Page 41 of Snowed in with the Grump

Clutching the letters, I lean against the wall, exhaling slowly.

I close my eyes, picturing Ava's face. Her bright smile, her sparkling eyes that see the good in me when I can't see it myself.

Ava is a beautiful soul who sees past my outer scars and inner demons.

She makes me feel human again, alive. Her warmth thawed my guarded heart, and destiny gifted me a chance to uncover what I'd been unable to see.

I finally understand.

I underestimated her. Ava hid her heart in a secret time capsule, waiting for the perfect moment. Even though I gave her every reason not to, she waited for me faithfully.

Ava's love never faltered—my doubts kept us apart. I've kept a distance, unsure if I deserve her love, but that ends today.

I carefully retie the ribbon around the letters before tucking them in my shirt pocket, patting it gently.

I'm teetering on the edge of a cliff. No turning back. I'm ready to take the leap because I’ve found my purpose.

My life’s direction leads straight to her.

CHAPTER14

AVA

We’re setting the serving dishes on the table when Carter strides into the dining room, freshly showered after a day of hard labor.

I nearly drop the bowl of mashed potatoes. He’s wearing a festive Christmas sweater covered in reindeer and glittery snowflakes.

My jaw drops before I catch myself. “Nice sweater. The color suits you.”

Carter meets my gaze, his eyes twinkling.“Flatterer. I look ridiculous, and we both know it.”

“I never knew you had such a soft spot for holiday fashion,” Sarah teases as we take our seats.

“It’s about time I got into the spirit.” Carter shrugs, playing along, but there’s more to it–he’s bridging the distance between us without drawing attention.

Carter joins in the lively banter and laughter. The ridiculous Christmas sweater put him in a festive mood–a far cry from the grumpy, brooding man he was a few days ago.

As we sit at the table, Carter's knee brushes against mine, silently reassuring me we're in this together. His boyish grin promises good things to come.

When Ivy serves dessert, Carter discreetly squeezes my knee under the table. He keeps his hand there, his thumb stroking back and forth, until we finish dessert.

His touch lights my nerve endings, but I resist the urge to kiss the smirk off his lips. We’ve seamlessly slipped back into our easy rapport.

“Are you okay, Ava?” Sarah asks.

“F-fine,” I stammer, heat rising to my cheeks. I reach for my glass of water, taking a sip to cool myself down.

After dinner, we gather around the Christmas tree in the living room with mugs of cider and plates of cookies.

Everyone tears enthusiastically into their gifts, “oohing” and “ahhing” over each present.Sarah gives me a brightly wrapped package.

“I made it myself because you love handmade things,” she says.

I wrap the soft knitted scarf around my neck, the rich jewel tones complimenting my complexion.

“It’s beautiful.”

Sarah claps excitedly. “It looks perfect on you!”

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