll be married, and we’re going to have a lot more Christmases together—safe ones.”

Her brow arches, her grin teasing. “Married, huh? Don’t you think you should ask me first?”

I shake my head, my voice firm and full of resolve. “Nah. I’m not giving you a reason to say no.” I hold her gaze, my determination clear in every word. “I don’t deserve you, Holly. But that doesn’t mean I’m not keeping you. You’ve saved me in more ways than you’ll ever know.”

She leans closer, her mouth hovering over mine, our breaths mingling. “We saved each other.”

Her lips meet mine, her kiss like a promise. I never want to let her go, never want to lose the feeling that washes over me as I hold her close.

Holly wraps her arms around my neck, her forehead pressing against mine. “Take me back to bed, Jack.”

No need to ask me twice. I stand, cradling her against me as I carry her back to the bedroom.

Outside, snow begins to fall softly, the world beyond the window blanketed in white. The cabin feels like a world unto itself, a haven from everything that chased us here.

Our journey is just beginning. Whatever lies ahead, I know one thing for sure.

We’ll face it together.

Epilogue

Holly

Christmas Eve

One Year Later

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