Page 33 of Mistletoed with the Mountain Man
Sadie walks into the kitchen. "Are you two done with your boy talk? Because Nia's telling me about the squirrel incident and Ineedto hear Kade's version of events."
"There's not much to tell," I say. "A squirrel broke in. We bribed it with cookies. Standard law enforcement procedure."
Nia appears behind Sadie, grinning. "He's downplaying how he planned to sweep the thing away with tactical broom maneuvers."
I smirk. "I did what I had to do to secure the premises.” I look over at Sadie. “But we definitely could have used your expertise, Ms. Park Ranger."
“Next time,” Sadie says, and winks. “But Nia had the right idea with cookie bribes.”
Nia chuckles. “He looked like he was about to read it its Miranda rights,” she adds, and Sadie dissolves into laughter.
Later, we’re relaxing around the fireplace. Sadie makes her spiked cider—which is delicious…and potent.
Sadie and Ledger ask about every decoration, every choice, and Nia lights up explaining her vision for each room.
Bear has claimed a spot between Nia and the fire, occasionally nudging her hand for pets.
"And all the mistletoe?" Sadie asks innocently, gesturing to the dozen or so sprigs placed strategically around us. "That was Nia's idea too?"
Nia's cheeks go pink. "Tradition."
"Uh-huh." Sadie's eyes sparkle.
"Mistletoe placement is a science," Nia says seriously.
"Is that what we're calling it?" I mutter, and she kicks my shin lightly.
Around midnight, Sadie starts yawning. "We should probably head out."
"You're staying here, right?" I ask.
"Actually, we're going back to our place." Ledger stands, stretching. "It's only twenty minutes, and I've got some morning chores to handle. Plus Bear needs his regular routine."
"But the weather?" Nia says, concerned.
"Oh, I’ve dealt with much worse," he says with a shrug. "We'll be back tomorrow for dinner. And I want to show you both my brewery addition at my place sometime this week."
They gather their coats, and Sadie pulls me into a tight hug at the door. Bear waits patiently by her side.
"She's lovely," she whispers in my ear. "And the way she looks at you? Don't be an idiot, big brother."
"I'm working on it."
She pulls back, studying my face. "Good." Then she hugs Nia. "Thank you for making this place so beautiful. It means the world to us."
"It was my pleasure," Nia says. "Really."
"And Bear clearly approves of you," Sadie adds with a grin. "He's a very good judge of character."
After they leave, the cabin is quiet. Nia starts gathering mugs, but I catch her hand.
"Leave them," I say. "Come with me for a minute."
I lead her through the kitchen to the back deck. The cold hits immediately—sharp and clean—but the view is worth it. Stars blanket the sky, impossibly bright against the darkness, and fresh snow covers everything in pristine white.
"Wow," Nia breathes, moving to the railing. "I forget how beautiful it is up here."
I come up behind her, wrapping my arms around her waist and pulling her back against my chest. "You okay? That was kind of intense."
