Page 64 of Snowy Secrets

The sight of my beautiful, once-fierce father, so set in his ways, this helpless propels me forward, straight into his arms, and then it's my head on his shoulder, weeping like a baby. "I'm sorry you had to find out the way you did," I mumble, sniffing loudly.

"I'm glad it was that way and no other," he replies drily, gently easing my head from his shoulder so I can look at him. "Listen to me. I don't understand this arrangement. It's not something I would ever consider, least of all with men who have so many years on you. But from what I've seen, you have maturity far beyond your age. We knew that when you were a child, Bella. I only want the best for you—and the best is what will keep you and Ginny happy."

Fresh tears pool in the corners of my eyes. "Dad…"

He raises a hand to let me know he isn't finished. "But you must promise to always be transparent with your family. This thing that you do—bottling up with your thoughts and burdens and acting like you must carry the whole weight of the world on your back—it isn't healthy. Count on those who love you. Life is short, and we lose a lot of love on the way. It's our duty to ensure we don't leave people behind."

There's a movement behind me, but my eyes are fixed on Dad. The years seem to have finally caught up on him because he looks very old. "Men in the service have tough lives," he tells me with a heavy sigh. "I was lucky that way, and so was your mother because I got to come back home to her."

He then nods behind him. I angle my head sideways and see it's River standing there, with a lopsided little grin on his lips.

"You are lucky too. I know the men—mostly, I'll say," he continues with a faint twitch of his brows. "Something tells me they will take care of you."

"You have our word on that," River replies, knowing this was intended for him. "I would never cross you, Jonathan."

My father nods briefly and takes my hand in his. "You be a good girl, okay? And?—"

"I'll make sure Ginny is the happiest and most-loved little girl," I finish for him, squeezing his palm tightly. "Come over for Christmas dinner?"

He replies with a gruff bark of laughter. "I'd love to, but your mother and I are going away for a mini-vacation."

I make rounded eyes at him. "You what?" I ask incredulously, knowing full well that my mom has been trying to unsuccessfully get him out of the house for the last eight years. "Where are you going?"

He shrugs his shoulders nonchalantly, like this is something he does every day. "Oh, a bit of Europe, then we've booked an extended stay at Bali?—"

"DAD!" I seriously cannot comprehend this is the man I've grown up with. "Seriously? Why didn't you tell me?"

"Ah, it’s a surprise for your mom, and I figured," he gestures at River behind him, "you'd be busy with your own holiday."

A blush creeps on my cheeks. "I'm glad you're doing this."

He turns his back to me. "We'll check in periodically. It's time the both of us did something for just ourselves."

Although he can't see me, I'm smiling. I follow behind him and wave goodbye as he enters his car and starts the engine. "Merry Christmas, Bella!"

"Merry Christmas, Dad," I shout back with a laugh.

River is behind me now, his arm at the small of my back. "You okay?" he asks softly.

I nod and turn to him, resting my head against his shoulder as we walk back into the room. "More than okay and very tired. Let's go to bed."

One YearLater

It'sthe evening of Christmas. Everything is as perfect as it can get for me.

The cabin twinkles like a festive wonderland. Fairy lights dance and shimmer, casting a warm glow on the wooden walls. The scent of pine crackles in the fireplace, mingling with the sweet aromas of cinnamon and freshly baked treats. Outside, the sound of carolers drifts through the frosty air, their voices crisp and joyful, singing familiar Christmas songs.

Inside, the atmosphere is pure cozy contentment. Ginny is snuggled next to me on the plush couch, her eyes wide with wonder as she takes in the magic of the season. River, Wyatt, and Marcus are sprawled comfortably around the room, each with a satisfied smile. We're passing around plates of cookies and mugs of steaming hot chocolate, the kind that warms you from the inside out.

Ginny reaches for another cookie, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "One more, Momma?" she asks, her voice hopeful.

I chuckle softly, ruffling her hair. "Just one more, sweetie."

Wyatt grins from his spot by the fireplace, where he's poking at the logs to keep the fire roaring. "She's going to turn into a cookie at this rate."

Ginny giggles, biting into her treat with gusto. River watches her with a tender smile, his eyes soft with affection. Marcus is stretched out on the other end of the couch, his head resting on a pillow, looking completely at ease.

The fire crackles and pops, adding to the serene ambiance. It's a picture-perfect moment, the kind you wish you could freeze in time and hold onto forever.

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