Page 25 of A Snowstorm & A Stronghorn

“Thank you,” I say softly.

His brow furrows in confusion. “For what?”

“For finding me in that storm. For bringing me here. For...” I gesture around at the square, at the smiling faces of my new neighbors and friends. “For all of this.”

Bram’s expression softens. He opens his mouth to respond, but before he can, we’re interrupted by a splash. Candice and Ronan have jumped into the fountain with us, sending up a wave of warm water.

“Group hug,” says Candice, throwing her arms around both Bram and me.

Ronan joins in. “Welcome to Evershift Haven, Fiona. Hope you’re ready for a lifetime of this kind of nonsense.”

As more of the townsfolk pile into the fountain, turning it into an impromptu pool party, I’m grinning so hard my cheeks hurt. For the first time in months, I feel truly, completely alive.

“You know what?” I say, meeting each of their gazes in turn. “I think I am.”

Chapter 7

AS THE PARTY WINDSdown, Crystal glides over to me, her violet eyes sparkling with mischief. “Fiona, darling, we’d be delighted to offer you a room at the ‘Moonlit Inn.’ It’s the perfect place for a newcomer to get acquainted with Evershift Haven.”

I open my mouth to respond, but Bram’s deep voice rumbles from behind me. “Actually, I was hoping Fiona might stay with me a bit longer. If she’d like, of course.”

My heart skips a beat as I turn to face him. Bram’s amber eyes glow softly in the dimming light, hope and uncertainty playing across his features. I glance between him and Crystal, weighing my options.

Crystal’s offer is appreciated. The ‘Moonlit Inn’ sounds magical, and it would give me a chance to meet more of the town’s residents. Yet the thought of returning to his cozy cabin, with its warm fire and the chess set where we’ve spent hours talking and making love, is far more appealing. “Thank you, Crystal. That’s very kind, but I think I’ll stay with Bram for now.”

Crystal’s lips curve into a knowing smile. “Of course, dear. You’re always welcome at the inn whenever you’d like.”

Bram’s shoulders relax visibly, and he offers me his arm. “Shall we head home then?”

I nod, slipping my hand into the crook of his elbow. The fur there is soft and warm against my skin. We say our goodbyes to the partygoers, with Thalinda giving me an extra tight hug and whispering, “Come by for tea soon, dear.”

Outside, the night air is crisp and clean, the snow glittering under the starlight. Bram leads me to the automatic sleigh. He helps me into the passenger seat, which adjusts to cradle my body perfectly. He settles in beside me, and with a wave of his hand, the auto-sleigh begins to glide forward.

We move silently through the snowy streets of Evershift Haven. The town is even more beautiful at night, with twinkling lights strung between buildings and magical creatures flitting about their evening routines. I spot a group of fairies dancing around a lamppost, their wings leaving trails of sparkling dust in the air. “It’s breathtaking.”

Bram nods. “It never gets old, even for those of us who’ve lived here our whole lives.”

As we leave the town center and enter the outskirts, where Bram’s cabin is located, I gather my courage. The events of the day – the party, the warmth of the townspeople, and most of all, Bram’s steady presence – have solidified a decision in my mind.

“Bram,” I say, my voice quivering slightly. “I’ve been thinking...”

He turns to me, his amber eyes attentive. “Yes?”

I shift slightly and inhale before exhaling. “I’d like to stay in Evershift Haven. Not just for a few days or weeks, but permanently. Everyone seems to regard it as a foregone conclusion, so I don’t think anyone will mind.”

Bram’s eyes widen, and a smile spreads across his face, transforming his features. “Really? You want to stay?”

I nod, feeling instinctively that it’s the right choice. “This place is magical in more ways than one, and the people here have made me feel so welcome. Especially you, Bram.”

“I’m honored to have played a part in that, Fiona, and I’m thrilled you want to stay. Evershift Haven has a way of calling to those who need it most.”

“But how does it work?” I ask. “Do I need to apply for residency or something?”

Bram chuckles, the sound rich and warm. “It’s not quite that formal. The town itself chooses its residents. The fact that you can see it, that you were drawn here in the first place, usually means you belong. Even when Grizelda’s magic falters, the town has short-term self-defenses built in that can keep out the unwanted and unworthy. We’ll talk to Mayor Spellbinder tomorrow, just to make things official. You’ll sign the register and become a citizen.”

The auto-sleigh comes to a gentle stop outside Bram’s cabin. He helps me out. We stand there for a moment, snow falling gently around us, the forest quiet except for the distant hooting of an owl. Bram’s amber eyes seem to glow brighter. He takes a step closer, and I tilt back my head to maintain eye contact. “Fiona, I—”

A loud crack echoes through the forest, making us both jump. A moment later, a shower of multicolored sparks explodes in the sky above us.

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