Page 48 of Cold as (N)ice

“Always, my dear,” he promised, smiling at her, his voice a vow wrapped in quiet reverence. The words felt sacred, an unbreakable oath sealed in the warmth of her presence.

He lingered for just a moment longer, allowing himself to memorize the softness in her eyes, the way her breath hitched ever so slightly at his closeness. Everything in him wanted to stay, to hold her, to let the world outside this minivan fade into nothingness.

But reality intruded like a harsh slap.

With a reluctant exhale, Barrett pulled away, shifting back into the driver’s seat just as the telltale glow of red and blue lights flared in the rearview mirror. A police car eased to a stop behind them, its presence a stark reminder that they couldn’t stay lost in each other forever—not here, not now. He let out a slow, resigned chuckle, running a hand over his jaw.

Yep.

Time to move.

Still, he was grateful for the interruption, for the simple fact that neither of them had crossed a line they couldn’t undo. The thought of making love to Irene in a minivan—even on the wildest of whims—was unthinkable. Not because he didn’t crave her, because heaven help him, he did. Every fiber of hisbeing ached to claim her, to show her in every possible way just how deeply she had embedded herself into his heart. But she deserved more.

So much more.

No, their first time would never be a rushed, desperate moment stolen in the cramped confines of a vehicle. It would be something worthy of her. Of them.

Because what they had—what they were building together—wasn’t casual, wasn’t reckless, wasn’t something he would ever take lightly. This wasn’t just passion or infatuation. It wasn’t fleeting.

This was his future. His life.

His legacy.

His love.

And what they shared, the fragile, precious thing growing between them, was more valuable to him than he could ever put into words. It wasn’t just desire—it was devotion, unshakable and unwavering. And Barrett knew, with absolute certainty, that he would do nothing—nothing—to risk losing it.

14

IRENE

Irene saton the back deck overlooking the stunning yard that backed up to a forest. She loved that they saw deer in the morning and lightning bugs at dusk, but they were always careful after being informed by Barrett that there had been sightings of bears and even a moose in the area. No, this was certainly a different part of the world, and for a Texas girl, it blew her mind. There was nothing as shocking as walking down a cobblestone street to get to a bakery with your husband, hearing the languages flow around you, realizing that your home was a different country… only to hear her phone ping in the distance.

Getting up, she motioned to Stephen.

Don’t go down the stairs or into the forest without me – got it?

I won’t!he signed back quickly, eyes huge.Daddy showed me how tall a moose could be and I don’t want to meet one ever.

Daddy?She smiled.Barrett is ‘daddy’ now?

Isn’t he, though?

I suppose he is.

Do you think he would get mad if I called him Daddy?

I think he would love it and probably hug you.

He feels like my daddy,he gestured and hesitated, his face torn.He’s more like my daddy than my father.

That’s perfectly okay to feel that way,she told him, giving him a tender look full of understanding.It’s a weird position to be in, isn’t it?

Yeah.

Your feelings are normal, and home is a safe place. Remember what Barrett said – you can be you here, and it will always be accepted because that is what home is.

I really like him,Stephen said shyly.I’m really glad he’s my dad now.

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