Page 69 of Kiss for My Kraken
“We could walk across soon if it keeps freezing,” she observed.
“Never completely,” he replied, his strokes powerful and even. “I’ll keep a channel open.”
She nodded, immediately understanding his need for water access. The island loomed ahead, the snow-covered trees turning it into a winter wonderland effect. Light glowed from the cabin windows—he had prepared before coming to meet her, ensuring a fire burned in the hearth and lamps illuminated the path from dock to door.
He secured the boat and helped her onto the dock, steadying her as she found her footing on the slippery wood. Ozzie came bounding through the snow to meet them, his white fur dusted with snow, barking his enthusiastic welcome.
“There’s my boy!” She crouched to ruffle the dog’s ears, laughing as he tried to lick her face. “Yes, I brought you treats. No, you can’t have them all at once.”
They made their way up the path to the cabin, Ozzie racing ahead and then back, creating chaotic patterns in the pristine snow. The cabin door opened to a rush of welcoming warmth, the fire crackling merrily in the stone hearth.
The interior had changed dramatically over the past months. Once designed for a solitary existence, it now reflected their shared life. Nina’s watercolors hung on the walls alongside maps of the river and collections of interesting stones. Bookshelves overflowed with volumes ranging from ecology texts to mystery novels. Comfortable furniture invited relaxation rather than mere functionality.
“It smells amazing in here,” she commented, hanging her coat on the hook by the door. “Did you cook?”
“Attempted to,” he admitted, gesturing towards the pot simmering on the small stove. “Flora’s recipe. She claimed it would ‘warm the bones and gladden the heart,’ whatever that means.”
She laughed, moving to investigate. “Knowing Flora, it could be either soup or a love potion. Or possibly both.” She lifted the lid, inhaling appreciatively. “But it smells wonderful.”
“Are you hungry?” he asked, aware of how hard she worked during her shifts.
“Starving,” she confirmed, already reaching for bowls. “Ben was too busy arguing with a supplier to remember lunch.”
They moved around each other with practiced ease, Nina setting the table while he sliced bread from Grondar’s bakery. Ozzie settled by the fire with his promised treats, content to observe their domestic routine.
Over dinner, she described her day—Ben’s ongoing feud with that particular supplier, Annabelle’s latest romantic drama, the new family of shifters who’d moved to town seeking Fairhaven Falls’ famous acceptance. He listened attentively, still finding her stories of tavern life fascinating.
“Aidan came by,” she mentioned between bites. “Said your report on the river’s winter patterns was impressively detailed. He wants to include some of your observations in the park’s environmental assessment.”
He nodded, pleased but slightly embarrassed by the praise. “The river speaks clearly if you know how to listen.”
“And you’ve been listening longer than anyone. Your knowledge is valuable, Sam. I’m glad you’re sharing it now.”
After dinner, they settled on the couch before the fire, and she curled against his side, her head resting on his shoulder. Ozzie dozed at their feet, occasionally twitching in doggy dreams. Outside, the snow continued to fall, wrapping their island in a blanket of hushed isolation.
“I love winter nights like this,” she said contentedly. “Everything feels so peaceful, so separate from the rest of the world.”
“Just as well. There’s a snow storm heading this way. I don’t think we’ll be going anywhere for the next few days.”
“Fine with me.” She shifted slightly, turning to look up at him. Her expression changed, a hint of nervousness replacing her earlier relaxation. “Can I ask you something?”
“Anything,” he replied, immediately alert to the change in her mood.
“It’s about us. Our future.” She sat up straighter, tucking her legs beneath her. “We haven’t really talked about it, not specifically.”
A flicker of apprehension swept over him. Despite their months together, a tiny part of him still feared she might someday reconsider, might decide a life with a kraken was too strange, too limiting. “What about our future?”
She took a deep breath, her hands fidgeting with the hem of her sweater. “I’ve been thinking a lot about family. About creating something permanent together.”
“We already have that,” he said carefully, not quite understanding her direction. “Our home. Our life here.”
“Yes, but…” She met his gaze directly, her eyes reflecting the firelight. “I want more, Sam. I want a family with you. A child.”
The words hung in the air between them and he stared at her, a cascade of emotions flooding through him—shock, wonder, fear, and beneath it all, a surge of joy so profound it nearly overwhelmed him.
“A child,” he repeated. “Our child.”
She nodded, watching his face closely. “I know it’s complicated. I know there are questions about whether it’s even possible, given our differences. But I want to try, if you do.”
