Page 36 of Snowed in with the Grump

I lean closer, my eyes searching his. “You've been through so much, and it's shaped you. We don't have to pretend everything is perfect, but you deserve happiness like everyone else.”

He hugs me tightly. “Thank you for being patient when I pulled away.”

I lean in to kiss him tenderly. “Of course. We'll get you the help you need so you can heal, I promise.”

“I don't deserve you.”

“Stop that,” I warn. “Your darkness makes you more precious.”

The barest hint of a smile tugs at his lips, and I know we've turned an important corner.

“Can we stay like this forever?” I ask playfully, nuzzling closer to him.

Carter gives me a small but genuine smile, the first I've seen all day. “I wouldn't mind, but we'd be starving after a while.”

CHAPTER12

AVA

The morning sun filters into our room. Driven by hunger, Carter and I finally slip from bed. We dress leisurely, stealing glances, neither of us wanting to break the intimate moment.

I run my fingers through my tangled hair, watching Carter pull on his sweater. His eyes meet mine in the mirror, and my cheeks flush pink.

Before long, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and sugary waffles fills the kitchen as we make breakfast together. I hum cheerfully, pouring homemade batter onto a hot griddle.

Carter wraps his arms around me from behind while I flip the waffles, planting a kiss on my neck that makes me shiver.Making breakfast together feels so natural. We eat in comfortable silence like we've done this for years.

After breakfast, I start clearing the table, but Carter catches my hand, a pleading look in his eyes. With a gentle tug, he draws me into his strong embrace.

“Dance with me?”

I can't resist the warmth in his voice. He draws me close, one hand resting delicately on my lower back. A slow love song plays on the radio.

I drape my arms around him and breathe in his comforting scent, his stubble rough against my cheek.

Carter’s steady heartbeat thrums under my palm as we sway together, lost in our world. I've never felt so safe, so cherished.

It’s like we have all the time in the world. No past or future, only this perfect moment suspended in time. All too soon, the song ends, and we drift apart.

Carter tilts my chin, his heated gaze searching my face. I wet my lips, hyper-aware of his mouth hovering close to mine. Finally he leans in, his lips brushing mine in a soft caress. My knees go weak, warmth flooding my body.

I cling to him like an anchor in a stormy sea.When the kiss ends, my feet slowly float until I am again on solid ground.

After years of loving him from afar, our time snowed in together allowed us to nurture a connection. This respite from real life opened my eyes to a future with him I've always secretly wanted but never dared hope was possible.

I see with vivid clarity how we could build a life together. Despite the challenges ahead, I’ll fight for this fledgling romance. Only I hope I don’t need to.

“I don't want to leave,” I say softly, looking up at him.

He brushes his fingers through my hair, whispering, “Then don't. Stay here with me.”

My eyes widen in surprise, hardly daring to believe it. “Really?”

His Adam's apple bobs as he swallows, seeming almost nervous.

“I don't want to let you go. Ever.”

Overwhelmed, I surge up and kiss him fiercely, pouring all my jumbled emotions into the kiss.

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