Page 29 of Snowed in with the Grump

Her hair spills across the pillow, framing her delicate face. I brush a stray lock from her cheek, my knuckles grazing her skin.

She’s so peaceful, so beautiful, not only on the outside but inside as well. She's warm, open, and giving–her soul shines as bright as the sun.

Her eyelids flutter, heavy with sleep. “Goodnight.”

I hold her close, savoring her warmth, and press my lips to Ava's forehead.

“Night, Sunshine.”

She snuggles closer, curling into me and tangling our legs together. Even in the darkness, I feel her smile.

Ava’s worked her way into my heart and soul in a short time, becoming my entire world. Or maybe, on some level, it’s always been like this, and I was too stubborn to acknowledge it.

I’ve never experienced this depth of connection before, even believing myself incapable. Ava has proven me wrong, but the thought of losing her when the storm ends and everyday life resumes terrifies me.

The morning will bring its challenges. Life is messy, and hearts are fragile. I wanted solitude up here, but without Ava, the world is a cold and lonely place.

Going back to that bleak existence is not an option. She’s essential, and I won’t let her go. Not now, not ever.

Somewhere in the back of my mind, a wicked voice whispers,you don’t deserve her, not with the terrible, violent things you’ve done. If she saw the monster, she wouldn’t love you.

She wouldn’t love me because Ava is everything beautiful in this world, and I’m—not.

I sigh heavily.

Ava stirs in her sleep, her cheek resting against my chest. She snuggles closer, her arm draped over my waist, her breath fanning my chest.

She smells like vanilla and sugar cookies. Like Christmas. My heart swells. It's like she's branded herself onto me. I trace the outline of her cheek. She stirs but doesn't wake.

I pray to whatever deity is listening that I don't screw this up. That I can be good enough for her and protect her from the darkness that still lingers inside me.

The doubts in my head quiet down to whispers, eventually stopping altogether. They’ll return, but I’m grateful for a few moments of bliss.

With Ava in my life, the dark memories don't seem as heavy. The past can’t touch me here, and the future doesn't seem as bleak.

I'm done playing it safe. I’m done being the guy who walks away from the one thing he wants the most. I'm done reacting and hiding behind excuses.

I'm ready to take charge of my destiny. And that destiny, I realize, includes Ava.

A profound sense of peace settles over me. I wish I could freeze this moment and stay here forever, safe in our own little world.

Everything feels possible in this quiet space between midnight and dawn. There's only here and now and the beautiful, fragile woman sleeping in my arms.

With her trustingly nestled in my embrace, it isn’t long before I drift to sleep.

CHAPTER10

AVA

Itap my chin thoughtfully as Carter and I finish breakfast, wondering how we'll pass the time. He’s going stir-crazy trapped indoors, but we’re making the best of things.

My eyes drift to the well-stocked pantry. “What should we do today?”

“Same as yesterday and the day before,” Carter grumbles.

“Thanks to you, Mr. Grinch, at least we have electricity.”

“True.”

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