Page 63 of Snowy Secrets

Perhaps I can't have it all, and part of this arrangement is to make peace with what won't be possible.

Evening rolls in, and we begin getting the cabin ready for the day ahead. The festive spirit is infectious. The air hums with the scents of pine, cinnamon, and the warmth of impending Christmas. Ginny, my ever-curious shadow, is practically vibrating with excitement, her eyes wide and sparkling as she dives headfirst into the holiday preparations.

Wyatt has quickly become her favorite, much to the amusement of everyone. He's on the floor with her, pulling out little magic tricks from his pockets and making her giggle uncontrollably. His latest trick—producing a candy from behind her ear—has her squealing with delight.

"How did you do that?" she asks, eyes wide with wonder.

Wyatt taps his nose with a conspiratorial grin. "It's Christmas magic," he whispers.

I watch, heart swelling with a mix of gratitude and love. The men have seamlessly embraced the holiday spirit, their joy blending effortlessly with ours. River meticulously hangs ornaments on the tree while Marcus grumbles good-naturedly over a tangled mess of Christmas lights. The room is filled with laughter and the twinkling of lights.

"Ginny, do you want to put the star on the tree?" River calls out, holding up the glittering topper.

Ginny's eyes light up, and she rushes over. With Wyatt's help, she's lifted high enough to place the star on the highest branch. We all cheer, and she beams with pride, her cheeks flushed with happiness.

Once the decorations are done, the cabin glows with festive cheer. Twinkling lights cast a warm glow, and the garlands of fresh pine add a rustic charm. It's perfect.

It's time to tuck Ginny into bed. I read her a story, my voice soft and soothing, while her eyelids grow heavy. Finally, with a contented sigh, she drifts off to sleep, clutching her favorite stuffed animal.

I quietly exit her room, closing the door gently behind me. The house is silent except for the faint crackle of the fireplace. I make my way to the living room and find Wyatt lounging by the fire. The flames cast a warm, flickering glow, making the room feel even cozier. I sit down beside him and rest my head on his shoulder, feeling the steady rise and fall of his breath.

He turns to look at me, a tender smile playing on his lips. "I knew I'd go for you the moment I saw you," he confesses, his voice a low murmur.

I lift my head, meeting his gaze. "How could you be so sure of something like that?" I ask softly, genuinely curious.

Wyatt looks deep into my eyes, his smile widening. "Sometimes, you just know," he replies simply.

The sincerity in his voice touches something deep inside me. I nestle closer, feeling the warmth of his body against mine. Soon, the others join us, each finding a comfortable spot around the room. River settles into an armchair with a satisfied sigh, and Marcus stretches out on the couch, his hands behind his head.

A few minutes later, Ginny comes bouncing into the living room, her hair tousled and her eyes still heavy with sleep. "I can't sleep," she announces, rubbing her eyes with her tiny fists.

Suppressing a chuckle, River opens his arms to her. "Come here, sweetie," says River. She climbs onto his lap, snuggling against him. "How about we watch a little TV?"

Ginny nods eagerly, and I reach for the remote, turning on an episode ofBluey. The familiar theme song fills the room, and Ginny's face lights up with joy. She settles in, her eyes glued to the screen.

Wyatt wraps an arm around my shoulders, pulling me close. "It's good to be home," he whispers, his breath warm against my ear.

I lean into him, feeling the solidity of his presence. "It really is," I reply, my voice filled with contentment.

AsBlueyplays in the background, I glance around the room at the faces of the people I love.

River is engrossed in the show, a soft smile playing on his lips. Marcus has drifted off to sleep, his quiet snores sending Ginny into a fresh fit of giggles. A few minutes later, she's out like a light, curled against River's body. He looks down at her lovingly as Wyatt turns the TV off.

"Time to go to bed," River whispers gently into Ginny's ear before lifting her slowly. Watching him take her upstairs has my heart doing somersaults. We are about to call it a night when there's a knock on the door.

"Who could it be?" Wyatt asks with a frown as he goes to answer. I'm cleaning up when he comes back in. He's not alone.

29

BELLA

"Dad?" I ask incredulously, dropping the blanket I'd just folded. "What are you doing here at," I look at the clock on the wall, "one a.m.?"

"I couldn't make another mistake," he says unexpectedly, moving forward until he is within an arm's length. "I missed out on so many chances when you were young, Bella. All your firsts, all your little troubles. Your mother was mostly on her own the whole time."

Blue veins jut out from his temples as he chews the inside of his cheek thoughtfully. I'm standing there, lost for words, my hands limp at my sides. I don't dare hope that this is possibly a reconciliation, not unless he says the words.

"I could see the living room of this cabin from the window of my car," he explains, turning his head this way and that to take a good look at our surroundings. "I came a while before but didn't know what to say." His brows are lightly creased as he grimaces. "To think I would have taken all this away from my grandchild. I…" Words fail him too, and he merely gestures around him like a ragdoll.

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